rear window is torn :(

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by gschotland

If your top's in otherwise good shape (from what little your photo shows it appears to be) consider replacing the rear window only. This is far less costly than replacing the entire top. Lots of posts on this topic. Do a search.

Thanks, gschotland. Do you know if people have put glass into their original tops that came with plastic? The top does have some wear at some points, you can kind of make some out in the picture above where there's some darkness in the top (bottom left quadrant of the image). These areas where the top folds show some very light abrasion to the material, but nothing that would warrant replacement. I just figured unless there's a way to put in a heated glass window I'd end up having to go for a new top with one in it. I don't really want to replace it with plastic again, as I'm still suspicious that someone was a jerk and cut it.

[urban_legend]

You can get the vinyl replaced for about $300 or so. But if your top is the original from a '97 then I think you are about do for a new top with a glass window.

[Overdrive]

Thanks guys, the top is the original one, and prior to me buying the car it sat in a lot for 5 years on the lot of the dealer, exposed to the elements, the impeccable aim of birds, etc., but I can definitely say the top could look a lot worse than it does. I started looking into threads where members talked about switching over to a later model year top from the same generation when they started using glass, so I may look into this as an alternative that won't cost me engine access.

EDIT: And I agree, urban, it could be paranoia, but the more I look at it the more I feel it's not a tear.

[Jake D]

There have been some recent threads on having a new piece of vinyl sewn in. I am currently going through the process as mine cracked while I was changing out the air filter. I don't have the $ to spend on a GAHH top and my top is still in good enough shape. I peeled the canvas off in probably 45 mins by myself and its at an upholstery shop. I'm going to go with tinted vinyl also to make it blend in with the rest of my car. Think it's like $100 to have it sewn in. Total cost with everything is going to be around $150

[986_inquiry]

Originally Posted by Jake D

There have been some recent threads on having a new piece of vinyl sewn in. I am currently going through the process as mine cracked while I was changing out the air filter. I don't have the $ to spend on a GAHH top and my top is still in good enough shape. I peeled the canvas off in probably 45 mins by myself and its at an upholstery shop. I'm going to go with tinted vinyl also to make it blend in with the rest of my car. Think it's like $100 to have it sewn in. Total cost with everything is going to be around $150

I'm facing the same problem, plastic rear window is detaching from the fabric top.

You had the entire plastic rear window replaced for $150 installed? How did you manage that? I could see finding someone as low as $100 for install from a independent installer, but the plastic was only $50?

[nieuwhzn]

Originally Posted by 986_inquiry

I'm facing the same problem, plastic rear window is detaching from the fabric top.

You had the entire plastic rear window replaced for $150 installed? How did you manage that? I could see finding someone as low as $100 for install from a independent installer, but the plastic was only $50?

Kal Glas 40 Gauge Vinyl Window Material 29" x 68"

[tuanle16]

od...that looks like a "cut" to me. mine is worn in the same area, but completely different looking. not sharp like yours.

and to answer your question about glass window...you can not replace the plastic with glass unless you change out the top. i am thinking of doing the same thing.

perhaps, you got a good thing going though. if it was cut, then you can claim vandalism from your insurance company and have them replace the top for you.