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Does anyone know of a shop that will replace just the vinyl window of a soft top in the Allen/Plano/McKinney/etc area? My top is in fine condition, but the window isn't. I've called every auto and boat upholstery shop in my area, and no one will do it. They want to replace the entire top, or want me to order a new curtain for them to sew in. Im about to the point where I'll just be doing it myself, but wanted to ask here first.
Also, does anyone have first hand experience doing this? I've read the write ups from people that have online. The only thing I'm unsure of using material wise is the adhesive. I hear Marine Goop and 3M #4475 being used, but curious if there's a more suitable adhesive for the job.
Paging OZMDD, please report to the white courtesy phone.
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Sorry, I replace tops, but I don't do repairs or replace only the window panel. In my experience is is a lot of effort for something that either leaks, doesn't last long, or fails completely. When a top is old enough to have the window fail, the rest of the top material and seams are much weaker than they appear. I've seen some people have limited success with homemade solutions as he mentioned, but they pretty much all look terrible, if they even hold.Quote:
Originally Posted by POS Racing
I totally get that sometimes you just need something cheap to get you by; no judgement here. If you do decide to just do it right and get a new top, I can install a brand new plastic window top in black or tan for right around $400 total, parts and labor.
You can buy a budget top on ebay for as little as $180 and DIY. They are a little more effort to install than a Robbins, but they are made of the exact same Haartz vinyl.
Yeah, I hear ya. Thanks for the suggestion, and I'll keep your shop in mind when I make a decision. My top has been replaced at some point within the last 5 years by a previous owner. The slash/hole in the window was unfortunately man-made. It looks as if some scumbag took a knife to it while I was at work.
I replaced my plastic window back in Aug 2007. I used Bond 634 vinyl cement. I bought the vinyl from a marine supply web site, I don’t remember which one. I was (at least in my mind) very careful with the new window. I never raised or lowered the top in temperatures below 50°F. When I lowered the top, I always placed a roll of towels on the window to try to keep it from creasing.
The window lasted until I replaced my top in July 2013.
Thanks for the reply. After looking it up, it leads me to 2 different products. Sx69 and HH66, both being vinyl cements. They should work the same, yeah?
It looks like those cements will work just fine.
I have plenty of the Bond 634 that is still pliable and sticky. You are welcome to it if you want to try it.
I did not have a roll bar when I replaced my window. I did not remove my top. I cut a 3/4" plywood "table" to place under the unzipped window. I used straight pins to hold the new window in place until the cement set.
You may borrow the "table" if you would like to. I will be at TMS for the SCCA autocross on Sunday.
Here is a how to from the pointy board. http://www.miata.net/garage/window_repl2.html