kilowatt

my car is a 99 with around 62K miles. I have State Farm Insurance.

TJefferson2020

I started this thread because everybody uses Rhino glue. Rhino Glue works at first but fails within 3 years.

This time I used 3M 08609 Window-Weld Super Fast Urethane with 3M 08682 Single Step Primer - 30 ml

My hope is that it will hold much longer. I'm not certain but I bet the primer is an etching type because it goes on the glass.

First Image

I taped mine all around and then cut the tape to mark the position of the top before removal. (This ended up being pointless)

I stuck a mallet here to relax the pressure on the top and glass.

Don't forget to unscrew these safety tabs. And then don't forget to attach them later (I did. I shall cut those off with much optimism that the glue will render them useless)

Note the previous Rhino Glue build up. I did that fix three times over 5 years.

I separated the rest of the window. It was still attached at the bottom securely to a flap under the top - I left this intact to help position it later.

TJefferson2020

Let me know if the pictures are upside down. They are on my machine.

I used acetone and a rag (a sock...) and scrubbed the glass and top.

Then I used 80 grit sandpaper to get as much off the top as I could - often pouring some acetone on the sandpaper. I used a razor blade to remove from the glass.

Hastily masked off everything. (this crap gets everywhere - mask, mask, mask.)

Next step - apply primer to super clean glass. I hit it with acetone after it was done.

TJefferson2020

Let the primer dry for 10-15 minutes.

I applied a bead of the Window Weld and used a brush to spread it out on the glass (not sure if necessary)

Then the trouble started.

I should have bought twice as many suction cup clamps. Also, the clamps held for about 3 minutes. Then they became a nightmare and I discarded them.

After stuffing towels under the glass to support it, I used ammo cans (they are full of fairy dust which is very heavy) to CAREFULLY weigh the edges down using some stir sticks to spread the weight.

Lining it up was a challenge. It is a little crooked. The biggest problem was the ammo cans would cause the placement to change. If I had good clamps and about 12 of them, it might have been different.

I also used some sticks wedged behind the seat. I used the seat controls to slide the seat back to increase pressure on the stick until it was just right. (all of this done in a huge hurry - this stuff sets pretty fast. Maybe 20 min of working time in my 100°F garage.)

Plus a third stick from the console. (pop out the screw cover to keep the stick from sliding).

Went and took a nap for 3 hours. This is the end result after cleaning and using a razor to clean up the edges and the adhesive that was on the glass.

I will post here over time to update on longevity. It seems really strong. I may also run a bead of Rhino Glue around the edge. The glue works well for that - it seals the edge and is invisible.

TJefferson2020

TJefferson2020

Fixed action coming loose in Jan. With WindowWeld Still holding strong.

Energy CC

That sucks man. All the work and it's still coming loose. Maybe we can find some of type heat activated glue, like the factory used. Or some type of heat "clamp" or something that will marry this window glass to the rag top forever (and ever!!)

I used Rhino glue too, but it didn't even last a week. I think they more you use the top and fold it, the more stress gets put on the glass. Sucks...

Sam Handwich

for repairs like this preparation is everything. You have to get all surfaces really clean. Use fresh glue. Mask off areas to prevent squeeze-out damage. Clamp and block securely. Give the adhesive plenty of time to dry.
Some projects are an incredible PITA, but being picky improves your chances of success.

C5MSG2004Vert

I repaired a Chevy Cavalier convertible top window that was falling out. Car was old and did not want to replace top so I used Dow Corning Clear RTV. It lasted for over 3 years until I junked the car.

helphos

I've used 3M WindoWeld successfully on other cars, so when my widow became detached on my 2003 Anniversary Edition vert, I ordered the WindoWeld and the primer plus the funky suction cup clamps. I used alcohol and razor blades to clean the glass and the cloth surfaces where the adhesive would go, and spread the WindoWeld with a caulking gun. My repair is only a few weeks old at this point, but all indications are that it's going to be a permanent fix ( at least for the sides of the glass where the problem was). If the top or bottom edges let go, I'll use the 3M products on those areas as well.
I'll probably replace the convertible top within the next 2-3 years, so if the repair lasts that long, I'll be happy.

Poppafox03

Just had the window fall out on my '03 Anniversary. Did Rhino repair around a year ago. Just ordered the 3M Fast Cure Auto Glass Urethane Adhesive 08690 and primer and 6 suction clamps. Will let y'all know how it goes.
BTW our local 'Vette guru sez need to replace top @ $1700. My top is in excellent condition so I'll try the 3M urethane. Will also contact my insurance company to see what they have to say.

Sam Handwich

A few things to keep in mind on that repair. Urethane is a moisture cure product, so the moist in the air is part of the mechanism (chemically speaking) that happens.
i will often mist the area where the 3M urethane was applied after all the clamping is done.
urethane has a dry time of at least 24 hours or longer according labels I have read.
hope that helps