How to Reattach Rear Window Glass to a Convertible Car Top

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Reattach the soft top material ("canvas") to the glass when just part of the canvas has detached so that the glass does not have to be re-centered within the hole in the canvas.

   If it does have to be re-centered one might do that by measuring distances with the defrosting grid as a guide and, in any case, holding the glass temporarily in place with gaffer's or other sticky tape.
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   Step 2: Open the top slightly so that it is not taut.

   Prop something such as a small empty box between the front edge of the top and the upper edge of the windshield frame so that the top stays open slightly. , If dirt has accumulated in the pocket that has been exposed to the weather you may wish to vacuum out any large particles. , If a large part is mostly separated you may wish to separate it entirely to re-seal it as one continuous piece. ,, At least in the case of cotton canvas, this will probably be not as far up onto the glass as originally (or as on a still-attached inside layer) because it will have shrunk since new. ,,, It should have just a little slack, since it needs to be pulled basically smooth but not taut when the top is closed.
   
   Just a little slack when the top is closed is much better than tension, which will unstick the tape. , The reason to work outward from a central point is so that any "excess" material does not build up at one side. , The convertible top should be fixed.
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   Step 3: Find the seal that was attached but has become unattached

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   Step 4: such as the lower edge of the exterior layer of canvas.

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   Step 5: If only a very small part has separated leave it alone.

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   Step 6: Clean the mating surfaces with rubbing alcohol.

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   Step 7: Close the roof completely to see where the canvas falls on the glass when pulled gently flat as far in on the glass as it will go

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   Step 8: but not pulled hard.

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   Step 9: Re-open the roof slightly and re-prop it.

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    Step 10: Apply a strip of double-sided foam tape such as 3M VHB ("very high bond")--foam so that it will conform to any irregularities

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    Step 11: preferably black so ultraviolet rays will not promptly destroy its exposed edge--to the glass with the edge coming up to the point you determined previously.

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    Step 12: Bring the middle of the area being attached (such as the middle

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    Step 13: left-versus-right-wise of the bottom exterior canvas) up to the edge of the tape.

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    Step 14: Stick the canvas to the tape

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    Step 15: working outward.

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    Step 16: Rub down the canvas over the tape firmly and apply some heat--not a great painfully hot amount--with a blow dryer for a thorough bond.

Detailed Guide

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