$15 Replacement Rear Plastic Window!!!

[mptoledo]

Still too cold today(39). I have decided to use the larger piece of viny window, as it will make it easier to glue on the material around the outer edge and put the liquid nails in after I have made a few "holding" stitches. The purpose of material around the edges is so the thread won't pull through the vinyl.

Hopefully I will have it done tomorrow(weather permitting). I still plan to use the liquid "flexible" liquid nails for water proofing and then seam sealer after I am done.

[Boxtaboy]

Just an observation- your new window looks very thin gauge....so thin, that it seems almost like there's permanent wrinkles in there and something that will crack very easily when the weather is marginal. Since the sewing in of the new window will be a major pain in the rear for you in terms of effort, perhaps better to first source a thicker gauge plastic similar to the OEM window?

[mptoledo]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Just an observation- your new window looks very thin gauge....so thin, that it seems almost like there's permanent wrinkles in there and something that will crack very easily when the weather is marginal. Since the sewing in of the new window will be a major pain in the rear for you in terms of effort, perhaps better to first source a thicker gauge plastic similar to the OEM window?

Yes it thin, but it was all they had. I rolled it up and folded it(like putting down the top) in the 30 degree weather and it seemed pliable. I am ready to start sewing it in tomorrow. I am going to do a little at a time and should finish it up in less than 4 hours. Time isn't an issue and I enjoy this type of stuff so I am going to give it a shot.

thanks for the input though

[wanna986]

Wonderful initiative.
Keep us posted!

[kabel]

One of the challenging parts of the job is keeping the new materials in place while you try to stitch. You'll see in one of my pics I used binder clips. I removed the entire top from the car, frame and all, and sewed in the new vinyl in my living room.

The most tedious and time consuming part of the job was the actual stitching: Crawl under, poke needle and thread through to outside of top, crawl out, pull needle and thread through, poke needle and tread beck through to inside of top, crawl back under and repeat several hundred more times... cried my back and fingers "..never more, never more!"

[mptoledo]

Yep, Removal is rated a "1" and sewing the damn thing in has been like an "8" out of 10. I am going to get some double sided sticky tape to hold the window in place while I sew it in. I have found that making a couple stitches in various places around the window has helped, but the first try my window was off 1" to the left and I had to start over, thank god I only put in 4 stitches when I noticed.

I started to take the top off, but after reading up on it, it was as much as a chore as the window replace. Good news is, if anybody tries this they will have the advantage of learning from my mistakes.

Link for removing the top. It takes a few seconds to load so give it time.
http://images.wikia.com/boxster/images/e/eb/DIY_Boxster_Conv_Top_Canvas_R_R.pdf

[kabel]

Taking the canvas off is a pain yes, however removing the entire frame with the canvas still on is ridiculously easy, that is what I did.

[Peter Serbanica]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Just an observation- your new window looks very thin gauge....so thin, that it seems almost like there's permanent wrinkles in there and something that will crack very easily when the weather is marginal. Since the sewing in of the new window will be a major pain in the rear for you in terms of effort, perhaps better to first source a thicker gauge plastic similar to the OEM window?

In New Jersey, a plastic window that is AS6 and Dot. Approved must be used with a stamp on it in order to pass inspection. I keep the green tinted oned is stock like original but domestic plastic.

[mptoledo]

Ok, I spent a good 3 hours today,off and on, disecting this. I think I have it licked. I should have it sewn in and finished tomorrow(hopefully).

I bought some 3m outdoor carpet tape and used it to hold the window in while I sew. I started with 3 stitched points to hold it in place and make sure I had it centered. I started at the top in the middle, then did the top two corners with one loop. I left the needles hanging with enough thread to get the the next starting point clockwise.

Observation, the 3m outdoor carpet tape I got is black and is really sticky. It is working like a charm and should help a lot with waterproofing.

[Boxtaboy]

Good luck man, and keep us updated with the progres. It's sounds like a bear of a job, so it will be great to see you succeed!

[mptoledo]

UPDATED ORIGINAL POST:

I am Finished. No pics until tomorrow. But the Damn thing is in!

[helehnhunt]

I bought some 3m outdoor carpet tape and used it to hold the window in while I sew. I started with 3 stitched points to hold it in place and make sure I had it centered. I started at the top in the middle, then did the top two corners with one loop. I left the needles hanging with enough thread to get the the next starting point clockwise.


Sealed Lead Acid Battery

[mptoledo]

Helen, are you asking me a question or just posting spam?

Originally Posted by helehnhunt

I bought some 3m outdoor carpet tape and used it to hold the window in while I sew. I started with 3 stitched points to hold it in place and make sure I had it centered. I started at the top in the middle, then did the top two corners with one loop. I left the needles hanging with enough thread to get the the next starting point clockwise.


Sealed Lead Acid Battery

[kabel]

pretty sure that's a spambot. I reported it a couple days ago.

[U986S]

My widow was replaced by the last owner. I've been using Plexus, http://www.plexusplasticcleaner.com/frames.html on it and its clearer and more flexible than when I got it. I think that it will add some life to this window. I got it a West Marine.

[kabel]

Plexus is great stuff, i need to order a new case of it.