1967 - 1975 Corvette: Service Bulletin: Fabric Roof Cover Repairs

The following bulletin is excellent information for repairing 1967 - 1975 Corvette vinyl covered auxiliary hardtops!

Subject:   Fabric Roof Cover Repairs
Model and Year:   NA
Source:  Chevrolet Dealer Service Information Bulletin
Bulletin No:   69-I-2 (Supplement)
Section:   I
Date:   July 18, 1969

TO:  ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS

This bulletin is being written to supplement Chevrolet Dealer Service Information Bulletin 69-I-2.

This supplement describes an improved procedure for the repair of fabric roof covers.  Certain types of damage that previously required replacing the fabric roof cover may now be repaired by using the methods and tools described in this bulletin.

Chevrolet Motor Division
General Motors Corporation

TOOLS AND REPAIR MATERIALS DESCRIPTION

1.  Fabric Roof Cover Repair Tool J-23091 (Figure 3) - for curing and graining vinyl repair patching compound.

2.  Pallet Knife (Figure 4) - a small trowel used for applying vinyl repair patching compound (available at artist supply stores).

3.  Razor/Knife (Figure 4) - a sharp knife used for removing frayed edges from damaged area prior to application of vinyl patching compound (x-acto or equivalent available at hobby shops).

4.  Vinyl Cleaner (Detergent Type) - all purpose cleaner for removal of surface dirt, grease, dust, etc., from extremely dirty roof covers (Kar-Kleen, Joy, Tide, car wash soaps, etc., that do not leave a residue.)

5.  Vinyl Cleaner (Solvent Type) - for removal of wax, silicone, oil, etc., from repair area prior to paint application (use Rinshed-Mason "Pre-Kleano", DuPont "Prep-Sol", Ditzler "Acryli-Clean" or equivalent).

6.  Vinyl Repair Patching Compound - a heat curing milky appearing heavy bodied plastisol for repairing cut, torn, scuffed or gouged vinyl roof cover material (Fabric Roof Cover Repair Patching Compound is available through Rinshed-Mason under Stock No. 863; through Uticolor Laboratories, Inc., under Stock No. PC-1; and through Detroit Autobody Equipment Company, under Stock No. PCV-Vinylweld.

7.  Vinyl Repair Paint - a durable waterproof weather resistant and pliable vinyl coating for refinishing vinyl coated fabrics.  Vinyl color finishes are available in 16 ounce aerosol and in one quart containers as outlined below:

REPAIR PROCEDURE

(Before attempting repairs on a vinyl roof cover, it is recommended that several repairs be made on a piece of scrap vinyl cemented to a metal panel to familiarize the operator with the procedures outlined in this bulletin.)

1.  Pre-Heat Fabric Roof Cover Repair Tool J-23091 (Figure 3) - using a basic 72 setting (plus or minus two:  70-74 setting) on the variable heat control (Tool J-23091-3), pre-heat Tool J-23091 for a minimum of 15 minutes until the graining tool achieves an operating temperature of approximately 300 degrees.

2.  Surface Preparation

1. On extremely dirty fabric roof covers, pre-clean entire roof cover with a detergent type all purpose vinyl cleaner.
2. Mask-off areas adjacent to repair area (body panels, moldings, glass, etc.).
3. Using a razor sharp knife, trim the damaged area to remove all frayed or damaged edges as shown in Figure 5.
   
   NOTE : Trimming of vinyl from the edge of the damaged area should be kept to a minimum. On cuts, scuffs and gouges with clean, unfrayed edges, no trimming is necessary.

 3.  Vinyl Patching Compound Application

1. On damaged areas where no trimming was necessary, apply vinyl patching compound to edges of damaged area as shown in Figure 6.  Remove excess compound from adjacent vinyl.
2. On damaged areas where trimming was necessary, apply compound to area being repaired and trowel flush with adjacent surface as shown in Figure 7.  Remove any excess material.

 4.  Graining Operation - Exerting light hand pressure, apply pre-heated graining iron to damaged area filled with patching compound for approximately  one and one-half (1-1/2) minutes as shown in Figures 8 and 9.  Curing and graining time can be increased slightly depending on the size of the repair.

IMPORTANT :  During this operation, it is important the graining iron be held in a stable, perpendicular position.

NOTE:   Use the surface of the tool most compatible to the damaged area contours (round edge in drip rail areas; tapered edge adjacent to reveal moldings; crown surface for relatively flat areas).  For large damaged areas, repeat curing and graining, using an over-lapping technique.

5.  Color Application

1. Using a soft, lint-free cloth, wipe the repair area with a solvent type vinyl cleaner to remove any was, silicone, oil, etc., that may be present in the repair area.
2. Thoroughly mix the vinyl color according to the instructions on the can.  When color is to be sprayed from an aerosol can, test the atomization by spraying several small spots on a piece of paper; then, apply the vinyl color to the repair area with two or three light passes.  Use a "fanning" motion to produce a "feathering" condition along the perimeter of the spot repair.  This, combined with the irregular surface formed by the cover grain, will assist in producing a satisfactory blending appearance.  Heavy wet coats should be avoided, since they can produce a distinct "color-break" line which will highlight the repair area.  After each color coat (pass) is applied, pause sufficiently for the material to flash before proceeding with the next coat.  Continue paint build-up only until hiding has been achieved.

6.  Tool Clean-Up

Upon completion of repairs, clean graining tool with a soft cloth and a solvent type vinyl cleaner to remove any top coating stuck to the surface of the tool.  This is particularly important when working on different color roof covers.