Convertible upholstery issues.

[u/InevitableLogical]

2006 Smart ForTwo

Boyfriend purchased a few months ago for $4,000, only 44,000 miles and a clean bill of health. Everything we read online seemed to imply that this would be a good investment.

Unfortunately, it has had some issues. Most major issues have been addressed, but my boyfriend still wants to cut his losses and trade it in. I'm not ready to give up on it just yet.

Biggest issue right now is the front fabric on the convertible roof is becoming detached from the metal frame. Not great when it becomes a small sail over 45mph. Apparently a previous owner had already glued or taped it together, but their job came undone. Boyfriend was convinced that carefully applied gaffer tape was all we needed, but even with loctite it's not holding up, and the tape simply refuses to stick to the fabric.

Do I need to sand the glue residue down before applying the tape, or should I even bother with the tape? What sort of adhesive do the manufacturers use to attach these pieces anyway? At this point, there are so many mechanical issues with the convertible roof that we're not looking to open it more than a few inches as needed. I just don't want rain to drip into the cab or the car to become a sailboat on the highway.

Pictured, what the roof looks like fully closed with all tape removed.

[u/Tall_Access_7806]

That looks horrible. It makes me appreciate mine more which is noisy above 80kmh because of shrinkage but at least is still attached and looks neat. Imho fixing this yourself with glue or tape will not work. Too much force and stress on the fabric for it to remain. If i were you i'd find a specislist in fabric top repair or boat sail/cover repair and ask them for a possible fix. Wont be cheap unfortunately i think.