Soft Top window renewed

[derfo]

I posted some time ago that I would be attempting to renew the plastic window in my 2002 S. It broke one frosty morning when I forgot the rules. Anyway the options were, take it to a shop to get it done, get another top, upgrade to a glass window top or have a go myself. The soft top was in very good condition, even after all these years, and I didn't really fancy the glass (smaller, restricted engine access). So here goes.

This is the back or inside of the roof, I have released the stitching and am now
pulling off the vinyl trim.


I am taking the old stitching out here. You can see how it faded over time, it was
still very strong though.


You can see the glue seal hear that Porsche used. They used it between the window
and the roof and between the window and the vinyl on the back.


See the notch in the old window, that is the centre. There is one on the top and
bottom edges, dont forget to mark these on your new window. There is a notch
in the roof top and bottom to line up with.


I am marking round the old window hear, ready for cutting.





I have just cut the window and the rear vinyl to shape hear. I found that a good
pair of sharp scissors cut the window out fine.


You can see the materials and stitcher hear, notice the coil of glue strip.


Here I am marking out the vinyl trim for the back of the window, the one that came
off was ripped.


This is the stitching. Its a lock stitch, the thread is black nylon 20's with a fine needle,
notice the glue strip. I am pulling the white cover tape off it as I go along



I was told I had too many images on, so I will have to do another post with the rest.

[aklava]

Might be worth while posting a step by step bulletin as this could be useful to many members.

[ghtaboma]

I'm in the same boat! Great top, but cracked window. Where do you get the plastic?

[derfo]

Originally Posted by ghtaboma

I'm in the same boat! Great top, but cracked window. Where do you get the plastic?

Hello ghtaboma

I got the PVC from Maidstone Trimming, I am in the UK. You will be able to get it over your side easily enough. It comes in various thicknesses. The people I got mine from recommend 1mm thickness not 0.75. They said 1mm is the standard here on production cars.

[derfo]

Originally Posted by aklava

Might be worth while posting a step by step bulletin as this could be useful to many members.

Hello aklava
I have started adding a few comments above the photos. Have a look at my other post with the rest of the photos on.

[Rot 911]

Absolutely great post! You definitely have the patience to take on that project.

[derfo]

Well, here we are, all done. The roof is back on the car, and I am really pleased with the look of the finished job. The real test will come when I go out in the rain. Its been well worth the effort and yes I would do another one if the need arose. I am not on the road until July after the winter lay up. Later on in the year I will post again on this topic.


The original window was tinted green. I didn't notice this until after I ordered my clear window. I would have tried to get tinted probably, but still, I am happy with this.

[derfo]

[QUOTE=derfo;7417632]Well, here we are, all done. The roof is back on the car, and I am really pleased with the look of the finished job. The real test will come when I go out in the rain. Its been well worth the effort and yes I would do another one if the need arose. I am not on the road until July after the winter lay up. Later on in the year I will post again on this topic.


As promised, the finished job, and what better test, the British weather. Although to be fare we have had just over a week of lovely sunshine. No leaks so far, I am really pleased with the job and wouldn't hesitate to do another one if I had too.

[Scnell Gelb]

Make sure you get Marine grade u.v. resistant clear vinyl. There are several brands like Strataglas for example.
Thicker is not better- just muc hrder to sew. Clearer is not better. The most u.v. inhibitor is the best.U.V. is what causes the yellowing and cold makes it even more brittle.
https://www.sailmakerssupply.com/prod_detail_list/window-material