Top problems, need help...
Top problems, need help... The top on a car I just bought, (2001 Triple Black Z28) is super loose. It appears the problem is that the material has let loose from around the rear window. Top and bottom. It appears that it is supposed to be glued to the rear glass? How do I go about fixing this ? Thanks!
Well, seems like there are bigger fish to fry now. It appears that the entire top needs to be replaced now because all the material is ripped loose from all the bows also. Any way to properly fix this without getting a new top ?
I assume it happened when the shipping company put it on the transport backwards. Since it was already loose around the rear window, the air got in there and created further damage, ripping the material loose from the bows.
I assume it happened when the shipping company put it on the transport backwards. Since it was already loose around the rear window, the air got in there and created further damage, ripping the material loose from the bows.
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Roosevelt, UT
si if i understand right, if the top is coming apart from the rear window, you can just get that cement and glue it back together? i have an appointment monday to a glass shop for the repair but if i can save the money then by god i will!
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville, FL
I used epoxy on mine and so far it has worked ok. I went around and got estimates to have it professionally repaired and every repair shop said in order to do it properly I would need a new back window. I think it was around $550 for everything. Alot of money for a leaky window 
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Central Georgia
I am just having the same problem with mine, I don't think it is suppost to be glued but it is sewn together right beneath the bottom part of the window. It it designed to be loose at the bottom so it is flexible when you put the top down. My seam at the bottom tore when I had my tint done so now I have to figure a way to get the seam back together. My bottom flap just kinda sinks leaving a 6-inch gap where you can see into the car, a real pain in the *** if you ask me.
No, mine is not just coming apart from the rear window, the material is also ripped apart from the bows that above your head when your sitting in it. So that, along with it being real loose already from it being loose from the rear window, makes for a bubble car going down the highway.
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Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Central Georgia
That sucks man, that is one of the only things I like about stangs over camaros is the material used for the stangs top is seems to be more durable. I like the fabric of ours but it seems to be a litle weak.
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Verdad Gallardo Teching In
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Roosevelt, UT
well i took the camaro to the glass shop monday, they used some sort of epoxy or glue. they had it 2 days and couldn't fix it. thank god they didn't charge me anything. but now i have all of the crap that they used all over the window and fabric. they reall did a bad job trying to fix it. they told me that thye have never seen one just come unglued without damaging the top. so now their advice was to take it to a dealer and see what they could do or reccomend. i'm not very fond of paying someone 80 bucks and hour to "try" again! 
Maybe Dustin could answer these questions.
I am wondering, now that its loose around the entire rear window, and ripped away from the bows, if anything at all can be done to try and save the existing top.
I am wondering, now that its loose around the entire rear window, and ripped away from the bows, if anything at all can be done to try and save the existing top.
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Central Georgia
Originally Posted by WayneSS01
I believe most if not all dealers farm vert top work out to local upholstery shops.
Ya, I am pretty sure you're right, I asked my local dealer how much on a top they referred me to a uhpolstry shop. Does anyone know what is the best material to use on a top. I got onto AA best co and they have pinpoint vinyl or stayfast canvas? Which is like ours and which is more like the mustangs tops, anyone know??? Thanks!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 6
From: Grand Junction, CO / Tomball, TX
If you replace it you will need StayFast cloth or also called canvas...same thing. Its really not hard to change your own top. You could spend 2 days doing it by yourself in your garage or driveway. I could give you a list of materials needed and if you have any questions I would be glad to help.
To be honest I think you should replace it so as to not bring on any water damage you might get from the current ruined top. Also if you put it on and take your time and do it right you will know you have a quality install and wont have to worry about it. I do suggest for any new tops to take a look at the top maintenance write up to keep the material in good shape for many years to come.
To be honest I think you should replace it so as to not bring on any water damage you might get from the current ruined top. Also if you put it on and take your time and do it right you will know you have a quality install and wont have to worry about it. I do suggest for any new tops to take a look at the top maintenance write up to keep the material in good shape for many years to come.
Originally Posted by Dustin
Go to Lowes and get you a little bottle of Dap Contact Cement and reglue it. It dries fast so dont screw around with it.