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I've noticed, on the new to me '14, that there is considerable wear on a couple of spots on the material over the bows. Overall, the top is in xlnt condition, except for these few spots.
My best guess is rubbing from a cover in the wind.
I can see, in 1 spot, that there is a very thin coating of what looks like silicone sealer.
Any ideas on how to repair these worn spots?
I do not, but I would recommend seeking advice from a top quality car care professional. My guys coated the soft top on my '15 and I've had no issues with it. BUT, no cover either. Mine runs all year in SW FL and is kept in my garage so no cover on it. I have one somewhere but have never used it.
I owned a triple black 06 3LT vert and now a 2014. 2LT vert Kalahari top. The '06 had 50 k miles on it and my 14 has 24 k miles on it. The black 2006 top had wear marks on it. I assume from many cycles of going up and down and pressing against the metal bits inside. The Kalahari 14 has much less visible wear/press marks. Sorry , long .... My point is it depends IMO , how many miles that exist on your car and number of cycles in the top. I used in both cars, Ragg Topp cleaner and Protectant.. it won't disappear the wear marks completely, , but it minimizes them somewhat.
If the fabric is worn, repairing is difficult, especially, if there is Silicon film on the fabric. It appears you will need a professional.
If the fabric is faded, but, not too bad, there is a good chance you can bring it back.
Having the top going up or down does not create wear on the top. Lack of care does.
When, I got my 1995 C4 Roadster, the fabric was whole, it was not a deep black. The leather was dry and the bolster on the drivers side was fading from black to brown.
I did a lot of treatments on both, over the next couple of months.
My top was deep black, I had the top down/up, every time I drove it or stopped for an errand. It stayed that way because I took care of it.
I still own my 2004 C5 convertible with black top and have been using RaggTop cleaner and protectant since owning the car and I think it looks great for being 21 years old.
One of the best tips I received over the years was from a guy who owned a 2003 Anniversary Red convertible with a Shale top. He cut up some thin mattress topper foam and slides it between the sections that fold down when he drives it top down. He told me the top gets damaged the most when the fabric rubs against itself when it is stowed under the tonneau cover.
It might be overkill, but his top looked brand new when I met him five years ago.
i see you're in orange county, guessing you're in cal, do you keep the top down a lot??
Orlando is in Orange County. When I was a little younger it was down all the time since I ran insurance appointments. Had it down yesterday going to a car show but had to put it up on the way as the sun was just too hot. While it's my transportation I don't go out so much anymore.
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I would find a very good shop that deals in automotive tops, show them the problem areas and see what they recommend. Hopefully it does not require a new top.
Soft top
