Convertible Top Window Repair DIY
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
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So I had been trying to find an inexpensive solution to repairing my convertible top rear plastic window. It was delaminating at the bottom corners, and it quickly got worse. I was quoted repair prices of $750 - $800, and top replacement (from GAHH) installed locally for $1500. I didn't want to waste $800 on an old top, plus I need to save $ for upcoming brakes, plugs, and clutch jobs.
After much research, I went with a DIY repair. This thread will document my experiences.
I ended up with doing a multi-step sewing and gluing process. The results aren't perfect visually, but it's better than it was, and it doesn’t leak. I consider this a temporary repair until I get a new top in a few years. I think this will last until then. Besides, I am mostly top-down or hard top, so I can live with it. I'll post a full DIY write up below. Warning, the writeup is long.
Before & After Photos:
After much research, I went with a DIY repair. This thread will document my experiences.
I ended up with doing a multi-step sewing and gluing process. The results aren't perfect visually, but it's better than it was, and it doesn’t leak. I consider this a temporary repair until I get a new top in a few years. I think this will last until then. Besides, I am mostly top-down or hard top, so I can live with it. I'll post a full DIY write up below. Warning, the writeup is long.
Before & After Photos:
#2
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
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Below is a link to my "Convertible Top DIY" repair write-up. Warning: it's a 10 page PDF.
Window Repair DIY.pdf
The repair is only a week old at this point. If you find this thread in the future and want an update on its longevity, PM me and I'll post an update.
Enjoy![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Window Repair DIY.pdf
The repair is only a week old at this point. If you find this thread in the future and want an update on its longevity, PM me and I'll post an update.
Enjoy
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![burnout](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/burnout.gif)
Last edited by frisbee91; 09-01-2010 at 04:23 PM. Reason: added link to PDF Writeup
#6
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
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Another thought... If your top is Navy Blue, I have about 4000 extra yards of thread
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
Let me know if you have any questions, and be sure to post your results. Good Luck.
Note: there WAS a typo in my PDF. The stitch length I used was 3/16".
Last edited by frisbee91; 09-02-2010 at 10:44 PM.
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#10
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
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Do the seam underneath first, then you can figure out how much the gorilla glue foams. Any excess mess underneath is hidden. Good practice for the second, more visible seam.
#13
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
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It is ALL about the clamping. If you use the E-6000 (or E-6800) make sure you have your clamp arrangement worked out so you can get it in place in a few minutes. Practice once (or twice) putting your clamps on quickly before you apply any glue. Have a partner handy.
Let us know how it works!
Let us know how it works!
#14
Racer
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Frisbee91,
Thank you for your very complete description of what it takes to do this dyi. I have the 2000 version of your car, exact same color. I think I will invest a day or two driving it around town gathering estimates for a repair shop to do it. If they are too high it will motivate me to do things exactly the way you did. Thank you again. Any suggestions after a couple of years use? Apterr
Thank you for your very complete description of what it takes to do this dyi. I have the 2000 version of your car, exact same color. I think I will invest a day or two driving it around town gathering estimates for a repair shop to do it. If they are too high it will motivate me to do things exactly the way you did. Thank you again. Any suggestions after a couple of years use? Apterr
#15
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
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It's been about 8 months so far since I completed this, and the repair is holding up great. No leaks. In hindsight, the only thing I regret is using too much clear silicone at the end of the repair. Just a tiny bit between the edge of the fabric and the window would have been sufficient to seal the thread holes, but I used too much, and it doesn't look great. You can see it in the pictures.
I barely notice the stitching, and I think that it adds a lot to the strength of the seam. (even though it was a pain in the a** to do.)
I've polished the old plastic window with Meguiars PlastX a few times. It works OK to clear up the window, but it doesn't last. It's the kind of thing you need to re-apply. I'll probably end up re-polishing the window each time I apply wax to the car.
Anyone have better luck reviving an old plastic window more permanently? What did you use?
I barely notice the stitching, and I think that it adds a lot to the strength of the seam. (even though it was a pain in the a** to do.)
I've polished the old plastic window with Meguiars PlastX a few times. It works OK to clear up the window, but it doesn't last. It's the kind of thing you need to re-apply. I'll probably end up re-polishing the window each time I apply wax to the car.
Anyone have better luck reviving an old plastic window more permanently? What did you use?