Soft top window fitting

[Davyhoogy]

F@#$ing unsuccessful

Well we tried and tried over and over. Every time, the last corner has too much zip leftover on the hood so it kinks and splits open.
If we adjust the starting point it makes it not fit in a different area.

Then the bast**ding zip snapped so had to tie some string to it, which actually helps leverage at times, just to get the window out.
But we have given up for today.

Doesn't help I sliced my thumb open at work today

 

[Paul Rice]

Brings back not so happy memories

 

[Davyhoogy]

Cheering myself up

 

[Nodzed]

F@#$ing unsuccessful

Well we tried and tried over and over. Every time, the last corner has too much zip leftover on the hood so it kinks and splits open.
If we adjust the starting point it makes it not fit in a different area.

Then the bast**ding zip snapped so had to tie some string to it, which actually helps leverage at times, just to get the window out.
But we have given up for today.

Doesn't help I sliced my thumb open at work today

They do sound a proper sod to fit not sure I would attempt it, cant use a hammer on it, top man for having a go though Whats the next move?

 

[Davyhoogy]

Try again. It's that or a new roof. And I can't afford that when saving for a wedding

 

[Nodzed]

Try again. It's that or a new roof. And I can't afford that when saving for a wedding

Good luck mate hope it goes in next attempt.

 

[Davyhoogy]

If not then new roof in 15months time

 

[NZ00Z3]

Hi

A couple of tip from putting an old window back into a 16 year old soft top.

If the starting point on the zip is getting frayed, nail polish is good to glue it all back together.

Use a wooden block or box to hold the first part of the soft top open 100 to 150 mm. This will release the top's tension and make it easier to zip in the window.

Mark your inital start point on both sides of the zip. You then have a reference for moving 1 or 2 teeth a time to get it properly aligned.

Sometimes several zip teeth get out of alignment or pushed back into the zip fabric making it hard to get the zipper to slide. I found that a large fish hook (sea fishing for larger fish, not a trout fly) was a good tool to pull out the tooth and help to shape it.

If the zipper (slider) is leaving teeth unzipped after it goes over them, then a check that all the teeth are sticking out the same amount. Also a gentle squeeze with the pliers from top to bottom of the zipper will fix this.

If the failure mode was the zipper teeth letting go on the sides of the window were it folds when down, then you can reinforce this area when the window has been put back in. Needle and thread is needed to stitch the zipper teeth closed.

Hope this helps

Muzz

 

[Grumps]

What a shame but for effort mate. I read several times about how difficult a job this is. Takes a brave man to have a go.

 

[oldcarman]

I think that @Murray Wall is right on and the success is determined by making the top as loose as possible which allows the material of the top to be maneuvered more easily as it has probably shrunken somewhat over the years. JIM

 

[Davyhoogy]

What a shame but for effort mate. I read several times about how difficult a job this is. Takes a brave man to have a go.

I know mate but like I say only option at the minute.
I suspect less companies/competition means more expensive up here For a new roof also.

 

[gookah]

Try again. It's that or a new roof. And I can't afford that when saving for a wedding

roof is more important.....

 

[Davyhoogy]

Well i honestly think I'm defeated. No matter which way I start the zip, by the time it gets to the last corner there is far more zip on the hood than window, it's like that corner of the window needs to be bigger.
Each time it splits.
Sooo apart from remove the hood and try that way I don't know what else to do!?

 

[hard top]

Sooo apart from remove the hood and try that way I don't know what else to do!?

Bite the bullet Davy old chap and get a new roof...

 

[Faheem]

How far are you from coventry, there's a bloke there that'll fit the window for £100 I believe.

 

[Davyhoogy]

How far are you from coventry, there's a bloke there that'll fit the window for £100 I believe.

To fit it or included in the cost of the window?

 

[Davyhoogy]

My roof does really need replacing but we literally have a huge list of things go to pay for for the next 18month so I can't spare 700quid

 

[Faheem]

I dont know mate, was going to go to him but ended getting a new soft top. He seemed like a decent chap over the phone, I believe that @Brian4 has been to him, if I'm not mistaken.

Probably best to give him a call and see what he says

Website: http://www.softtops.org.uk

 

[paulgjohnston]

Was quoted £250 to sew new window into mine so £100 would be great if he's sewing it.....

Bought a new window from German company on Ebay that sells loads of them but have decided to get a new roof.

My logic being and extra £500 seems the better option over sewing into the present one.

 

[Davyhoogy]

Yeah ive got that window, but it won't go in i dont think its big enough lol. Think the roof has stretched so the last corner is too baggy