Well the topic title says it all.... the rear plastic window on my S cracked... and while at first it was small... with the top up/top down movements it has become much bigger... any suggestions on getting this replaced? Is it something that I can do myself? (im not a car expert by any means but I consider myself decent... as in I can change my own oil, other fluids, brakes...... and other "basic" stuff) So... anybody that has some suggestions that would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

Sounds like you need to come to install day

 

Why? You guys can fix it that quickly?

I know that David has the same issue and has chosen to fix it via tape.

You can see if your insurance company will cover it, or you can buy a new plastic window -> 86317-S2A-003, WINDOW, $194.79 and install it or have somebody install it... get yourself a Helms manual and do some reading.

Keith

 

Sorry to hear about your misfortune. Should have come to Mike's Window Clinic a bit sooner.

There are several ways to fix this. Some are more costly than others.

#1 Top conversion. This is a full weekend job. Guess here, but would say it's 25-30 man hours if you have not done it before. This conversion will replace your plastic window with Glass.

#2 Window Replacement. Switch out your plastic with new. This will still require top to be removed which is where a bunch of man hours come in. This window replacement job will take 20-25 man hours for someone inexperienced.

3# Hide it! Depending on the condition of your rear window, shipping tape can be used to seal both sides of the crack. After sealed, tint rear window with Limo tint. Even though it does not fix the problem, it does hide it enough to be able to save for #1 or #2

I , myself prefer option #2 as I like the size of the plastic window more. My rear window, after almost 6 years, looks almost new.

 

Option number 4: Hide it! But not with tape. By putting the roof down like a real man.

But yeah, mine cracked earlier this year too. I just used some clear shipping tape on both sides to keep it from leaking if it's parked outside in the rain. Otherwise the top is down. It's down too much for me to want to spend time or money fixing it quite yet,

 

Hey - Thanks for all the tips..... I think Im going to go with the packing tape idea for now.... this time of year the top is down 9 times out of 10 Im driving it anyway! I'll worry about it when Winter comes I guess! Thanks!

 

I thought I would add a tip that helps my rear window (just started doing this). I know it won't help someone who already has their rear window cracked, but may help keep a repaired (or existing) rear window from cracking.

Enrique put me onto this. Outside of using Plastix to get the window clear... whenever you use 303 on the rag top... liberally spray some on the rear window. Let it soak in for a while (I let it soak about an hour). Wipe dry and clean/clear with Plastix.

The 303 really makes the plastic rear window supple again, much more than plastix itself. I have only done this once, and am happy with the results so plan on doing it more in the future.

 

Here are some additional tips that are from Mike's window clinic


First... This will take a good 3 hours and requires a ton of patience and elbow grease. You'll hate me every minute while you are doing the work, but will love me once your done.You'll be able to almost clear your window by following these instructions. Every step skipped will get you one step further away from where you want to be when you are done. Your call!

*Basic cleaning - inside and out to remove initial dust and buildup. Use Pleaxus and a micofiber towel and clean window following Plexus instructions. Do this twice both inside and out

*First Polish - Using Meguair Plastx paste and a new microfiber towel spread paste on towel and apply like a wax. Small swirls and pressing pretty hard. Do 1/2 window (left side) let dry and buff off. Do right side window, let dry buff off. Do both inside and out

* Repeat First Polish step 2, 3, or 4 more times based on outcome. If you think it's good enough, do it 1 more time thereafter.

*Condition plastic - lay a towel at the bottom of the roof. Apply a thick coat of 303 and let absorb overnight. End result will be greasy. Outside only

* Clean with Pleaxus 2 or 3 more times to remove all 303 resedue.

You will be amazed at the results.

The door draft tubes can be ordered online or found at Flee Markets, caft shows or craft stores. You can also take a "Pool Noodle" and wrap a towel around it.

303, Plexus and Meguair Plastx are easiest fopund online. Here is a link to where all products can be ordered. I use these guys all the time. They are awesome.

Proper Auto Care Just use the search engine and key 303 or Plexus or Plastx

 

What was the final fix? Did you replace the window and if so, what was the total cost?

My rear window on my MY2000 just cracked while lowering the top.

 

time for a hard top (??)