Feck.

[parrot of doom]

Since the search is disabled, I can't find other responses to similar problems....

Washing my car today, I managed to break some of the stitching around the back window. Only a small section, but enough to cause concern.

Anyway, this is may be a sign that the car is over 10 years old and the roof will need sorting at some point, but right now I don't want to do anything other than repair the damage. You wouldn't believe how little pressure I was applying with a warm wet sponge to cause this!



I need a strong thick glue that will hold it in position for at least a few months, hopefully I'll be able to keep a close eye on it, and should it deterioate further have it sorted professionally. Any ideas? I have a large tube of Pink Grip downstairs (not pva based), an extremely powerful glue. Or would I be better with an epoxy mix?

[dadamsv8]

I would try velcro as you say it will need repairing professionally in the future and this will be easier without all glue over it.

[tvrbob]

It's unusual for stitching to break with so little force. I would tack this as an indication that the thread could be rotting and therefore you probably need to get it stitched all round.

[pzero64]

tvrbob said:

.......rotting and therefore you probably need to get it stitched all round.

Good point.

I would do a temporary re-stitch following the positions of the existing holes until the permanent repair can be done.


Forgot to say – unlucky P.O.D.

>> Edited by pzero64 on Sunday 13th March 14:37

[parrot of doom]

I've got some quick clear araldite, just for now I'm going to put 3-4 small blobs along the plastic (the plastic and material are actually intact, its just the stitching thats very weak).

Can anybody recommend a good service around Manchester that can restitch it for me, or is this something I could try myself? What would be the best thread to use - nylon?

[ChimBungee]

I'd use some tape to keep it waterproof until you can have it done professionally.
If you glue it, it may not be repairable.

[steve1c]

POD, what about trying to use a small needle and thread? Dark blue cotton and use the same holes that the thread was in previously.
Steve.

[parrot of doom]

Thanks. The araldite is holding things together, I've got a big roll of Black Gaffer tape, once the glue is completely dry I'll whack the gaffer over it.

[billynomates]

parrot of doom said:

Thanks. The araldite is holding things together, I've got a big roll of Black Gaffer tape, once the glue is completely dry I'll whack the gaffer over it.

I tried aralidite on mine as I had the same problem.

Lasted about 5 mins stuck to the fabric like Sh$$t to a blanket...but not to the screen.

A real sod to remove as well

Oh and I tried velcro.. sticky patch thingies..all with the same result.

Gave up in the end and had it restitched using the original screen.

That was about 6/7 months ago and its still ok.

[Big Al.]

I would personally try SIKAFLEX I'm pretty certain it WILL do the job, you can get it in clear or black, you could also run a bead around the windscreen rubber just to make sure that seal is good.

[spend]

Frosts sell a hand awl which will make a reasonable repair to the stitches (sewing machine needles can be used for fine work like this), if your very picky matching the thread colour is a bit tricky. As mentioned before, any glue or sealant may make your hood un-repairable so unless you really want to replace the lot think about the risk!

Dave

[rooster]

you could use an upholstery needle, these are curved and much easier to get though difficult material, clear nylon thread would be a strong option until you can get it done professionally.

[parrot of doom]

I've gaffered it up for now. Will have the whole thing re-stitched professionally when I can.

[spend]

Chicken, its quite a useful skill to master - much better way of attaching velcro to the carpets as well :-)

Dave

[ATG]

I got some waxed thread from a shoe repair place and used that with a needle and some pliers to stitch a section back in. Didn't look 100%, but worked quite well and lasted. In the end, the plastic screen was replaced as part of a much bigger job by some pros.

[parrot of doom]

Well, the problem is that the stitching that broke actually looked sound, and the rest of the window has the same stitching in. So I reckon if I meddle around with it, the hole will just get bigger and bigger.

Can anyone recommend someone to do the whole thing in the Manchester/Cheshire/Lancashire area?

[IVANHOE]

Sorry to butt in but were can i get some SIKAFLEX from?
Good Luck POD in your quest!

[Steve_T]

parrot of doom said:

... I reckon if I meddle around with it, the hole will just get bigger and bigger. ...

It definitely will - don't touch it. I had some success with gaffer tape as a temporary measure. The only permanent solution is to get it restitched.

Steve.

[Big Al.]

IVANHOE said:

Sorry to butt in but were can i get some SIKAFLEX from? Good Luck POD in your quest!

Any good auto factors PART Co. in this neck of the woods, Sussex.

[Nuggs]

Lots of people said:

SIKAFLEX

Quality stuff, no doubt about it. Just be very careful when using it; it sticks better than sticky stuff. It's best to wear surgical gloves when using it (very difficult to drive with one's hands locked together!).

It's also available at Marine Chandlers (I understand that it's often used for sealing bit of boats). I'm sure an internet search would find some dealers too...