Convertible top

[mostlytwowheeled]

Has anyone changed their top by putting a zippered rear window in it? I'm thinking that it may be nice on those scorching hot days when having the top up may save my bald head.

[SanRafaelFaz]

Has anyone changed their top by putting a zippered rear window in it? I'm thinking that it may be nice on those scorching hot days when having the top up may save my bald head.

I was just talking to my mechanic about this very thing. He said he's had a few done for clients. Top has to come off (obviously) so labor to remove/replace, plus putting in the zipper is restrictive. Probably best to have it done prior to installing a replacement top. Since my top is shot, I may have that done on a new one.

[vandor]

A friend of mine did that, and he says that the flow-through ventilation is great in the summer.
It's either that or AC

[mostlytwowheeled]

I plan to replace the top this spring and will check with our local upholsterer/top guy for a cost to do this.A few years back I had a station wagon and when you put the four front windows down along with the back window down, the air flow through was very comfortable and NO wind noise!

[SanRafaelFaz]

I plan to replace the top this spring and will check with our local upholsterer/top guy for a cost to do this.A few years back I had a station wagon and when you put the four front windows down along with the back window down, the air flow through was very comfortable and NO wind noise!

I for one would be very interested in what you are quoted for the zip window.

[Chihua33]

I would also be interested in this. My rear window cracked all the way across, and now I'm not sure what I can do to repair it. It's too bad too because the rest of the top is in great shape.

[baltobernie]

I badly wanted to modify my new canvas top with this mod before installing. The local auto upholstery shop refused to do it; said something about weakening it, waterproofing issues, etc. I'm glad to see somebody was successful with this, because I think its a great idea.

[SanRafaelFaz]

I badly wanted to modify my new canvas top with this mod before installing. The local auto upholstery shop refused to do it; said something about weakening it, waterproofing issues, etc. I'm glad to see somebody was successful with this, because I think its a great idea.

I recall older Brit sports cars came standard with zip-out windows. My only concern would be how/where the zipper is placed so as not to contact the plastic when in the down position. I always place a soft towel on the outside of the window when I fold it down so that potentially dirty/gritty plastic isn't rubbing against itself.

[mostlytwowheeled]

The local "top shop" took a look at the top on the car and said it would be cost prohibitive. So another option will be to find an independant working out of his home that may take on the challenge. I still think it'd be a nice feature.

[spiderrey]

I would think the zipper would be under lapped on the top. The top would have to be cut and re hemmed. the the window and zipper would be attached about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in on the inside of the top so you couldnt see the zipper, but you could acess it from the inside. Just my opinion.

[SanRafaelFaz]

Several of the top guys in my area said that unless they did it to a new top prior to installing, they'd have to remove/replace the material at the same cost of putting on a new top. So the way to go is to have it done when you replace it. I don't know about where you all are but here in the Bay Area I was shocked at the cost for a new top now-a-days. Last time I had it done it was about 5-600 total, including the top. Today I'm looking at at least 8-1000.

[spiderrey]

Well the fabric tops are in the 5 to 550 $ range last time I checked.