Cabriolet question
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis
Although the glue at the rear of my top is not separating, I am making an effort to prevent this from happening. Whenever possible, in direct sunlight on real hot days. I am leaving my windows cracked open and the car in the shade when the top is up. I suspect that on these old cabs, the heat is a great factor in making the glue 'let go' below the rear window. I came to this possibility by reading a recent posting on rennlist. Nothing lost, nothing gained and well worth a try. 
I ended up buying some needles and thread to sew it up. Took a few hours, went though a few needles, and seems to be holding up fine. Didn't do anything special, mostly one or two passes across the seam, stitches were about 1/4 long. After that I put a bead of silicone across it.
I'm not going to win any big awards, but it doesn't look terrible, and seems to be holding up just fine after a few weeks. Total cost was around $10 and a few hours of my time.
8th Gear
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Park Hall, MD
I have a 2001 that I purchased 3 years ago. I replaced the top last year when the rear-window started to delaminate though mechanically it was still in good working order. Personal preference was for the larger plastic-window (they are now stitched-in vice glued) over the smaller glass version. The liner was still in excellent condition and the total cost to include installation was $1400. Huge difference in appearance and I'm very happy with the end result.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,180
Likes: 360
From: Halifax, NS. Canada
I just got my 2003 Cab and the roof looks to be in very good condition. Only issue I have is the cloth doesn't slip naturally into the grooves over the side windows. When I first got it would stretch over edge of the plastic gutter. Now when I put it up, I gently guide the fabric into the groove. I think the car had been stored for a couple of years with the top down and perhaps lost it's memory?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 297
Likes: 9
From: ATX
Cabriolet question
Rear plastic window came unglued and my top shop sewed it back in for $200. Cylinders leaked and I took them out and sent them in to a shop in FL. Sent me rebuilt ones for $400. Reinstalled them myself - to me about 2 hours. No other issues so far.