Soft top plastic window R/R while on frame.

[Lapister]

You would think that this day in age someone would have invented a hand stitcher that would sew these from one side of the soft top but apparently not. You can do this alone but it would take a very long time and that is with softtop/frame off the car. With 2 people it goes rather fast. The awl stitcher tool is the easiest to use and saves your fingers as well from punctures. Hand sewing a needle thru 40 mil plastic and canvas can be very labor intensive. The awl on eBay goes for about 10 dollars or less all day. The pin/clutches about $6 for 20 count, basting tape for another $9, and the new Plastic window about $30.

[robdelorenzo]

I'm back again and it's new top time.
My question is whether or not a glass window affects the level of access to the top of the engine compartment as opposed to a plastic one.
The plastic one folds nicely and can be raised up from the rear and I am wondering if that's the case if I go the glass route.
Thanks.

[Lapister]

Yes, the glass window will not fold and makes access to forward engine bay a bit of a PIA. Also the aftermarket glass tops are bit smaller and aesthetically not as pleasing as a true factory 03,04 top due to the 4th bow in the frame. Just after I repaired mine I found a Glass top cover. The original plastic window frame looks better on a 02 car. Just my opinion.

[robdelorenzo]

Thanks Lapister, you confirmed what I had concluded from my research.
Now the only question is whether or not to go with a green window or clear.