Hey guys, does anyone out there have any methods to keep the rear window zipper from pulling apart? Being new to convertibles, last year I unzipped the rear window in the summer to drop it into the well since I intended to drive with the top down for an extended time. This was what the original manual recommended. When I went to put the window up in the fall I could not get the zipper to close w/o pulling apart even when using bees wax for lube. I had been putting off having the zipper replaced for many reasons including the $250-300 price I was quoted. Finally yesterday I was able to carefully get it to close and stay closed after I let the car set in the sun for a couple of hours (yes, I did and have always unlatched the top and even put a spacer between the ws frame and top to remove the tension). The zipper has stayed closed even when the latches are closed. I figure this puts tension on the zipper and helps keep it closed o No: Anyway, my fear now is that when I put the top down the zipper may come undone during the raise/drop of the top. I don't intend to ever unzip the window again. The car rarely gets driven in bad weather but I do like to take it out in the late fall and early spring. I was thinking that maybe I could staple the zipper together with large saples that would span the width of the zipper or possibly even sew it together with a heavy thread or light fishing line. Neither one would show from the outside. I hate to spend $300 to replace the zipper if I'm not going to use it. I do put the top up between drives to keep it from getting wrinkled and also to keep the car cover supported. Any ideas? o No:
Not uncommon...a certain amount of tension needed in that area to keep window/top wrinkle-free when top up. Add to that some top shrinkage... You've already discovered the "fix." The sun, and release top at header. I would advise using technique both lowering/raising top. Also, follow owner's manual instructions for lowering, or you will eventually wind up w/infamous top tear behind quarter window. As for supporting car cover...yeah, cover sags, but I store mine w/top down...
Thanks for the advise. I always follow the instructions for lowering the top. I wasn't aware not doing so could cause tears. That's good to know. Maybe I'll just start storing the car with the top down during the summer.
Take a look at the slider-the end where the teeth go in can open up and not pull the 2 halves of the zipper together. Very careful squeeze the end a little tighter with a pliers. I've done this to a lot of Jeep top zippers. Good luck!
I was advised by the installer of my new top to keep the top up when the car is in the garage, this will extend the life of the top and reduce shrinking.
When I bought the top for my old LeMans the manufacture said to never leave it down for extended amounts of time.
Thanks for the input guys. All is well with the top and the rear window zipper. It has stayed together through several raise/lower cycles. I continue to store it with the top up 90% of the time. It keeps the bugs and cats out and makes it easier to get the cover in place which keeps the cats from damaging the top and/or finish.
