Personally, I would visit a hardware store and get a piece of plexiglass to replace the glass if it has already broken twice. Obtain a sheet that is larger than the factory glass, then cut it to the appropriate size and form. You only need a jigsaw and some sand paper to smooth the edges; no special equipment is required.
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Can a convertible top’s glass be replaced separately?
If you’re wondering why we’ve been talking about convertible top windows so much lately, it’s because they’re a perennially hot topic and frequently asked about. In order for you to drive again in your convertible with confidence, we wish to provide you with the knowledge you need to address your questions.
Recently, we discussed whether or not you can reuse your convertible top window when you replace your top. While there were some circumstances in which you could, you could not in the majority of them. Therefore, we will discuss the opposite of that scenario today. What if the material of your convertible top is still in excellent condition and has years remaining in it but your glass requires repair? Could you just swap out the window? This issue may arise from window damage or from the window delaminating (also known as separating) from the convertible topping material around it.
The majority of the time, the answer to the question “Can I replace my convertible top window?” will be “no,” however if your top is two pieces, you may be able to buy a replacement for the window curtain section. A top section (which covers the roof area) and a separate window section are both included on two-piece convertible tops. You can buy the window section just, the top section only, or a new two-piece top on all of the product pages for two-piece tops on TopsOnline.com (both the window and the top portion). Through the late 1990s, two-piece tops were common for American cars. Other manufacturers, like Toyota and SAAB, also offered two-piece tops.
Anyone who has a single-piece convertible top is unable to replace just the glass. There is no practical method to replace the window alone and save the rest of your top if your window bond is failing (separating from your material) or if your window is broken, scratched, or otherwise damaged. It is practically difficult to connect your new window to your old top in a way that will establish a waterproof and long-lasting seal, which is why you cannot replace your window alone. No additional, post-manufacturing procedure has been demonstrated to offer a reliable seal that will meet the demands of a convertible top.
Window bonds are so crucial, even throughout production, that several convertible top manufacturers have used them as a means of standing out from the competitors. All of the manufacturers that TopsOnline has chosen to collaborate with have top-notch window bonding technology that results from years of industry experience and investments made in the process in order to provide a better bond that endures. As a result, TopsOnline is able to offer a window bond warranty on its products, supporting our faith in them.
While you choose a replacement top and wait for its installation, solutions like taping or gluing your window in place should only be considered as very short-term repairs.
So, if you are having window problems, we hope that this news has not come as a huge blow. The good news is that replacement convertible top options can be relatively reasonably priced, and TopsOnline sells numerous brands of tops in a variety of fabrics, giving you lots of options. We would be pleased to assist you in selecting a new top that is ideal for you, so start browsing or contact our Customer Support staff.
A new convertible top costs how much?
The brand and type of your car determine a lot of the cost of replacing a convertible top. However, the costs often consist of the following:
- one substitute top (including pop rivets, staples, hold-down cables, and adhesive)
- a windshield sealant strip (for those who own a vehicle with glass windows with rubber trim)
- silicone aerosol
Many DIY kits frequently do not include a new curtain window and backlight, so if you intend to complete the project yourself, be sure to buy these separately.
How much does it cost to replace a convertible’s back window?
Cost. In terms of parts alone, a new convertible rear window can run you anywhere from $100 to $400, and labor costs can range from $50 to $150, depending on local labor rates. The brand, material, and finish of a replacement item affect its cost.
What is the lifespan of a convertible top?
4. Rinse everything off completely right once after cleaning because any cleansers left on top could damage the color.
5. Never use an automatic car wash with a convertible!
6. Never use paper towels or Windex when caring for plastic convertible windows. The ideal solution is chilly water and a nice microfiber cloth. Household glass cleaners will damage the window, making it splotchy and foggable.
7. Only use a very soft bristles brush on extremely filthy areas when caring for fabric convertible tops. After washing, softly rub and lightly brush.
8. Never use a brush or paper towels to clean a vinyl convertible top; instead, use a soft microfiber cloth.
9. Additional spray-on protectants are not required with regular cleaning and maintenance.
Usage in general and trouble spots:
1. The typical lifespan of a convertible top is 5-7 years when properly maintained.
2. In the event that it is below 60 degrees, a convertible top should never be lowered.
3. Never spend the night with a convertible top down.
4. Never leave the top down while storing a convertible for an extended period of time.
5. Clear the top deck area of all things before lowering your convertible top. Any materials left behind have the potential to break a glass window and scratch or puncture a plastic pane. These things can also harm the components of the frame if applied with significant force.
6. Most manufacturers advise waiting 7 to 10 days after installing a new convertible top, or until the temperature reaches 60 degrees, before lowering the top.
7. If you’re thinking about replacing your convertible top, don’t try to “assist” your upholsterer by taking the top off yourself. Removal and installation have a process that should be handled by an expert.
8. Do not push the convertible top to close if you are experiencing issues with the engine; instead, seek professional assistance. Not all upholstery shops can fix frame and motor problems, but Dark Dog Customs can. Visit a trustworthy mechanic if your neighborhood convertible top expert does not handle frame or motor problems.
What material does a convertible window have?
Consider the distinctions between glass windows and vinyl windows when looking for a replacement convertible top window for your car (also known as plastic windows).
Since the advent of convertible cars, glass top windows have become the industry standard because they provide robust rear window protection from the elements, as well as durability and safety, which is what every owner desires. Glass convertible top windows are totally safe for your car because they are constructed of DOT-rated safety glass.
When looking to fix your convertible top, did you realize that vinyl convertible top windows offer a wonderful bargain alternative? Vinyl convertible top windows are composed of DOT-rated 40-gauge plastic and are weather- and wear-resistant for the duration of your ownership of your vehicle. So when thinking about how to get the most for your money, they are a fantastic solution.
This query is based on a typical misconception regarding glass versus plastic windows. Safety glass is used in place of Plexiglas in car windows. When we say “plastic convertible top windows,” we mean soft, Vinyl 40-guage plastic windows that have received DOT certification as being safe for use in vehicles.
No, the windows in vinyl convertible tops are more softer and more flexible.
Why would I choose to purchase vinyl convertible top windows over glass ones?
Vinyl windows provide a terrific solution for you if you want to reduce costs without compromising quality.
Although vinyl windows are not an option for all years, makes, or models, many well-liked vehicles do have this less-expensive choice. For the following vehicles, replacement convertible tops with both glass windows and vinyl windows are offered:
How is a vinyl window frame repaired?
What to Do If Your Vinyl Window Frame Has a Crack?
- First, sanitize the vicinity of the crack.
- Step 2: Don a fresh pair of gloves and delicately apply vinyl adhesive inside and on top of the crack.
- Step 3: Give it 24 hours to dry.
- Step 4: Carefully scrape away any extra adhesive with a razor blade.
How is a convertible top cleaned?
A convertible car is frequently an exhilarating blend of beauty and performance, giving it bragging rights with horsepower. Owners of convertibles enjoy driving their open-air vehicles on pleasant days, but when bad weather arrives, a convertible top is necessary to protect from the elements.
These prestige symbols may be enjoyable and aesthetically beautiful, but if the fragile convertible top material is not well cared for, it can seem ragged and old, detracting from the elegance of the car. Convertible top materials, whether made of fabric or vinyl, shouldn’t be treated with the same level of care as a car’s painted surfaces. It needs to be handled delicately and protected because it is less resilient than the fiberglass or painted steel of the rest of the vehicle.
Convertible tops that aren’t properly maintained or that aren’t protected can age much more quickly, perhaps developing leaks as well as an unattractive appearance. Fabric convertible tops are chemically treated to repel water and contaminants, whereas vinyl tends to survive the environment for a longer period of time. These shields, though, will lose their effectiveness with time. Your convertible top needs a protectant treatment if you see any wet areas where water has pooled or seeped through the fabric.
A convertible top protectant should be applied after washing your convertible top at least once each month. The delicate surface of your convertible top may be harmed by common household cleaning supplies that contain substances like bleach, alcohol, vinegar, and ammonia. Cloth or vinyl will soon disintegrate when cleaned harshly, and ammonia and alcohol will dry the fabric and give the vinyl a hazy, lifeless appearance.
Your convertible top should be cleaned and deodorized with a non-abrasive cleaner that won’t harm the fabrics or vinyl. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner effectively removes dirt and grime without the use of harsh chemicals, and it won’t leave behind any dangerous residue that could damage the protectant or fade the appearance of your top.
Always spot test a surface before using it, particularly convertible top back windows. Pre-wet the surface before cleaning heavy dirt. This makes it simpler to wash clean and helps the Simple Green penetrate dirt.
- Prepare your Simple Green mixture. In a spray bottle, combine about one ounce of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with one cup of water.
- Use the Simple Green approach. To prevent the surface of the convertible top from drying out too quickly before rinsing, spray it in small portions. If allowed to dry, rinsing will take longer.
- To assist in removing filth, gently clean with a soft bristle brush or non-abrasive scrubbing pad.
- Use clean water to rinse. If you’re washing the entire car, hose it off; if you’re only cleaning the roof, rinse by wiping down the surface with a damp microfiber pad or non-abrasive cloth.
- Dry with a fresh microfiber towel or a soft cloth.
- Put some protection on. Utilize a protectant made especially for convertible tops.
How challenging is a convertible top replacement?
These convertible tops from TopsOnline are made of high-quality fabrics like Haartz Twillfast RPC Cloth and have the same factory-original patterns and designs as other tops. When compared to other brands that use various materials, this can help you save money. You can see an example of how the TopsOnline brand can save you more than $200 with the BMW 128i and 135i here. The fabric is the main distinction between TopsOnline private-label shirts, therefore this is a fantastic method to get a high-quality top at a lower price than premium materials are given.
The TopsOnline brand also provides the same warranty as top-tier replacement convertible top manufacturers. For instance, replacement tops from Topsonline that contain glass windows are covered by the same lifetime window bond warranty that is provided by our premium manufacturers.
Reusing Hardware & Accessories
In addition to the top material, convertible tops also need a frame, pads, and cables. Reusing these parts will allow you to reduce the cost of replacing your convertible top. You must determine whether they are in sufficient condition to be reused. Never reuse any parts that have corroded or been corroded by water.
Almost always, the frame of the convertible top can be used again. You may need to have your convertible top frame repaired or replaced if it is bent, warped, or otherwise not able to raise or lower properly. Check with your installer about your options. For the vast majority of automobiles, replacing the convertible top frames is not necessary.
Convertible top pads are placed between the new convertible material and your convertible top frame to prevent friction damage to the material when the top is raised or lowered. You can reuse these pads to save money if you are really on a tight budget and if they are not damaged or worn down.
The convertible top is raised and lowered evenly and smoothly with the aid of side-tension wires. Your side-tension cables are probably in good order if your top is opening and closing without difficulty and is not drooping or leaning to one side. When removing them, be careful not to damage them, and check them for water damage. (For more information on recycling your cables, visit this blog.)
You can avoid having to replace your convertible top and save hundreds of dollars by reusing these components.
Installation
With the development of the Internet, DIY-savvy auto owners with toolboxes have access to a wide range of materials. Experience has taught us that installing a convertible top is one of the trickiest installation tasks you’ll encounter with your automobile, therefore we advise leaving it to the pros. They are effective and can save you from making an expensive mistake that could end up ruining the top or causing a leak that would necessitate repairs to the interior of your convertible. To receive a price on installing your new convertible top, look through our list of Installers Near You.
You will be better prepared than the ordinary weekend hobbyist if you have experience with car upholstery repair and have the necessary time and tools (see this blog, which details the tools you’ll need). TopsOnline offers installation videos on well-known models that may be ordered as DVDs or accessed through our streaming collection for people with prior experience installing auto upholstery. We give you the streaming installation video for free when you buy a replacement convertible top for these specific models.
Repairing vs. Replacing
We can verify that mending shredded or damaged convertible tops is much more difficult than it initially appears because we have been in this business since 1987. If you are thinking about having your convertible top repaired, we went into great length about it on this blog, so we encourage you to read it.
You can get a new convertible top on TopsOnline while shopping with these suggestions in mind, saving hundreds of dollars from your entire investment and getting your convertible top looking and functioning excellent once more.