Where can I go to replace my soft top plastic window?

edge · Postby **edge** » Sat Sep 12, 2015 4:15 pm

Hi guys, I'm trying to look for a place where they can use my original frame and soft top but replace the rear plastic window. Doesn't seems like there are any places that offer this service on the net

Cheers,

Terrence

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Sat Sep 12, 2015 4:33 pm

Most places that do this kind of stuff wont advertise on the web with their full service list, since well, 99% of their business comes from locals (they can't post themselves to you, and I doubt you can post the car to them)

Anyway, look for places like automotive upholsterers, vehicle restorers, and even things like people who repair tents/gazebos and the like. They all usually have the skills to do it.

The process will be that they remove the old window, cut a new clear plastic sheet to size, then stitch and glue it into place in a waterproof way.

rpost77 · Postby **rpost77** » Sat Sep 12, 2015 7:19 pm

I recently had my plastic window crack.

Looked at the options for just replacing the window.

Researched and contact soft top specialists and trimmers.

Cheapest quote I got was around $800. Quotes ranged from $800 to $1700.

All quotes/options entailed removing softop from the car to replace the window (this is I believe ~2 hour job).

Contacted a sailmaker who quoted $200 to glue/sew a new window in with Stratoglass (stuff they use on boats - Sailmaker said was the best stuff and better than any plastic car manufacturers use - I did lots of research prior and Stratoglass always came up as the go-to stuff for boats - is more expensive than other stuff but from what I can tell it's the stuff to go for). By the way - boaties refer to the clear plastic windows/material as "clears".

For the above $200 I would have to take roof off car and take to them to insert new window - then replace roof myself - unclear whether they could do with top on the frame (easier for me) or not.

In the interim, an NB glass window soft top came up for sale (complete on frame) and I bought that.

I have not removed the soft top with cracked window and installed the "new" one yet (old one has clear duct tape on either side of the cracks that has kept it temporarily useful).

Plan is to remove old soft top, install new, glass window top then take the old and have a new window installed at the sailmaker. Brother-in-law has shown interest in purchasing the old, repaired one but if he falls through I will sell it.

So, in short, your best bet and cheapest (providing you remove/reinstall the soft top) would be to go to a sailmaker. Ask for Stratoglass. Possible you could get cheaper quotes (I only contacted 1 sailmaker and thought $200 was reasonable).

I am in Sydney by the way so lots of sailmakers around - not sure if the case everywhere.

Hope that helps.

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Sat Sep 12, 2015 9:16 pm

Affirming what rpost stated, if the cheapest option forces you to remove the entire top then just upgrade to a complete, 2nd hand NB top. I believe i saw one on fleabay just the other night for $499.

Heck of a lot easier to remove/install whole tops frame and all than to remove/install just the vinyl

If you're not fussy on looks as i was because i had the top up only when parked or raining, then you can cut out the window , buy good quality clear vinyl and do a glue-in job yourself. My thread on how to do this has disappeared from this forum but i ripped it off another thread from the USA that gives straighforward instructions with pics.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Sun Sep 13, 2015 12:32 pm

rpost77 wrote:All quotes/options entailed removing softop from the car to replace the window (this is I believe ~2 hour job).

As you say much easier if they can fix with the soft top skin still attached to the soft top frame, but if the skin has to be seperated from the frame then just refitting skin to frame will involve about six hours labour depending on familiarity & if done one or two up.

Ross · Postby **Ross** » Mon Sep 14, 2015 1:40 pm

I had my plastic window replaced, most upholsterers can do this, shop around though, prices vary - I was quoted $150 - $320, that was with me removing the rear curtain and taking it to them.