miatauser884

iTrader: (11)

I forced my softop closed when it was 40 degrees in the garage. The rear window split in two. I only used the softop if rain is imminent in the summer, and the hardtop is on in the winter.

Cheap fix. A yd of clear vynil, double sided 10lb tape, and goop.

The install would have gone super if I had performed the second attempt first.

The second attempt was to glue the window onto the top on the outside. This failure left goop all over a 1" - 2" ring around the window on the outside.

Attempt 2: Cut the vynil approximately 1.5" larger all the way around the window. Run the 10lb double sided tape all the way around the vynil piece that was just cut. Start at the top so there is no seem at the bottom (added water protection) It actually looks better in person, but I'e expect better on a DD. unless you just have no budget to replace your top.

From inside the car wahle the top is up. Start at the top and press the vynil with tape on to the soft top. Work around the sides and down to the bottom. Press firmly all the way around multiple times to ensure adhesion.

Now on the outside you will be able to lift the top away from the window because of the large margin left from cutting the clear vinyl so much bigger than the window. Lift the top and inject goop between the top and clear vinyl. Press firmly. I placed tape on the window so when the goop squeezed out I could lift the tape and leave a clean line.

The next day I added another bead of goop to the top/clear vinyl interface.

The plan to cover up the damage from the first attempt is to get some black UV resistant tape and run some of that over the dried goop.

While this method is not perfect. A little refinement would make for a very clean install. Total cost if you make no mistakes was about $35 (vinyl, tape, and goop) and hour of time.

I'll post a pic later.

UPDATE: yellow areas show all garbage created fromt he first failed attempt. the green arrows point to the bead of goop that is at the edge of the top sealing it to the window so water can't get under the top. there is a lot more goop filling area under the top before it gets tot eh double sided tape. Water leaks should not be an issue.