Download Article
Download Article
Modern soft convertible car tops often have glass windows glued to the cloth, vinyl or other soft material with a melted plastic strip instead of a clear vinyl window sewn to it. If and when the glass comes unstuck -- sometimes due to the canvas shrinking from neglect or otherwise -- it can be very difficult to reattach. Double-sided foam tape such as 3M VHB tape (what one author used, others could be OK too) can reattach them, but should be applied in a specific way to avoid constant strain that will break its bond.
Get Car Support Solve Any Problem
Try Asking:
We’re sorry we don’t support the car you are looking for. Please enter its make, model, and year below so that we can add support for it.
Thank you! We’ll review your request and add support for this product as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can ask more questions about the products we currently support.
Steps
Download Article
-
Reattach the soft top material ("canvas") to the glass when just part of the canvas has detached so that the glass does not have to be re-centered within the hole in the canvas. If it does have to be re-centered one might do that by measuring distances with the defrosting grid as a guide and, in any case, holding the glass temporarily in place with gaffer's or other sticky tape.
-
Open the top slightly so that it is not taut. Prop something such as a small empty box between the front edge of the top and the upper edge of the windshield frame so that the top stays open slightly.Advertisement
-
Find the seal that was attached but has become unattached, such as the lower edge of the exterior layer of canvas. [1] X Research source If dirt has accumulated in the pocket that has been exposed to the weather you may wish to vacuum out any large particles.
-
If only a very small part has separated leave it alone. If a large part is mostly separated you may wish to separate it entirely to re-seal it as one continuous piece. [2] X Research source
-
Clean the mating surfaces with rubbing alcohol.
-
Close the roof completely to see where the canvas falls on the glass when pulled gently flat as far in on the glass as it will go, but not pulled hard. At least in the case of cotton canvas, this will probably be not as far up onto the glass as originally (or as on a still-attached inside layer) because it will have shrunk since new.
-
Re-open the roof slightly and re-prop it.
-
Apply a strip of double-sided foam tape such as 3M VHB ("very high bond")--foam so that it will conform to any irregularities, preferably black so ultraviolet rays will not promptly destroy its exposed edge--to the glass with the edge coming up to the point you determined previously. [3] X Research source
-
Bring the middle of the area being attached (such as the middle, left-versus-right-wise of the bottom exterior canvas) up to the edge of the tape. It should have just a little slack, since it needs to be pulled basically smooth but not taut when the top is closed. Just a little slack when the top is closed is much better than tension, which will unstick the tape.
-
Stick the canvas to the tape, working outward. The reason to work outward from a central point is so that any "excess" material does not build up at one side. [4] X Research source
-
Rub down the canvas over the tape firmly and apply some heat--not a great painfully hot amount--with a blow dryer for a thorough bond.
- The convertible top should be fixed.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow much will it cost to replace the top with the original window?Community AnswerI have a 2007 Mustang convertible. The window is separating from the cloth top. I went to two convertible top/upholstery shops, and both told me the window is heat sealed and the entire top needed to be replaced, and both gave me a price of $1,900.
-
QuestionI have in my garage a Corvette convertible with a canvas top in great condition. The seal around the glass rear window has popped, will this procedure work?Community AnswerI used 3M window weld on our 2004 Volvo C70 top and it worked great! Make sure you get as much of the old adhesive off as possible. Put the 3M primer on first and let it dry for about 10 minutes. Put a bead (about 3/16) of window weld on it. Clamp it in place. I used some paint stirrer sticks & C clamps. Let it sit for about 24 hours. Do not do this if temperature is below 40 degrees F.
-
QuestionWhere can I get 3M VHB foam tape?Community AnswerAmazon has it in a variety of lengths and widths.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- It may be better to get the top fixed in a way for whose possible failure someone else such as a dealer will take responsibility. But this is a great alternative to replacing the top.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
- 3M VHB foam tape, black
References
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 254,315 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "You told me how to fix a convertible rear top when specialty shops said replace the top. It's a 2002 old Sebring, runs and no rust and is a fun car to drive in South Florida." ..." more
Advertisement
83%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"You told me how to fix a convertible rear top when specialty shops said replace the top. It's a 2002 old Sebring, runs and no rust and is a fun car to drive in South Florida."
..."
more
"Thanks for the how to fix a convertible top back glass with 3m vhb foam tape.I will try this then follow up with the rest of my feedback. Thanks."
..."
more
"Using the right glue was helpful. "
