George993

Experts, after reading countless convertible top posts and talking to two top repair specialists I have concluded that there are 4 ways to fix yellowed plastic windows:
1) New top (expensive and unnecessary in my opinion if the top is otherwise factory original and perfect)
2) New rear section of the top (I can't find black with white stitching to match the factory top I have, does anyone know where to get one?)
3) Saw in plastic with the top in place (5-8h) using eBay kits, will leak
4) Remove and take rear section to a specialist to have the plastic sawed in, will leak

Apparently factory was putting in a tape between the fabric and plastic when sawing in, and using microwave (or some other heating technique) melted the tape inside to ensure waterproof seams.

Does anyone know about it and where to get such tape from? I don't want to use any of those sealers and gooes which are applied over the seams as I think it will show and look bad. Thoughts?

thanks

SRHsl600

So many excellent choices! I just replaced the back panel but have had the tread match ( 3 times) Purchased from 2 GAMH ? and had the top shop buy from their own source
It will be instructive to read the other replies Thanks for the topic.
I have found tops not lasting more than 20 years ( or I don't like the looks or function )

George993

Thanks, I should have also mentioned option number 0) - Clean the windows with a professional plastic cleaner/sandpaper and apply sealant which covers up the scratches (just like restoring headlights). I'm going to try it first and see how it works.

George993

I operated the top in a cold weather attempting to clean/polish the plastic - bad idea, as one of the windows cracked :-(.
So I'm planning to remove the back panel and take it to a shop to have new windows put it. I see plenty of posts/videos on the complete roof replacement, but not for the back panel removal and re-install of the same panel. Could you offer some pointers/advice on how to do it? How long does it take? Thanks!

George993

BTW, I've also found the answer to my original question - the tape to put between plastic and cloth when sawing is called "basting tape". Available on ebay/amazon etc. It has double sided glue, no mention of heating/microwaving it but presumably the tape offers some leak protection and makes the positioning of plastic windows easier.

bgrimmett

you can use 2000 grit and wet sand yellow off then buff with fine cut compound