TRANSPARENT TOP CRAZING question
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
TRANSPARENT TOP CRAZING question
Two years ago I bought a used clear top from a forum member for my 2011GS. It was from a 2009. Well, it finally developed the crazing. Can't really tell from inside or more than few feet away outside but it still bothers me. A few years back I had a company put a window film with graphics on my business store front windows. From inside you look out and do not see the graphics, only a darker tint. Pretty neat actually. Up close you can see into my store like looking through dark tint. If you look at the film up close from outside it is actually not solid but has tiny holes/perforations throughout. I was wondering if covering the top in this black film might be a solution. It is an exterior product that you can still see through. It would not be as glossy and it would probably cost $100 or less. It should hide the crazing. I just hate to spend another $800 for that piece of polycarbonate plastic(crash panel?) Any thoughts/ideas?
#2
Advanced
Hmmm Good question! I just bought a new top off a forum member and have been considering having the top I replaced covered with that carbon fiber overlay I have seen advertised. Not sure if that can be done with the crazed top?
How would they seal the overlay you are considering? I fear the direct sun may be the enemy.
How would they seal the overlay you are considering? I fear the direct sun may be the enemy.
Last edited by Josephcat; 08-14-2016 at 09:53 AM.
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BROCKYJACK (08-14-2016)
#3
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Hmmm Good question! I just bought a new top off a forum member and have been considering having the top I replaced covered with that carbon fiber overlay I have seen advertised. Not sure if that can be done with the crazed top?
How would they seal the overlay you are considering? I fear the direct sun may be the enemy.
How would they seal the overlay you are considering? I fear the direct sun may be the enemy.
#5
Le Mans Master
yes let us know !
if it makes you feel any better mine is crazing also
Bought it from a forum member a year ago and it was fine but I leave mine on the car all year except in the summer months when its to hot
Started to notice the crazing while looking out from the inside a certain way into the sun .... cant see it from the outside yet and most of the time you cant even see it from the inside but I can assure you its there and can only get worse
Dave
Last edited by Dcasole; 08-14-2016 at 04:01 PM.
#7
Race Car Tech
Two years ago I bought a used clear top from a forum member for my 2011GS. It was from a 2009. Well, it finally developed the crazing. Can't really tell from inside or more than few feet away outside but it still bothers me. A few years back I had a company put a window film with graphics on my business store front windows. From inside you look out and do not see the graphics, only a darker tint. Pretty neat actually. Up close you can see into my store like looking through dark tint. If you look at the film up close from outside it is actually not solid but has tiny holes/perforations throughout. I was wondering if covering the top in this black film might be a solution. It is an exterior product that you can still see through. It would not be as glossy and it would probably cost $100 or less. It should hide the crazing. I just hate to spend another $800 for that piece of polycarbonate plastic(crash panel?) Any thoughts/ideas?
I'd be interested in finding out how this exterior tint would work. I see a piece of 20% exterior window tint (6'x5') is less than $60.00 from Windowtint.com
If you decide to go this route, let me know the outcome. It would be nice if it did indeed hide the crazing-spider webbing effect.
#8
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Last edited by Gearhead Jim; 08-14-2016 at 10:04 PM.
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BROCKYJACK (08-20-2016)
#10
Race Car Tech
I heard of this. How long is the process of sanding to remove all the mess, and the cost. Would they ever do it again, or an experiment that was done once.
#11
Le Mans Master
Yes I would like to know the same ....
#12
Melting Slicks
Wondering the same as well. Discovered some crazing on my transparent top after seeing it in the bright sun. Disappointing Would love a way to get this fixed without ordering a brand new top.
#13
Burning Brakes
The only way I could see that working is if the urethane somehow penetrates the tiny cracks to make it more invisible like a windshield repair. It would be interesting to know what kind of urethane they used. I also wonder if it would work on headlight lenses.
#14
4th Gear
Top crazing
they had the top for 3 days . I live in sierra vista az . They got all of the crazing out i just have two small cracks on the edge that can't be seen. The cost was 350.00 to 400.00 the body shop is the name of the shop located at 588 myer dr. 520-459-2047
#15
4th Gear
The crazing is caused by the type of clear gm used on the lexan top by sanding the clear off and buffing it and spraying a clear coat that flexes works . The surface is smooth from the sanding and buffing.
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05millenium (08-25-2016)
#18
Le Mans Master
#19
Advanced
Has anybody ever tried this solution.
It helps to protect your paint from chipping
it could also help protect you roofpanel.
When applied correctly its not visible
Maybe some of the forum sponsors will sell the foil.
It helps to protect your paint from chipping
it could also help protect you roofpanel.
When applied correctly its not visible
Maybe some of the forum sponsors will sell the foil.
Last edited by DarkAngelnl; 08-24-2016 at 07:53 AM.