just found a small crack in the top along a seem in the convertible top. is the only solution to this to replace the top or can this be fixed? it does go all the way through and I can see light from the inside where the crack it.

If I need to replace it what are my options? I called a local place and they said they think it's around 1050 to replace with a cloth top. they had mentions they thought my top was vinyl?

any advice or suggestions?

 

Small cracks and tears should be repairable by a good shop. If you are feeling handy, craft and fabric and upholstery stores have vinyl repair kits for upholstery, handbags, jackets, etc. that should also work.

if the repair comes out well, doesnt leak and isnt an eyesore you just
saved yourself a grand.

 

I did mine DIY last Jan, topsonline.com $650 and about 11 hrs with no helper. Came out great.
You didn't say what year it is, but I'll give you my best answer. My 06 was tearing high on the sides behind windows. I bought braided 50# test fishing line and sewed it all up. Couple days later i saw the tear again on driver side, except it was a new tear right next to the repair.
Bottom line, that's prolly the best method, but it will not hold up to raising and lowering.
If you wanna diy lemme know. gl

 

Same. I took more than 11 hours though. I got tired of attending to the same cracks so I bit the bullet and replaced. I can see why a shop wants $1000 - lots of labor.
Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape installed from the inside is what I found is quickest & best to temp cracks. Flexible, sticky, & durable to accommodate the top going up down.