Zipper

[Paul Goldsmith]

This broke on our rear window this evening, it's been missing its 'pull tag' on the slider for a while but worked fine using a pair of long nose pliers.

Our hood's only got a minor nick but otherwise in very useable condition and no issues with the frame, so I'm loathed to spend big for now - would it be a tricky but straightforward job to just fit new zip 'slider' in-situ (ie. not a full new zip) ?

All suggestions appreciated, as I will be anxiously dodging showers for now !

[Guest]

Hi Paul,My tag on the zipper broke and ended up like yours.I went to an upholster and got a couple of new sliders.To fit it onto the zip I cut a small nick at the very bottom of the zip and fitted it on.I then sealed the end buy sewing a little thread to stop the slider coming off.Its certainly better than the other alternative
Anthony

[Paul Goldsmith]

Many thanks Anthony, that's encouraging news and hopefully leaves my Stag funds for more important matters

[Paul Goldsmith]

Found these useful generic instructions which might be useful to others ;

http://www.mcnett-outdoor.com/Repair-Guide/Tips/Replace-A-Broken-Zipper-Slider/748.aspx

I'm guessing the access on the Stag hood won't be great but will take some specific Stag pics when I do mine and document the process

(if it proves to be a fairly straightforward fix I'll kick myself for not doing it sooner (ie. 6 years ago) when our slider's tag and fixing bust off, since it's always been a little tricky finding enough of the remaining zip for the pliers to grip effectively)

[paulbell6]

I did this on mine and believe it or not the zipper is quite a common size, my wife now has an old coat minus a working zip and we had many coats to choose from with the same size zipper.

Paul

[71Stag]

Repaired mine a couple of years ago most Zips are made by YKK and so are the same pattern the stags is no exception most haberdashers should be able to sell you the right size zipp and you just remove the zipper

Bruce

[Paul Goldsmith]

I took a quick look at lunchtime and the slider has a '2' marked on it which I take to be sizing, so that gives me something to match up with - would I be correct I'm best to get a zip which is suitable for robust outdoor use (ie. tent / rucksack rather than furnishing / dressmaking etc)

Having now taken a look at the end of the zip itself on the hood, I can't see how to get at the actual end. If I've understood Anthony correctly he cut into the zip both sides at an accessible spot and slotted it the slider in from there, before stitching a new stopper point in. Alternatively it looks like the hood is pop rivetted onto the frame at the rear corners, could I have carefully drill the required corner to access the original end and simply re-rivet this back on when done ?

[Paul Goldsmith]

Discovered this bit of 'magic', more expensive than a zip but still cheap enough and worth a try - it could save soo much hassle !

http://www.zlideon.com/

(also available via Amazon)

[jasper]

Discovered this bit of 'magic', more expensive than a zip but still cheap enough and worth a try - it could save soo much hassle !

http://www.zlideon.com/

(also available via Amazon)

Thanks for finding this Paul ,
I just replaced my soft top because the zipper had broke
Wish I had seen this before
John

[Bandit1200]

A useful tip to lubricate a zip is buy a pencil with a soft lead and run it over the zip. The graphite in the lead is a great lubricant.
Steve

[Paul Goldsmith]

Nice tip re. the soft pencil, seems a less messy option than a light silicon spray

Last night I used the measuring guide from http://www.tentspares.co.uk/category/3/ZlideOn and have now ordered a couple of options, I will update on the success (or otherwise) of this interesting option

[Guest]

Paul,Well done on the fancy slide on zipper.Looks easy to fit.Havent heard of them here but I suppose they will be available somewhere in NZ.I allways also spray carefully a silicone spray along the zip fairly regularly.
Anthony