Nissan Repair: convertable top tear, 350z roadster, new cracks

Question
I own a 2005 350z roadster and I have a 3 inch tear on the canvas top, I was wondering if there were any patches or cheaper alternatives then replacing everything. I've priced around and I've been told numerous times that it will cost anywhere between 1150 and 1300.

Answer
Hi William -

A vinyl repair tech can fill the tear with a toothpaste like material that turns into flexible vinyl when heat from a heat gun is applied. The pattern of the vinyl can be pressed into it, or it may just look smooth. The color is then sprayed back over the area. but if the original vinyl is going bad then fixing one area will just make it stress on an ajoining area so new cracks/tears will probably eventually form. But vinyl repair will the cheapest way (probably under $100).

Your top, being 5 years old might be better to just replace the entire top. Especially if you park in the sun a lot.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin