[biotechee]

On one side of my boot, the three Tenax fasteners have pulled away from the canvas, probably due to shrinkage of the canvas over time and the subsequent "stretching" of the boot to fit.



Do I have any options for repair, or should I consider a new boot?

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[PorscheDude]

http://eagleday.com/tenaxfasteners1.html

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[Darryl]

[quote name='biotechee' post='60492' date='Sep 25 2008, 08:16 AM']On one side of my boot, the three Tenax fasteners have pulled away from the canvas, probably due to shrinkage of the canvas over time and the subsequent "stretching" of the boot to fit.



Do I have any options for repair, or should I consider a new boot?[/quote]





Yes, a good upholstry place can sometimes repair these openings if they are not too far gone. It they're really bad, your only options are to put a patch piece in along with a new Tenax fastener or go the new boot cover option. happysails2you in Annapolis got hers "repaired" and her guy put in new patches at the far corners that are the ones that get the most stress and although an obvious repair, it looks very nice and the boot doesn't have to stretch as tight to fit now. I plan to have mine repaired in the same way as it is now my "backup boot". I purchased a "like new" one awhile back. Mine is blue and the blue ones seem to be slightly harder to find, so I don't mind having two in case one rips or something.



- Darryl

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[biotechee]

Thanks fellas-



I've sent Happysails2you a PM to see if she has a photo of the repair.

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[Anchorman]

The shop that replaced my convertible top last year also put strengthening patches at each fastener on the boot. It isn't a concours-quality job, but it does the job. I'll show you when we get together, I'm sure I could get him to do it again. As a backup, though, I have a perfect new boot (that's never been on the car!).

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[biotechee]

Jim-



I was thinking I might bite the bullet and buy a new boot just to have.



I installed mine on Sunday just for giggles and I was able to fit it on without too much issue. The weak areas held but I know it will be a matter of time before a tear appears.

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[Anchorman]

Your call. If you want me to talk to my guy, I will. He's relocated, and is now in the basement of The Stable - so it makes him an interesting place to visit.

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[rxter]

New boot is $300. Got mine done and I love it. Fits perfect and looks as good as this arrangment can. I can't recall the shops name off hand but can get it for you if you are interested. He's in LA and he did a great job.

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[biotechee]

Thanks Fellas-



Once I get a chance to look at Jim's patch, I can determine if I want to go that route.



I'll keep my eyes peeled for a NOS boot as well.

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[happysails2you]

The boot cover Tenax snaps can be a very tight fit, and my boot cover fabric finally just ripped. How to fix, and move the snap so it doesn't tear again?

My canvas shop did a great job...they sewed on patches in both corners of the boot cover, using the same German fabric as the original cover -- a perfect match. And with the new patch, he was able to move the Tenax snap a little bit, so it's now a better fit and doesn't pull the fabric. Because he did the same on both sides, the repair fits in and looks very natural. Most people wouldn't even notice that the boot cover had been patched. The patch could be enlarged to cover all three Tenax fasteners if needed, or as reinforcement so the others don't tear. Plus the patch might even look less noticeable since it would parallel the top stitching line of the boot cover.

This was done at the same time that I had the whole top replaced two years ago, so I don't think they charged me for the labor or fabric (or maybe just a minor charge). They simply ordered some extra fabric from the same supplier where they obtained the pre-fab top (which is also the same German fabric as the original). The shop did a great job on the top--never a leak or any other problem. Bay Country Custom Vans & Upholstery, Inc., 1828 George Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 263-3161 They do a lot of show car
restorations -- canvas tops, full interiors, carpeting, etc. Half their business is boat canvas/marine, half land vehicles. But any canvas shop should be able to do this repair for you.

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