Carpokes Porsche Forum

Was heartbroken back in February to see a small hole/tear develop in my original '97 993 cab's soft top. The top is black, so I just stuck some black duct tape on there as a temporary fix.

Are these things repairable? The tear is straight and only about 1 cm (half-inch) in length. What's the best way to repair it?

(Someone suggested press-on patches like my Mom used to iron onto our bluejeans about 50 years ago. Sounds weird, but maybe it makes perfect sense?! I'd have to finagle some way to "back it up" in order to press with the iron, though.)

I'd try to locate a convertible top repair specialist and give them a shot before trying any home remedy. You might make it worse by trying to fix it on your own and could even render it non-repairable. As small as the tear is, I would think a reputable shop might be able to repair it or at least give you an honest answer regarding options.

Many auto interior shops do convertible tops as well. Your local Porsche dealer could also probably recommend a good shop.

Thx very much for this. I didn't realize that "convertible top repair specialist" was even a thing. Super! OK, I'll check around and see what I can find-out.

CutterMcGee wrote: Sat Sep 09, 2023 9:39 am Thx very much for this. I didn't realize that "convertible top repair specialist" was even a thing. Super! OK, I'll check around and see what I can find-out.

I saw a clever solution for a deep scratch once, where the person made a Band-Aid looking sticker to hide it. In that vein, you could sew a yellow smiley patch over it, or a pca patch, etc. Make the blemish a feature.

Very interesting idea. OK, so I'd have to think of something clever. Hmmm...

It's a black top, so maybe just a small, round, black patch is the way to go?

Say, how 'bout those old "iron-on" or "press-on" patches my Mom used to put on our jeans about 50 years ago? Might that work as a temporary fix?

Where on the top is it? Have a picture? I never had much luck with the iron on patches. It's basically hot-melt glue on fabric, so probably depends a lot on what kind of fabric the top is.

It's the original factory top. Here's a photo. The hole is under the center of this duct tape patch, right on one of the "ribs".

If I had a nice 993, I'd probably just take it to an upholstery shop and have them fix it, but if they can't offer a cost-effective solution that looks good, then maybe sew on something like one of these. Also, Amazon is full of "design you own" custom patch makers if you wanted to get creative.