Soft top experiment

[jrj3rd]

Removing the top from the frame is not too involved and allows you to have a new window sewn in properly... I replaced the top on mine in 1 1/2 hours start to finish, working alone.

[Jgkram]

I too have replaced the top on mine and it really is not as hard as it is made out to be. That was two years ago and it still looks great and I get compliments on how tight and wrinkle free it is.

There is a youtube out there of a guy re-stitching his window back to the canvas by hand. I believe he left it in the frame. Definitely didn't appear to be something I would want to tackle and it was a little wavy in the end. But, it can be done. Good luck which ever way you choose to go.

[ike84]

Originally Posted by Jgkram

I too have replaced the top on mine and it really is not as hard as it is made out to be. That was two years ago and it still looks great and I get compliments on how tight and wrinkle free it is.



There is a youtube out there of a guy re-stitching his window back to the canvas by hand. I believe he left it in the frame. Definitely didn't appear to be something I would want to tackle and it was a little wavy in the end. But, it can be done. Good luck which ever way you choose to go.

I've seen that video and a thread on here about seeing in a new one. I'm pretty handy with a needle and thread but it just looks so painful lol. I will definitely keep updated on the process. The adhesives should be here next week. The real test will be over the next few months.

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[Starter986]

When mine gets to the point where it is unsightly I'll have canvas glued/adhesive to the outside... a "blackout", if you will... no rear window/vinyl... and install behind the rear bumper cover the camera that will be attached/transmitted to the rear-view mirror.

That's what I'm considering.

[ike84]

Originally Posted by Starter986

When mine gets to the point where it is unsightly I'll have canvas glued/adhesive to the outside... a "blackout", if you will... no rear window/vinyl... and install behind the rear bumper cover the camera that will be attached/transmitted to the rear-view mirror.



That's what I'm considering.

I thought about that too. I didn't know if it's legal to not have a back window, not that it matters too much. I love the idea of the rear camera and Android "mirror" though. You could mount it low on the dash like old school.

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[Starter986]

Originally Posted by ike84

I thought about that too. I didn't know if it's legal to not have a back window, not that it matters too much. I love the idea of the rear camera and Android "mirror" though. You could mount it low on the dash like old school.

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I belive that in Cali that you've either the side mirrors or the interior rear-view mirror.

My big downer with the vinyl window is that sun beating through warming up the interior. Now... you may ask, "Why wouldn't you have the top down in such great weather?" Well, when it's 110 to 120 out... it's quite the drag.

Speaking of drag... it's usually in Palm Springs when I have the top up. Further, the top up keeps out the bears.

[ike84]

Originally Posted by jrj3rd

Removing the top from the frame is not too involved and allows you to have a new window sewn in properly... I replaced the top on mine in 1 1/2 hours start to finish, working alone.

Wait a minute, you removed and reinstalled the top to the frame in 90 minutes? All the writeups I've seen on that put it at an 8-12 hr job. How did you do it so fast?

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