Convertible Top Window Shattered
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 91
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From: Fredericksburg VA
Convertible Top Window Shattered
Hi, I searched for some insight into my issue, but did not find any threads addressing, if I overlooked them my apologies.
Couple months ago we had a cold snap and the window on my 89 ragtop shattered. It was yellow and cloudy and just waiting to happen anyway, but it did.
The ragtop is in really good shape, my question is can I just get the plastic window replaced? And if yes, how does that exactly happen? Does the repairer remove the top, or leave the top on and use some stitchery device and replace it?
Any thoughts or comments would be great. Thanks in advance.
Robin
Couple months ago we had a cold snap and the window on my 89 ragtop shattered. It was yellow and cloudy and just waiting to happen anyway, but it did.
The ragtop is in really good shape, my question is can I just get the plastic window replaced? And if yes, how does that exactly happen? Does the repairer remove the top, or leave the top on and use some stitchery device and replace it?
Any thoughts or comments would be great. Thanks in advance.
Robin
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Minneapolis Mn
Plastic Window
I'm assuming you're talking about the back plastic window in the convertible top. Best suggestion would be contact any local shops that do top repair and installation and see what they say.
I know years back it was possible to have a plastic window replaced. In that case it was a Buick and they took the top off so they could sew the new window in.
I know years back it was possible to have a plastic window replaced. In that case it was a Buick and they took the top off so they could sew the new window in.
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Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Any good auto upholstery shop can replace the plastic window. The top material will have to be removed, but if a shop has experience in replacing convertible tops, that won't be an issue.
Some of the Corvette accessory catalogs have glass window kits as an upgrade (glass was used in later C4's as standard) With the glass, you won't have the yellowing issue and there won't be any scratches on the plastic.
Some of the Corvette accessory catalogs have glass window kits as an upgrade (glass was used in later C4's as standard) With the glass, you won't have the yellowing issue and there won't be any scratches on the plastic.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 91
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From: Fredericksburg VA
Thanks, I did call around.
One place wanted 1200 to remove and replace the top, would not entertain window replacement only. Another place wanted 900 to replace the window, but since the top has to be removed they thought that I should replace the entire top. He was to call back with a quote on that. Another place said, the glass windows fall out, but I think I would like a glass window. No quote on that one, said to call back tomorrow ????
Last but not least I found a Auto and Marine place that will do it for 450. Remove top, fix window, replace top. They had a 4.9/5 star rating, so I feel somewhat comfortable using them.
I did see kits online to transfer to a glass window, but I just can't get my head around how it would fold into the deck compartment, based on how the vinyl one folds.
r
One place wanted 1200 to remove and replace the top, would not entertain window replacement only. Another place wanted 900 to replace the window, but since the top has to be removed they thought that I should replace the entire top. He was to call back with a quote on that. Another place said, the glass windows fall out, but I think I would like a glass window. No quote on that one, said to call back tomorrow ????
Last but not least I found a Auto and Marine place that will do it for 450. Remove top, fix window, replace top. They had a 4.9/5 star rating, so I feel somewhat comfortable using them.
I did see kits online to transfer to a glass window, but I just can't get my head around how it would fold into the deck compartment, based on how the vinyl one folds.
r
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
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From: Kingman AZ
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Had the same problem on a C3 years ago. None of the top shops around here would do the job unless I got a new top.
I rented a VCR tape (I told you it was YEARS ago) from Al Knoch. I then followed the instructions, removed the top and had a boat place sew in a plastic window. $60 (in 1995) and then reinstalled the top. Turned out great!
I rented a VCR tape (I told you it was YEARS ago) from Al Knoch. I then followed the instructions, removed the top and had a boat place sew in a plastic window. $60 (in 1995) and then reinstalled the top. Turned out great!
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 700
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From: Spring Hill Florida
I had the same thing happen to my '86 and I decided to bite the bullet and replace the top with a '94 top. I was tired of that plastic window and the '94 has a glass window. At the time I did it, the top place charged me a total (top included) $1,200. I had the top and the kit to make it fold properly, dropped shipped from Eckler's. Best thing I ever did. And you will now have a heated back window also!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: cleveland tn
I had same problem on my 91. I am not at a position rt now where I can afford to pay out for a top, and my current top is in pretty good shape so I went to hobby lobby and bought plastic sheet for less than 10 bucks, cut the old plastic out and fitted the new plastic in. its not perfect, as im still trying to find the best adhesive to use to make it perminant but it seems to work pretty good, doesn't look too bad and doesn't leak... oh yeah and didn't cost me 1200 bucks!!!
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