rear window replace?

[Hugh1545]

Has anyone ever replaced a rear window? my top is fine but the rear window is totally shattered, and while the duct tape is somewhat hip I could do without it!

Hugh

[TX82FIAT]

I think most people simply put on a new top when they need a window replacement. The new window should be sewn in and I'm not sure if that can be done while on the car. I hqave seen a couple times where a new top was taken to a specialist and a zipper window installed. Really great idea for airflow on summer days.

[mscafide]

You might look for a place that does work with boats (Bimini tops, canvas and upholstery).

[KevAndAndi]

My enthusiasm for a new top has waned with other projects taking priority. But when I was originally looking into it, a local guy who gave me a quote on installation put me in touch with his supplier, Electron Top of NYC. This looks like a quality supplier, and they were extremely helpful on the phone and in providing me an extensive selection of color and material swatches.

I was disappointed in only one respect: I had the bright idea to put a zipper on three sides of the rear window so that it could be "lowered". Electron Top discouraged me from doing that and essentially gave me the impression that they wouldn't do it. I guess they didn't want to be "responsible" for a rear window that leaked.

Here's the thing: The car is only driven on sunny days. I've never used the windshield wipers and have no intention of doing so.

[joelittel]

I've seen the rear window zipper done with one zipper. I think that three zippers is asking for trouble.

[Ragno124]

Here is a nice example of the zipper custom installed on Lee Putman's spider. It's a great idea.

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic ... er#p177239

[JEEPER]

I had an old MGA with a leather top. I took it to an upholstery shop and they took the top off, sewed a new window over it then cut out the old window and put the top back on.

[baltobernie]

... his supplier, Electron Top of NYC. This looks like a quality supplier, and they were extremely helpful on the phone and in providing me an extensive selection of color and material swatches. ... Electron Top discouraged me from doing that and essentially gave me the impression that they wouldn't do it. I guess they didn't want to be "responsible" for a rear window that leaked.

I have the Electron canvas top, and can attest to its quality. Before installing, I took it and the Spider (with the old vinyl top) to a local auto upholstery shop. They too declined to install a zipper on the rear window, citing strength issues. I'm very sorry I caved, and should have shopped around until I found someone willing to do it. Like you, my car is rained on only by accident. Don't give up!

[KevAndAndi]

I've seen the rear window zipper done with one zipper. I think that three zippers is asking for trouble.

I should have been more clear: One zipper traveling around three sides of the window. In other words, up one side, across, and down the other side. The window then flops inside the car, held only by the bottom seam. Just like a tent window.

[KevAndAndi]

Here is a nice example of the zipper custom installed on Lee Putman's spider. It's a great idea.

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic ... er#p177239

That was my original inspiration. In re-reading it, I realized I had forgotten that he had the top modified by someone other than the supplier.

Electron Top was also concerned that a zipper would cause the rear window to not be taut. That concern seems to be confirmed by Lee's pictures, but I think I'd rather have a lower-able window than a taut window.

[KevAndAndi]

I have the Electron canvas top, and can attest to its quality. Before installing, I took it and the Spider (with the old vinyl top) to a local auto upholstery shop. They too declined to install a zipper on the rear window, citing strength issues. I'm very sorry I caved, and should have shopped around until I found someone willing to do it. Like you, my car is rained on only by accident. Don't give up!

Do you have a picture that you could share?

That's interesting, because I got the impression from my prospective installer that Electron Top sold their products only to the installation trade. (But he would say that, wouldn't he? )

Strength issues? They make extremely strong, beefy plastic (or PVC?) zippers for boats.

One thing that concerned me about my prospective installer was his comment that he would take off the top frame and give it "a lick and a promise" of black paint. Er, I kind of want more than that. I was considering powder coating at one point. Now I'm considering removing the old top and painting the frame myself--maybe with POR-15 Top Coat. I think it's even tougher than powder coating.

[124JOE]

i have had three tops on my car
i did them all myself
it only takes a day with a friend that has some smarts
just be sure its centered and glue it "rubber cement"in the front

[DieselSpider]

I have the Electron canvas top, and can attest to its quality. Before installing, I took it and the Spider (with the old vinyl top) to a local auto upholstery shop. They too declined to install a zipper on the rear window, citing strength issues. I'm very sorry I caved, and should have shopped around until I found someone willing to do it. Like you, my car is rained on only by accident. Don't give up!

Do you have a picture that you could share?

That's interesting, because I got the impression from my prospective installer that Electron Top sold their products only to the installation trade. (But he would say that, wouldn't he? )

Strength issues? They make extremely strong, beefy plastic (or PVC?) zippers for boats.

One thing that concerned me about my prospective installer was his comment that he would take off the top frame and give it "a lick and a promise" of black paint. Er, I kind of want more than that. I was considering powder coating at one point. Now I'm considering removing the old top and painting the frame myself--maybe with POR-15 Top Coat. I think it's even tougher than powder coating.

I see an awful lot of Jeeps with zippered windows and panels on them that appear to be holding up just fine. A boat or Jeep shop should be able to link one up with the right talent to change out the rear window with a zippered one. It may be cheaper though to just buy a new top and have them modify it before installation.

[baltobernie]

Do you have a picture that you could share?

Here is a close-up of the canvas quality. Also note the protruding style of the front bow used on early cars. You probably know that there were two bow styles, and you must match the bow that's on your car, as they are interchangeable and may have been swapped in your car's history.

That's interesting, because I got the impression from my prospective installer that Electron Top sold their products only to the installation trade. (But he would say that, wouldn't he? )

I think some of our vendors sell the Electron brand. I got mine thru a nefarious source.

I painted my frame with rattle-can Eastwood "chassis black". The front bow on these cars is subject to rust, so inspect and repair if necessary using conventional auto body techniques.

[manoa matt]

"The top is fine, but the rear window is shattered"

Hugh are you referring to the rear 1/4 glass windows? If so, a bit more involved.