Really hot n Sunny..Rear glass window just fell off ... my options?

[Mikeynoclue]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 2000 base model and the previous owner changed the top to the newer style w/ a rear glass window. (maybe 4-5 years old)... I came outside a very hot and sunny day to find the rear glass completely unglued and fell off.

I do all my own work, so I started my Youtube research to find multiple people using the 3M Window Weld (w/ the prime) and suction cups to hold the glass in place. I was going / this option, BUT I decided to call two interior shops. The replies... 1st) "We need to change the whole top" 2nd) "Requires a special glue and then I put an additional layer of silicone $500 for the job...now they have me questioning my decision.

I'm curious what everyone else has done and the success.

Thanks for the help!

[Stl-986]

Replace the top

[Mikeynoclue]

Thanks! I thought of it....It just pains me to even think of this option since the top is in such beautiful shape (less the fallen glass).

1 vote for replace lol

[Mikeynoclue]

Update: I went my local upholstery shop I've used throughout the years to do my interior work. He recommended to replace the top.

It kills me to replace this beautiful looking top. I really hope there is someone that has tried an alternate option with success. Anyone? maybe?

[Stl-986]

Think it was Blue or Ike that tried it in the past year.

The top has been replaced before though, was it by you or PO? Was it a top from an 03/04 or aftermarket? Asking cause you might want to check on the warranty if it was aftermarket, most have a lifetime warranty (and there are known cases of the glass becoming detached with aftermarket ones).

Another option is to find a used top from an 03/04 and just install that along with the frame.

[Starter986]

Do you REALLY need to see out your back window? You should have two side view mirrors.

When my vinyl window takles a crap I'm having convertible top canvas sewn in. No more window.

You do have choices...

Maybe consider that rear view mirror/camera. I'm going to.

[Mikeynoclue]

Hello!

Unfortunately I have no information on what kind of top was installed (aftermarket or 03/04) or who was the installer.
Is there a recommended top aftermarket or 03/04 factory that I should consider buying? I'm sure it's been mentioned in other threads, but I figure I ask anyway. Thanks!

Well hmmm I like looking through a nice clear piece of glass and you my analog rear view camera (My eyes) lol Keep it old school.

[Mikeynoclue]

I just read through a bunch of posts on recommended replacement tops.. Most mentioned to get the 03/04 frame and top w/ the extra bow.

Curious does someone have a pic of a 3 bow vs 4 bow or how to identify (sorry for the dumb question).. I want to check if the previous owner installed the newer 4 bow in my baby. thx!

[Stl-986]

easiest way is to see if there is a headliner. If so then it's from 03/04. Also look at the glass, if it says Porsche they did a swap, if not then it's aftermarket.

[Mikeynoclue]

Thanks. It definitely doesn't have a headliner and I counted three posts. One crossing over the windshield, one crossing over the front seats, and one crossing the roll bars. Where does the 4th bar cross on the 03/04?

Looks like it's an aftermarket 3 post top that had the glass installed. right?

[ike84]

I attempted to use adhesive trape(3m uhb) to put strataglass in place of the plastic window and it failed where the top folds because I didn't get the strataglass to lie completely flat and flush with the top.

With that being said, I remember a post not too long ago where this same situation happened and the rest window was glued back in.

I don't remember the adhesive used but the trick was to use suction cups to pull the window up against the top tightly to allow the seal to cure. It was successful if I remember but I have no idea if it lasted.

There's a product called e6800 that is an amazing adhesive glue. If it were me, id buy a few suction cups and a tube of that stuff on Amazon and give it a go. You don't have anything to lose, just don't be quick to field test it in the next derecho lol.

The advantage for you is that with those glass windows in the aftermarket tops, it is positioned below the fold so there really isn't too much in the way of disruptive forces working against you over time.

Sent from my SM-G970U1 using Tapatalk

[JayG]

Duct tape and flex seal
YMMV




Just kidding

[Mikeynoclue]

Hello all!

Suction cups and 3M Window Weld + prime have been ordered. Why not try this first and see if it holds. I'll report back with the results and hopefully this helps someone else.

fingers crossed!

[sharkbyte]

I have a similar issue with mine. But only the bottom and a couple of inches on the top have come unglued. Car is going for sale as soon as I figure it out so I am loathe to put a new top on it. The top was put on about five years ago and is glass window.

I'll be interested to see how yours works out!

[Mikeynoclue]

UPDATE: There is no update. The window primer finally came in yesterday... My brother volunteered to do the job, since I have my hands full working on our LR3 suspension, wheel bearing, and air tank.

I'll provide updates soon.

[Mikeynoclue]

UPDATE: Yesterday, my brother was able to install the glass window with the 3M Window Weld, primer, and suction cups. We are going to leave the suction cups installed for 2 days to allow the window weld to dry completely.

Fingers crossed no leaks and it stays on.

[jaykay]

What brand top is losing their glass?

[Mikeynoclue]

Unfortunately, I don't know what brand top the previous owner installed.

UPDATE: Glass has been re-installed and so far so good... It looks to be a solid bond w/ no leaks. Time will tell how long this repair will last, but definitely glad that we tried this solution.

Hope this helps someone in the future!

[hotdawwgman]

Unfortunately I lost my rear window today as well. Came outside to it just resting on top of the box. Thank goodness it didn’t shatter. By any chance did you take a pic of the suction cups? I am struggling to understand what you meant by using suction cups.

[Stl-986]

prob not the ones that were used, but these are glass suction cups: https://www.amazon.com/FCHO-Suction-Aluminum-Vacuum-Lifting/dp/B07HNLYF1J