Convertible Top & Rear Window Questions

[DreamN]

So recently acquired a '93 'vert and it had the typical crappy rear window issue. Problem was, previous owner (or one of them anyways), tried doing the quickie repair explained on Nico and failed miserably at it.

So now I want to give it a go, but would like some input.

I have some 20 ga. clear vinyl that I'd like to lay in a dual layer. Trying to find a vinyl specific or similar spray on adhesive that will spray on completely clear.

Also, trying to see what the best way is to go about the installation. So far I've been thinking of cutting out the window shape in some fairly ridged material first. Then laying one layer of vinyl and spraying a coat of adhesive in order to lay the second layer.

The NICO method uses velcro to install and hot glue gun stick to seal. Haven't really decided on going with this exact method just yet. Doubt I'll go with the hot glue gun sticks. Will probably use black commercial grade silicone/caulking similar to what glass glaziers use. It's definitely water proof and tends to cure within a day.

Another issue I have is a 10" "L" shaped tear on the driver side portion of the convertible top. Obviously this top is no longer leak proof with this tear, but I want to remedy this quickly. Searched and found what I believe might be a solution:

Car Soft Top / Convertible Roof Repair - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dozd_sDlbtc)

Stormsure Flexible Repair Adhesive, hopefully this stuff is available locally. If not, I'll be ordering through Amazon. Looks like a simply enough process and sure beats my idea of just using jean patches.

To some things up, would like to know who has tried these methods and/or other methods and what has been your experience? Still holding up? Any input on improving the NICO method?

Any constructive thoughts/input would be very much appreciated. Also, please keep the "buy a new top" comments out of this. The current top is actually in great condition and shows well; aside from the rear window and tear.

[DreamN]

No vert owners wanting to chime in?

[nurvcom]

well my vert top is trash the seams where it was stitched is coming apart :( but no rips or cuts just stitching coming apart ...

[imoverherre]

I don't know if I'm at the right line as you but I got the plastic that you use on tables the hard one but I use 2 layers and fishing string and stitched it up came out ok

[DreamN]

I don't know if I'm at the right line as you but I got the plastic that you use on tables the hard one but I use 2 layers and fishing string and stitched it up came out ok
You stitched it in or had someone do it? Regarding the dual layers, did you simply lay them over each other or used an adhesive to bond them?

Any pictures?

[future]

My top is fucked too. But i didnt buy a vert to drive with the top up anyways

[shiftdrift]

i just got done replacing a top, trust me when i tell you to take it to someone to do it, it takes a shit ton of time and it never goes right. i'd say i had 15+ hours in it, replacing the strip and all.

[bejota180sx]

mine is so teared up i quit stitching it and just put a bunch of duct tape on the tears and stiched the ends of the rips so they wouldnt keep on tearing... i mostly have the top down on car activies or stuff like that so who cares... im saving up to buy a new one soon... as for the vynil window i would say that the method you said might work, just try to get a perfect seal or it will "fog" up with humidity kinda like badly sealed headlights...

[raiglide]

Hey Jimmy! Is it white with the clear tail lights??? If so Saw you last night driving by your apartment.

[DreamN]

My top is fucked too. But i didnt buy a vert to drive with the top up anywayswhy'd you even bother to post?

i just got done replacing a top, trust me when i tell you to take it to someone to do it, it takes a shit ton of time and it never goes right. i'd say i had 15+ hours in it, replacing the strip and all.
Luckily my top doesn't need replacing. Small tear on the side should do fine with the Stormsure adhesive. Though, if I did I would still do it myself with a friend or two.
mine is so teared up i quit stitching it and just put a bunch of duct tape on the tears and stiched the ends of the rips so they wouldnt keep on tearing... i mostly have the top down on car activies or stuff like that so who cares... im saving up to buy a new one soon... as for the vynil window i would say that the method you said might work, just try to get a perfect seal or it will "fog" up with humidity kinda like badly sealed headlights...The NICO method has worked for some folks, I know it is simply based on how well it is executed. I think by using a stiff material (1/4 plywood maybe) and have the vinyl stretch over it should help the install process. Though having a hard time finding a substitute for the velcro, so guess I'll be doing something with velcro, but with my own twist on it.

Hey Jimmy! Is it white with the clear tail lights??? If so Saw you last night driving by your apartment.
Hey Peter. Yup, white with DMax tails.

You guys still around and doing meets and drives?

[future]

Because i can? Why you mad girl

[DreamN]

Typical IE kid. You make Florida types seem beneficial.

[raiglide]

I goto the burbank meet on Wednesday night usually. You free that night? should come out with us.

As for cruises. Haven't done one in forever.

[future]

I dont understand why your crying

You bought a convertable car to drive with the top up? And im the stupid IE kid. Lol

[DreamN]

I goto the burbank meet on Wednesday night usually. You free that night? should come out with us.

As for cruises. Haven't done one in forever.
I'm typically in the area. I'll head out this week just to join you guys for a quick minute.
I dont understand why your crying

You bought a convertable car to drive with the top up? And im the stupid IE kid. Lol
:picardfp:

[imoverherre]

You stitched it in or had someone do it? Regarding the dual layers, did you simply lay them over each other or used an adhesive to bond them?

Any pictures?

I just layer them over each other and I stitch it my self quick $10 job and pretty easy to do and came out pretty good you could get the plastic and any party supply shop and sorry I don't got a pic at the moment

[biggie]

Could just buy a replacement back window.

[DreamN]

I just layer them over each other and I stitch it my self quick $10 job and pretty easy to do and came out pretty good you could get the plastic and any party supply shop and sorry I don't got a pic at the moment
Good to know, I'll look into the possibility of stitching it in myself.
Could just buy a replacement back window.

Considering I'm getting install quotes as high as the cost of a new top, I rather give it a go myself before calling it quits. Besides the wifey had a roll of 20 ga vinyl and I figured I should put it to good use.

[dreamin240sx]

i just glued a piece of vinyl where the old window was at. it came out decent and its been raining here for 2 days and no leaks yet.

[DreamN]

i just glued a piece of vinyl where the old window was at. it came out decent and its been raining here for 2 days and no leaks yet.
That was the plan, but upon close inspection after removing the replacement that the previous owner installed I noticed there is no longer any portion of the original window.

I've got some ideas that seem like they would work. One involving 3M heavy duty double sided tape for the initial install and still using a sealant around the edge of the vinyl.

Problem being is I'm trying to figure out what would be a nice smooth flexible material that I can staple around the opening so that the 3M tape will adhere correctly.

I know along the top and bottom it'd be easy to staple pretty much any material with a smooth surface as it doesn't flex when the top goes down, but the sides are a different story.

Either way I know by this weekend I'll have it figured out and I'm sure I'll be satisfied with the outcome.

Oh and ordered the the Stormsure adhesive and will be trying the same method as in the youtube video in the first post. So at least the top will be taken care of.

[biggie]

Got my new top installed for $300, should be able to find somebody fairly cheap, especially if it is just the rear window. Is a pain to deal with the tops/windows though.

[Banana_Cute]

Ive called around and for a new top with window runs about $600-$700...not to mention they will change fluids and test the hydraulics.

I'd just suck it up and up. I know its not gonna rain soon in so-cal. So save u while its sunny.

My dad used some shit at the home depot. for roofing. it wasnt pretty but it did the job.

GL. post up when you can.

[DreamN]

Well, I can get a new top for around $300. There's a local distributor that sells OEM quality ones.

Though I figured since I already had the vinyl I'd fix the back window. Was just hoping that folks had perfected or had different methods other than the one on NICO.

I'll definitely post how it turns out. If I end up keeping the car for more than a year a new top will definitely be in the cards. As of right now I'm still not certain whether this will be a long term car for me. In the meantime I just want it to be presentable.