Seam around rear window

[Ceeb]

Common issue I know.

I've read several places where people reccomend black Permatex to glue it back together. I talked to a convertible top guy hear locally, and he advised against it, as if I need to replace the window later, I'll be screwed because the zipper will be all gummed up. He reccomended doublesided tape like they use at the factory. Seems like it'd be tough to get a tiny piece in there and the canvas tucked down smoothly.

Anyone have luck with 2 sided tape? Any product reccomendations?

[tmaher]

Are you talking about the plastic part that lines the outside of the window?

[SunzOut]

I've done 2 sided tape (I think it was left over from a carpet install.

If you have a small section of the top that has become un-tucked...the rest is not far behind.

Just easy out a section, maybe 6 inches and then you can get a nice section of tape under the lip and tuck it back under.

[Chevdog1]

Mine had come untucked most of the way around. I used common rubber cement around the whole thing. It's been holding well for about a month.

[io14]

I've used rubber contact cement around the outside perimeter tucking the fabric under with the plastic white tool that Bimmer gives you. I found the trick is someone on the inside of the window presses against the area that you use the white tool on the outside of the window.Use this procedure along the entire perimeter of the window.
I hope this helps, it's been fine for over a year since I replaced the back window.

[Ceeb]

Thanks, for the info. I'll try and find some good carpet tape. I guess if that fails, it's reversable, and I can try the rubber cement route.

[Randy Forbes]

Permatex CLEAR FLOWABLE windshield sealer.

I've only ever needed it on the top corners, and I don't see a problem getting the window out in the future; it's not as though you need much product to keep it tucked in.

I've seen car's tops/windows "repaired" with black silicone, and it LOOKS awful.

[GBimmer]

Permatex CLEAR FLOWABLE windshield sealer.

I've only ever needed it on the top corners, and I don't see a problem getting the window out in the future; it's not as though you need much product to keep it tucked in.

I've seen car's tops/windows "repaired" with black silicone, and it LOOKS awful.

referring to mine?


(yes... I agree...)

[MarcMacZ3]

Permatex CLEAR FLOWABLE windshield sealer.

I've only ever needed it on the top corners, and I don't see a problem getting the window out in the future; it's not as though you need much product to keep it tucked in.

I've seen car's tops/windows "repaired" with black silicone, and it LOOKS awful.

I tried that once and, yep like GBimmer it looked bad. After the money came I just went ahead and replaced the back window altogether because it was fairly brittle.

[Randy Forbes]

referring to mine?


(yes... I agree...)

After a few years, they all blend together

[mpire]

I have yet to replace the rear window on the roadster. I keep meaning to do it, but I fixed that problem with the hard top. The little rubber trim ring has completely come off.

[rocknroad]

I replaced my trim piece with 1/4" black silicone hose slit down the middle, tucked it in, taped it off and sealed it with black rtv. It's been over 2 years and not a single problem. I can still access the zipper when it comes time to replace it.

[shantybeater]

^^^ Thats a really good job

[2002Z3]

Rocknroad, your solution is really cool. Other convertibles I've had in the past has at least a 3/4" rubber seal around the window. The super thin plastic bead of the Z3 seems idiotic to me. I was lucky with mine though, the top was pulling out around the bead and I got mine replaced under waranty - just one month before it ran out! YEAH!!!! Your solution is a great alternative to a complete top replacement.

[Arkangel]

I replaced my trim piece with 1/4" black silicone hose slit down the middle, tucked it in, taped it off and sealed it with black rtv. It's been over 2 years and not a single problem. I can still access the zipper when it comes time to replace it.

Best thing I have ever seen! AWESOME.

[shantybeater]

has anyone got pics of other methods tried? (and failed!)

[adrian12]

I replaced my trim piece with 1/4" black silicone hose slit down the middle, tucked it in, taped it off and sealed it with black rtv. It's been over 2 years and not a single problem. I can still access the zipper when it comes time to replace it.

omg this is like new! I just replaced my rear window today, took me 3 hours and left me very very hungry. The whole plastic bead came off, so now I'm done and without the bead. I saw your pictures but I don't really understand the taping part. So what parts did you glue? Did you glue the clear window and the black silicone hose together (which means you sealed off the opening to the zipper right?) ? Then how are you able to access the zipper? Do you mean the black glue that you used is easy to remove?

[Edkenn]

Over a year ago now Rockenroad gave me a link on his repair. I followed his instructions and repaired my window beading. You have to be careful with the RTV it can get messy. My repair does not look as pretty as his but the beading is in place and there are no problems. Great idea Jeff!

[BlackjackM]

I used the Elmer's stix-all (or something like that) that others have recommended. The only thing I wish the glue had a pointy spout. After I ran a line of glue under the fabric I used a plastic card to push the glue down toward the window while tucking the fabric in under the rubber trim. Worked like a charm.

[rocknroad]

Over a year ago now Rockenroad gave me a link on his repair. I followed his instructions and repaired my window beading. You have to be careful with the RTV it can get messy. My repair does not look as pretty as his but the beading is in place and there are no problems. Great idea Jeff!

Thanks. It's no secret I'm great about posting fix-its then never following up on the questions that follow. I guess i think I"m pretty thorough on the original post...but I've learned there will always be questions.

that doesnt mean I learned to follow up.

[JackDuggan]

Is that 1/4" inside diameter? I'd like to try this. Where did you get the tubing? My top seems in good shape, but the window is not. I'd like to try some plastic cleaner/polisher on it and do this edging thing before I spring for a new window.

[DMilla]

Just followed the direction on this thread and replaced my rear window seal with 1/4" silicone tubing, glued down with black silicone sealer, and then cleaned the window with Acrylic Werks! Looks Great! $15 to repair the seal, $24 for the Acrylic Werks, a few hours one afternoon, and I have a newly conditioned window. Not bad for a 15 year old factory original!
Attachment 560621

[Mr Bingley]

Just followed the direction on this thread and replaced my rear window seal with 1/4" silicone tubing, glued down with black silicone sealer, and then cleaned the window with Acrylic Werks! Looks Great! $15 to repair the seal, $24 for the Acrylic Werks, a few hours one afternoon, and I have a newly conditioned window. Not bad for a 15 year old factory original!
Attachment 560621

Looks awesome.

[Vintage42]

Just followed the direction on this thread and replaced my rear window seal with 1/4" silicone tubing, glued down with black silicone sealer, and then cleaned the window with Acrylic Werks! Looks Great! ...

It really does. Does it survive the folding and unfolding of the top OK?

[DMilla]

It really does. Does it survive the folding and unfolding of the top OK?

Yes, the top folds & unfolds nicely. The silicone tubing and the silicone sealer are both very pliable. I'm confident this is a long term solution.