Re-attaching the fabric around rear window

[Pond]

Has anyone had any success trying to do this?
If so, how?
My roof is in good nick generally, and the rear window is pretty clear.
But the fabric around the window is coming 'unstuck', especially in the corners, and looks tatty. I know it is a common problem so some must have attempted what I am thinking of.

 

[Stevo7682]

Do you have any pictures

Stephen.

 

[Duncodin]

Around the plastic window is that beading or whatever it's called. When the roof is new the flap of fabric tucks under that beading and stays put. But as the roof ages the stitching slips and the fabric no longer reaches the beading so won't stay tucked under. Some people try glueing it but it often looks a mess and there's often not enough fabric to tuck under and glue anyway. I tried all sorts and just couldn't do it in a way I was happy with.

Around 15 years ago I got a new zip in window from sonewhere in germany and that had a slightly wider beading so the fabric did tuck under for a while. But couple years ago the stitching started coming away - all rotten. So I fitted a new roof.

 

[Pond]

So I am giving this a go....
Opened the roof a bit to release the tension, with a kitchen roll tube to keep it raised enough, then glued the underside of the fabric with Tiger Seal, as this is strong but stays flexible. Hardest part is keeping the corners down while the glue goes off. If it works but looks a bit 'crap' I have an idea to cover the window bead and edge of the fabric with some thin rubber strip.

 

[Pond]

Not a bad result IMO.
I will wait for the glue to completely cure then try opening and closing the roof a few times. Hopefully it will stay stuck!

 

[Stevo7682]

Done my Dakar rear window like that and it hasn't come back apart.
Only downside i saw was getting the window apart if if ever needed changed.
Stephen.

 

[Pond]

Done my Dakar rear window like that and it hasn't come back apart.
Only downside i saw was getting the window apart if if ever needed changed.
Stephen.

TBH mine is only for my own OCD and show. I never, ever use the car with the roof up or take it out with any chance of rain.
But the roof was bugging me, as the rest of the car is 100%, so needed doing IMO.

 

[Jam03]

TBH mine is only for my own OCD and show. I never, ever use the car with the roof up or take it out with any chance of rain.
But the roof was bugging me, as the rest of the car is 100%, so needed doing IMO.

I dare you to drive it down through Wales for a new roof

 

[Pond]

I dare you to drive it down through Wales for a new roof

Nope!

 

[Duncodin]

Not a bad result IMO.
I will wait for the glue to completely cure then try opening and closing the roof a few times. Hopefully it will stay stuck!
View attachment 364405

That's a pretty good job. Most people c*ck that right up and end up with silicon, super glue or contact cement all over the place.

Would be interesting to see how it holds up with the roof up and the sun baking down on it - I know you said you'd never use the roof but if you were gonna leave the car parked somewhere you wouldn't want to come back and find 'enthusiasts' sat in the car taking selfies.

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

I had a similar problem with mine. It got bad enough that some sort of wire reinforcement was falling out too. I called my BMW dealer and was able to order a new zip in rear window. The window plus installation was over $700, but the car has only 8,000 miles on it and the roof is original and in great shape (except for the window trim). It looks good as new now and, the way I use it, should last another 20 years.

The strange thing was that we have a local guy who specializes in replacing convertible tops, but he wouldn't touch installing the new zip-in window. Maybe because he really wanted to sell me a whole new top.

 

[Pond]

but if you were gonna leave the car parked somewhere you wouldn't want to come back and find 'enthusiasts' sat in the car taking selfies.

I wouldn't mind as long as they don't damage it.

 

[Pond]

Most people c*ck that right up and end up with silicon, super glue or contact cement all over the place.

I used tiger seal, which is a flexible polyurethane sealer and adhesive. It's like silicon sealant on steroids.
One advantage is that it cures just like rubber, so any 'excess' can be fairly easily removed with a rolling action and/or a very sharp knife. Another advantage is that it is black and cures to a matt look.

While i had the tiger seal out I also stuck my velcro strips down that the floor mats attach to; and also my pedal rubbers to the pedals (as they kept moving about). It is excellent stuff!

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

That's a pretty good job. Most people c*ck that right up and end up with silicon, super glue or contact cement all over the place.

Would be interesting to see how it holds up with the roof up and the sun baking down on it - I know you said you'd never use the roof but if you were gonna leave the car parked somewhere you wouldn't want to come back and find 'enthusiasts' sat in the car taking selfies.

I leave mine parked with the top down quite frequently. All day at work, for an 30 minutes to an hour at the store or a couple hours when out to eat. I do lock it (to keep people out of the trunk and to discourage people from trying to get in). The only issue so far, which was really a non-issue, was at the grocery store where I came out to find a young lady circling it. She saw it and wanted to get a closer look. She yakked my ear off for a good 15 minutes.