SL/R129: Soft top repair or replace?
03-07-2006, 04:36 PM
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97 SL-500, 05 Ford Expedition, 98 Maxima
Soft top repair or replace?
New in this forum, although I have found a lot of help in deciding to buy a classic car.
Problem: small cracks starting to appear in the soft top windows. When I inspected it before buying all seamed fine. I was more concerned about fogging and didn't see any cracks.
Now cracks largest about 1/4 " , Must be fixed!
Solution: New Top or replace the Polyglass inserts? If replacing are there any
sources for tinted inserts to be sewn back by a professional?
I found the site on here that has a complete video to replace the soft top, but no sources for the plastic windows?
Let's hear from those with experience(s).....
Thanks
Problem: small cracks starting to appear in the soft top windows. When I inspected it before buying all seamed fine. I was more concerned about fogging and didn't see any cracks.
Now cracks largest about 1/4 " , Must be fixed!
Solution: New Top or replace the Polyglass inserts? If replacing are there any
sources for tinted inserts to be sewn back by a professional?
I found the site on here that has a complete video to replace the soft top, but no sources for the plastic windows?
Let's hear from those with experience(s).....
Thanks
03-08-2006, 03:00 PM
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97 SL500
You have three options.
1. New clear/tinted plastic sewn in is the cheapest. About $400 in the Dallas area for clear (I haven't checked with the shop to see if they can get the tinted).
2. New rear section for top ($800 - 1500 installed depending on shop).
3. New complete top (no idea of the cost, I never checked).
If your top is in good condition and only the windows are a problem, I don't see any compelling reason to spend double the money on the new rear section. It sounds like you want something custom (tint), so option 1 is not only the cheapest, it's your best bet.
My top has a new rear section b/c the PO (my dad) didn't check into having new plastic sewn in.
1. New clear/tinted plastic sewn in is the cheapest. About $400 in the Dallas area for clear (I haven't checked with the shop to see if they can get the tinted).
2. New rear section for top ($800 - 1500 installed depending on shop).
3. New complete top (no idea of the cost, I never checked).
If your top is in good condition and only the windows are a problem, I don't see any compelling reason to spend double the money on the new rear section. It sounds like you want something custom (tint), so option 1 is not only the cheapest, it's your best bet.
My top has a new rear section b/c the PO (my dad) didn't check into having new plastic sewn in.
