Adhesive advice

"Leadbull" (leadbull911) 07/12/2016 at 16:02 • Filed to: gluelopnik

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So I was replacing the rear window in the convertible top of my Z3... it zips into a fabric surround, which is stitched to the inside of the main top. While trying to push a metal clamp through the fabric, I accidentally tore a small hole in the seam. The tear is only a few inches long, so I’m going to sew it up myself, but first I need to know which adhesive to seal up the inside of the seam with.

I didn’t find much on the forums, as there wasn’t much out there pertaining to my specific issue, and what I did find was pretty vague. I tried contacting 3M, but they weren’t really helpful, and they kept trying to push a spray adhesive even though I told them it was just for a spot treatment.

So, uh, anyone here got any ideas? Would straight up gorilla glue work? Keep in mind, this is fabric-to-fabric, not fabric-to-plastic or rubber. I’d post a picture, but I forgot to take one before I put the removable hardtop on... whoops.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Leadbull 07/12/2016 at 16:08

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Spray adhesives will probably flex better than a superglue/gorilla glue.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Leadbull 07/12/2016 at 16:09

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.

Leadbull > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 07/12/2016 at 16:12

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I’m definitely going to stitch it up with a big ass needle; I need adhesive to waterproof the inside of the seam.

Leadbull > Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch 07/12/2016 at 16:13

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How should I apply that to a small area adjacent to the window? Just be super careful?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Leadbull 07/12/2016 at 16:15

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Oh... I’d imagine anything silicon would do the best job. Apply first in the seam and stitch through it.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Leadbull 07/12/2016 at 16:17

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I imagine your problem would be the same as a Miata. Definitely check out Miata.net, this has to be something that has been asked and answered. Much larger community than for the Z3 I bet.

http://www.miata.net/garage/top_rep…

Only issue I can see with any adhesive is that the top going up and down is going to cause stress which will cause problems for any glue really. Not sure if there are any permanent repairs but there are definitely short term things that can work.

Try the link above and if that doesn’t work, check the forums on there.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Leadbull 07/12/2016 at 16:24

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Mask it off with tape and paper. Only do what you’re comfortable with.

Dave the car guy , still here > Leadbull 07/12/2016 at 16:24

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I’m thinking neoprene glue from a dive or surf shop. Its black, pliable and sticks like a mother. I think it still comes in a can with a brush attached to the cap or in a small tube.

Monkey B > Leadbull 07/12/2016 at 16:27

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I’d look at camping gear, I’m sure there is probably something that seals repaired seams for tents, backpacks and boots etc. Probably have more luck there than automotive sources.

Aleen’s Tacky Glue comes in a clear version, dries not sticky and is probably flexible enough. You can find it at hobby shops/AC Moore/Micheals. My experience with it is it would probably adhere well and be water tight (though I can’t confirm that). I would apply a little, stitch as tight as possible and perhaps apply a little to each side afterward. Less is probably better in this case.

The problem with spray adhesives is they usually don’t dry, they stay sticky. If it’s what you have then spray it in a cup and brush it on the seam before stitching. Though I’m not sure how water tight it would be.

Leadbull > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 07/12/2016 at 16:30

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Thanks, I’ll see what I can find out in the Miata forums. I think they came with vinyl tops though.

Leadbull > Dave the car guy , still here 07/12/2016 at 16:30

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Thanks, I’ll have to check that out.

Arrivederci > Leadbull 07/12/2016 at 16:35

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Higher trim levels in the NC generation and newer came with cloth tops. :)

Leadbull > Arrivederci 07/12/2016 at 16:41

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¯\_()_/¯

Dave the car guy , still here > Leadbull 07/12/2016 at 16:50

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Its so strong I made some custom wetsuit gear and even with novice skills the stuff stayed together for years. Some brands are thicker than others and you might need to brush on a couple of layers to glue/seal it good.

Leadbull > Dave the car guy , still here 07/12/2016 at 16:55

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So you think that would work well on fabric? I guess mainly it just needs to keep water out and be flexible, not hold two things together.

Dave the car guy , still here > Leadbull 07/12/2016 at 18:29

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Yes, its glues the top cloth on wetsuits as well as the rubber. Its just thick enough that it won’t bleed through the fabric and you can apply it with a small brush on just the thread to keep things neat. It will add strength to your sewing job as well.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Leadbull 07/13/2016 at 09:44

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Ahh, oops I didn’t realize the Z3 was a cloth top. Yeah its definitely vinyl tops for OEM on Miatas. There are aftermarket cloth tops but that will probably have less information. Still worth searching for though I would imagine. Cloth should be easier to glue instead of vinyl right?

Leadbull > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 07/13/2016 at 11:49

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I kind of assume so.