Hi guys, I’ve got a 2000 mk2 with a vinyl roof and glass rear window. A tear has appeared where the window frame meets the vinyl on one of the corners (about 3 inches long) and follows that seam. Any ideas on what the best way to repair it would be? A new roof is out of the question unfortunately due to funds. Im thinking the best way would be a patch from the inside to join the fabric back to the window frame, and then maybe some sealant on the outside. Unfortunately its an area that moves when the roof is put up or down so needs to be as durable as possible. Many thanks
Hi Peter
Repairs to large tears in vinyl will only be worthwhile if the vinyl hasn’t generally degraded.
Usually when there is a big tear that has appeared because of age related degeneration, there are numerous small splits on the external seams. The vinyl loses its flexibility and strength irreversibly.
If this is a one-off piece of damage rather than the above repair should be possible and will hopefully last.
Please put up a photo of the damage and clarify the overall condition of the roof. would also be useful to know if it is a genuine Mazda roof rather than aftermarket replacement.
Thanks for your reply 
I think it has torn due to a combination of misuse and neglect. The vinyl has definitely hardened a bit with age and i suspect it to be original from Mazda, so at 16 years old its definitely past its best, however it is still in largely presentable condition once cleaned and my budget is non-existant really. Im hoping to patch it to make it through till next year when i may be able to afford replacement. After lots of research, I’ve decided ill probably use Permaflex Adhesive Sealant and some ballistic nylon to line the rip, with a small amount of external sealant for waterproofing.
I’ve brought time with a pot of contact adhesive and some vinyl sheet, stuck on the inside, then closing up the hole on the outside with some (Loctite) black silocone sealant. Household sealants don’t adhere very well to the vinyl; the Loctite stuff does, but takes days to go off. Use Evo-Stick to both areas to be glued, with a generously sized patch; use gaffer tape to hold down the edges while the glue sets.
I have seen several people using Divers suit repair kit .Seems to work as its very sticky and stays flexible but may not look great. Its about the best thing to use I think
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After the hood was sliced open by someone attempting a break in on my MK1, I experimented with a number of different adhesives to try to carry out a temporary repair. I found that Cyanoacrylate adhesives (super glue) bonded to the vinyl really well and was able to repair quite successfully with a vinyl patch on the inside. It will depend - as already stated - on how sound the existing material is and it should be well cleaned with a solvent before attempting to attach a patch.