How To Repair Convertible Top Glue

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Modern soft convertible motorcar tops frequently take glass windows glued to the cloth, vinyl or other soft material with a melted plastic strip instead of a articulate vinyl window sewn to it. If and when the glass comes unstuck -- sometimes due to the sail shrinking from fail or otherwise -- information technology tin can be very difficult to reattach. Double-sided foam tape such equally 3M VHB record (what ane author used, others could be OK likewise) can reattach them, but should be practical in a specific way to avoid constant strain that volition break its bond.

Steps

ane

Reattach the soft top material ("canvas") to the drinking glass when but function of the canvas has detached so that the glass does not accept to be re-centered inside the hole in the sheet. If it does have to exist re-centered one might do that by measuring distances with the defrosting grid as a guide and, in any case, property the drinking glass temporarily in place with gaffer's or other sticky record.
two

Open the top slightly so that it is non taut. Prop something such as a small empty box between the forepart edge of the top and the upper edge of the windshield frame so that the top stays open slightly.

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3

Detect the seal that was attached but has become unattached, such equally the lower edge of the exterior layer of canvas. ^[1] If clay has accumulated in the pocket that has been exposed to the atmospheric condition you may wish to vacuum out whatsoever large particles.
iv

If only a very small-scale part has separated leave it lonely. If a large part is mostly separated you may wish to separate it entirely to re-seal it as one continuous slice.^[2]
5

Clean the mating surfaces with rubbing alcohol.
vi

Close the roof completely to see where the sail falls on the glass when pulled gently flat as far in on the glass as it will become, but not pulled hard. At to the lowest degree in the case of cotton sail, this will probably be not equally far up onto the glass every bit originally (or every bit on a still-attached inside layer) because it will have shrunk since new.
vii

Re-open the roof slightly and re-prop it.
eight

Utilize a strip of double-sided foam tape such as 3M VHB ("very high bail")--foam and so that information technology will conform to any irregularities, preferably black and then ultraviolet rays volition not promptly destroy its exposed border--to the glass with the edge coming up to the point yous determined previously. ^[3]
9

Bring the middle of the area beingness fastened (such as the middle, left-versus-right-wise of the bottom exterior canvas) upwards to the edge of the tape. It should accept simply a little slack, since it needs to be pulled basically smooth just not taut when the elevation is closed. Only a piffling slack when the superlative is airtight is much improve than tension, which will unstick the tape.
10

Stick the sail to the tape, working outward. The reason to work outward from a key point is and so that any "backlog" fabric does not build up at one side.^[4]
11
Rub down the canvas over the tape firmly and apply some heat--not a great painfully hot corporeality--with a blow dryer for a thorough bail.
- The convertible meridian should be fixed.
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Question

How much will information technology cost to supervene upon the top with the original window?

I have a 2007 Mustang convertible. The window is separating from the material top. I went to ii convertible summit/upholstery shops, and both told me the window is heat sealed and the entire top needed to be replaced, and both gave me a price of $1,900.
Question

I have in my garage a Corvette convertible with a canvas top in neat condition. The seal effectually the drinking glass rear window has popped, volition this procedure work?

I used 3M window weld on our 2004 Volvo C70 elevation and information technology worked not bad! Brand certain you lot go equally much of the erstwhile adhesive off every bit possible. Put the 3M primer on start and let it dry for about ten minutes. Put a dewdrop (about 3/16) of window weld on information technology. Clamp information technology in identify. I used some paint stirrer sticks & C clamps. Allow information technology sit for about 24 hours. Do not do this if temperature is below 40 degrees F.
Question

Where tin I get 3M VHB foam tape?

Amazon has it in a diversity of lengths and widths.
Question

Can Gorilla gum be used to adhere drinking glass to a convertible canvass height?

No. I tried it and the heat from sitting in the sun made information technology crack and come up apart.
Question

How much will information technology cost to replace a rear window on a convertible Sebring?

The shops volition tell you a new top is needed. Fortunately, the Sebring window lays on top of the sail flap rather than hanging from it. People swear by Rhino glue for near 20 bucks. I'm planning to remove the window, clean the entire lip that the window border contacts, put a bead of rhino on it and lay the window dorsum in. Removing it completely will allow me to position it evenly in the hole since the acme material has most likely shrunk over the years but if yours is only pulling apart in a department you lot can open up the top part style and glue the lip while tension is off.
Question

Should I glue the inside and the exterior of the window?

Brett Gilbert

Top Answerer

Yes, if the canvass is loose on the inside part of the window, glue it every bit well.
Question

Where can I observe instructions that are more than specific to the type of automobile I have?

Brett Gilbert

Acme Answerer

Y'all could contact the manufacturer or a mechanic to see what they recommend. Unremarkably, though, they will tell you to replace the unabridged hood. The glue or tape techniques work well for just near any car.

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It may be better to get the acme fixed in a style for whose possible failure someone else such as a dealer will take responsibility. But this is a corking alternative to replacing the acme.

Things You'll Need

3M VHB foam record, black

References

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Reader Success Stories

Anthony Budd

Jul 21, 2022

"You told me how to fix a convertible rear top when specialty shops said replace the top. It'south a 2002 old Sebring,..." more