All the talk about this zipper lately caused me to obsess over it until I couldn't take it anymore. I HAD to play with it.

SHORT VERSION: The window is down w/o any noticable effects.

LONG VERSION: Its been a careful process of debating whether to do it or not over the last few days. Today I finally said "what the hell..." and did it. My zipper was pretty sticky in places, especially where it turns the corners. But, instead of forcing it, I used a little lube spray to free it up. It worked like a charm. The window folds down by itself into the roof well, although if you have nothing or just a MuzMat like I do, you will want to put an extra towel or something in there to keep the plastic from rubbing on the pins where the cover attaches. It can't be folded onto the trunk because the zipper stops well inside the top near the roll hoops. It can be pulled out a little, but it would be just as hard to clean as from inside the car. I haven't road tested it yet as the weather here hasn't been great. I'll report back when I do. It will zip back on quickly. Maybe a minute or two since you have to switch sides (zipper dance maybe?). If you're going to try it, I HIGHLY recommend some lube spray, or you will likely bust the zipper. Questions/comments?

 

Finally someone did it! Now I know that I can carry lumber in my car.

Wesmaster

 

The zipper is reportedly not up to regular use. Others have unzipped/zipped it and broken it in the process. I'll just put the top down if I need some air.

 

BlkS2000,

Can you fill me in on this...are you saying that you can zip out the rear plastic window?

So then a somewhat mechanically inclined person could replace the rear plastic window themself?

Thanks,


[QUOTE]
Finally someone did it! Now I know that I can carry lumber in my car.

 

I think you can only zip the window down, not out. Its attached at the bottom with some kind of riveting.

-B

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by bguernsey
[B]I think you can only zip the window down, not out.

 

To go where few men dare to go, to see what few men see, ah..ah.. the other side of the zipper! OMG!

 

So how, exactly, does one replace the window?

 

Chapstick works great on zippers, i have used it on my boat for years. Easy to rub on, no mess....

 

I recall the shop manual has a procedure that involves DRILLING out the rivets and the whol edeal looked like a four-hour job to replace a lousy plastic window.