Rear glass window starting to separate

Discussion in 'The ragtop shop' started by rccdriver, May 17, 2012.

  1. rccdriver

    rccdriver Randy (SSBLISS)

    Does anyone know, please and thanks, of a good sealant/adhesive to stop the ragtop from separating from the rear glass window...it is starting to open up along the (fake) stitching at both lower corners...tx much ( I've heard that any windshield auto repair place would have the proper sealant/adhesive...anyone experience this? If applied, do you tape it until it hardens?...and does it work?...tx again Randy
     
  2. 66electrafied

    66electrafied Just tossing in my nickel's worth

    Not a great sistuation, that means the top is due to be replaced, the inner curtain is laminated to the window. If it starts to split and separate, then the inner curtain and window should be replaced at the least. I've been told that some adhesives might work, but one really has to know how the top folds otherwise you might wind up with a well of broken glass. I'd take it to a shop that deals with tops and have them look at it, they at least know how things fold up and could probably glue it back up properly.
     
  3. rccdriver

    rccdriver Randy (SSBLISS)

    Thanks for the info Marc, I've been thinking about taking it to a ragtop shop, they would probably know best...then someone suggested an adhesive...it seems to be just the outside corners, like dirt got in there etc and slowly loosened the edges.
    The top is not that old and in excellent shape otherwise...I'll let you know what I find, meanwhile anybody's other suggestions would be appreciated...Randy:idea2:
     
  4. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    If it is an old top, I would not spend very much money on an attempt at patching it. But if it is garaged and not driven in the rain, you may make it a long time befoore you have to address a top change.
     
  5. rccdriver

    rccdriver Randy (SSBLISS)

    Thanks Jim, that's what I've been doing...although it just looks like it is getting worse very slowly...anyway, I think I will bring it to a shop, just to see what they recommend..and let you folks know what they say...cheers...Randy
     
  6. Matt Knutson

    Matt Knutson Well-Known Member

    How old is your top? How is it stored? Could you post a picture or three of the deterioration/damage?

    Thanks, Matt
     
  7. steve covington

    steve covington Well-Known Member

    For a relatively cheap repair, get a tube of polyurethane premium construction adhesive (tube like caulking) from a hardware store or Lowes, or Home Depot, etc. Put wide masking tape in the area where the glass would be exposed to prevent smearing. Rig some type of space filler to support the glass when you PARTIALLY open the top about two or three feet. This will allow the material to release tension. Do NOT allow the top to be able to 'fall' into the open position, as this could break the glass; if it 'falls', you want it to go towards being top in the 'up' position. Put a bead of the adhesive in the affected area, and put wax paper on the area, and put weight (about ten to fifteen pounds) on top of the wax paper. This will 'sandwich' the material to the glass, and spread the adhesive better. Allow it to cure. This stuff will NOT come off, and holds so freaking well. It holds up wall panels in houses instead of nails. Get the picture? You can use a razor (carefully) to remove excess from the glass after it dries.
     
  8. rccdriver

    rccdriver Randy (SSBLISS)

    Hi Matt, will get some pics on shortly, great idea!

    ---------- Post added at 09:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:22 AM ----------

    Thanks Steve, I've thought of doing this, but didn't know what adhesive would work...just to be sure tho, as I mentioned to Matt, I'll post some pics, and take it from there...thanks for all the replies folks...
     
  9. rccdriver

    rccdriver Randy (SSBLISS)

    Top would be about 8 years old, but overall great shape...the car is always stored indoors...it just looks like some dust got into the lower corners and then slowly started to eat away the laminated area. Maybe not quite done properly from beginning...anyway, here's the pics...(When I take the car out, it's always a nice day, so the top goes down, stays down until getting home, where it's always stored closed up)...so it's down and up maybe once or twice a week pending the weather...[​IMG][/IMG][​IMG][/IMG][​IMG][/IMG]
     

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