Hi Guys - A couple of jobs on my soft top are re-gluing the 3 cross members into the side seams of the fabric and attending to the flaking lacquer on the roof 'spoiler'. Any recommendations for a suitable glue that will take the heat and whether I can clean up the spoiler - preferably in place. Thx
Technical Cabrio queries (2)
- Thread starter Chopin
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Technical Cabrio queries (2)
Wrap the spoiler? Otherwise it's off and properly painted, the seams, maybe Evostick contact adhesive however I'm not sure re it's temp life
Piccolo Nero e Bella
Prominent member
I wouldn't know about suitable glues but the spoiler would be a lot better, not to mention easier to work on, if removed from the car. It's just a case of unclipping the rear headlining and undoing four screws.
Thanks - I will look into removing the spoiler to refinish with plastic paint (Bumper?) - I am going to do a test with 3M VHB tape - If it is invisible from the outside it will be a clean option (I hate contact glue)
Over time i dont expect the tape to be strong enough and you will end up having to do the job again! from my own experience with a similar problem on a ford street ka even over the counter contact adhesives were not strong enough! best bet is to google "INDUSTRIAL STRENGHT! contact glue and see whats on offer these days! then route through the adds until you find something with a 5 star rating and some decent user reviews!
My thoughts are you are correct - I have used VHB successfully on a few things so will do a test.. If it is visible due to its c.2mm thickness it will fail at first hurdle then onto strength and longevity - will keep all advised
Not the best time of year to be doing it is it!!!
I take it you have a garage to work in ?- if you do go down the adhesive route then be sure the garage is warmed up to a decent level before working as glue and damp & cold dont mix so well! also id leave the top to "dry" and "settle" for a good few days once the repair is done to ensure maximum bond strength!
I take it you have a garage to work in ?- if you do go down the adhesive route then be sure the garage is warmed up to a decent level before working as glue and damp & cold dont mix so well! also id leave the top to "dry" and "settle" for a good few days once the repair is done to ensure maximum bond strength!
Nuff said then! we have a lot of something called rain over here!
you might have heard of it?
you might have heard of it?
Piccolo Nero e Bella
Prominent member
Like the "Rain in Spain..."Nuff said then! we have a lot of something called rain over here!
Piccolo Nero e Bella
Prominent member
Probably just as well Fiat didnt get the space shuttle contract!
As for fixing the roof, perhaps contact a roof specialist in your country that will be well aware of the requirements due to climate?
Piccolo Nero e Bella
Prominent member
Ah, I'm with you now. I find a couple of those flexible end flaps have come out from time to time - in fact one was out when I took the photo above - but I just push them back into the fold in the fabric. Doesn't seem to have any effect on the operation of the roof. There is a slight tackiness in the fabric which might indicate they were glued originally, but not very strongly.
Actually thin VHB might be just the thing to hold them if you want to stop them coming out.
Piccolo Nero e Bella
Prominent member
Didn't know the space shuttle was a soft-top...Probably just as well Fiat didnt get the space shuttle contract!
Yep! but in its case!, your trying to keep the atmosphere IN rather than trying to keep it out!!!
rather than trying to keep it out!!! Yes - same here.. They have been out for a while but recently the roof has folded out of sync so tomorrow I am going to put VHB strips each side of a couple of the struts - will advise of my success after a run in the sun
Piccolo Nero e Bella
Prominent member
Have you lubricated the runners at all? I used a dry PTFE spray on mine.Yes - same here.. They have been out for a while but recently the roof has folded out of sync so tomorrow I am going to put VHB strips each side of a couple of the struts - will advise of my success after a run in the sun
If your waiting for a "run in the sun" we will see you in march! then!
