Soft Top Window Issue

[fudgiewhale]

Howdy All!

The window in the top of my 2001 Boxster S is coming unstitched where it folds (around the middle of the window). So far, there are only 1-2" gaps where it has pulled away from the roof material on each side.

Short of roof replacement, what are my options?

Is the replacement glass window really a lot smaller than the original plastic one? Would it require an entirely new roof, or are there retrofit options?

Can the existing plastic window be re-stitched and stay water-tight?

Does anyone know of any shops in the Philadelphia area that can fix this for me?

Luckily, this problem can be avoided by keeping the car covered on rainy days, but I'd like to get it back to perfect condition ASAP.

Thanks, and have a great day.

Fudgie :)

Edited April 21, 2010 by fudgiewhale

[1schoir]

Howdy All!

The window in the top of my 2001 Boxster S is coming unstitched where it folds (around the middle of the window). So far, there are only 1-2" gaps where it has pulled away from the roof material on each side.

Short of roof replacement, what are my options?

Is the replacement glass window really a lot smaller than the original plastic one? Would it require an entirely new roof, or are there retrofit options?

Can the existing plastic window be re-stitched and stay water-tight?

Does anyone know of any shops in the Philadelphia area that can fix this for me?

Luckily, this problem can be avoided by keeping the car covered on rainy days, but I'd like to get it back to perfect condition ASAP.

Thanks, and have a great day.

Fudgie :)

Fudgie:

If the plastic has only become unstitched, as opposed to a tear or crack at that point, it's a relatively simple repair. You can take the car to a boat canvas place and they can sew a few stitches back in, apply some seam sealer, and it will be as good as it was before the stitches came undone.

If you want to DIY, it should take 15 to 20 minutes with a hand awl/stitcher. They are available at boat supply and in camping supply stores and you can then just stitch the plastic window back in exactly through the same holes as were originally made by the factory stitching, both in the window and in the canvas. Once you are done, apply some seam sealer, which is also available at the same type of stores. One brand is "Cochlan's" Water Based Seam Sealer. It will be completely waterproof.

Retrofitting a glass window requires replacement of the entire canvas portion of the top.

Regards, Maurice.

[fudgiewhale]

Howdy All!

The window in the top of my 2001 Boxster S is coming unstitched where it folds (around the middle of the window). So far, there are only 1-2" gaps where it has pulled away from the roof material on each side.

Short of roof replacement, what are my options?

Is the replacement glass window really a lot smaller than the original plastic one? Would it require an entirely new roof, or are there retrofit options?

Can the existing plastic window be re-stitched and stay water-tight?

Does anyone know of any shops in the Philadelphia area that can fix this for me?

Luckily, this problem can be avoided by keeping the car covered on rainy days, but I'd like to get it back to perfect condition ASAP.

Thanks, and have a great day.

Fudgie

Fudgie:

If the plastic has only become unstitched, as opposed to a tear or crack at that point, it's a relatively simple repair. You can take the car to a boat canvas place and they can sew a few stitches back in, apply some seam sealer, and it will be as good as it was before the stitches came undone.

If you want to DIY, it should take 15 to 20 minutes with a hand awl/stitcher. They are available at boat supply and in camping supply stores and you can then just stitch the plastic window back in exactly through the same holes as were originally made by the factory stitching, both in the window and in the canvas. Once you are done, apply some seam sealer, which is also available at the same type of stores. One brand is "Cochlan's" Water Based Seam Sealer. It will be completely waterproof.

Retrofitting a glass window requires replacement of the entire canvas portion of the top.

Regards, Maurice.

Thanks Maurice!