Cabriolet Window Question
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AudiWorld Member
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Tucson, AZ
Cabriolet Window Question
I need to have the rear window replaced on my 96 Cabriolet. Upon closer inspection of it today, I noticed there is a zipper around the plastic window.
Is this style of window easier for the DIY type to replace? or should I still plan to have an experienced shop replace it?
Also, if it is a DIY thing, can I buy just the replacement window ready to zip in? or will I have to glue/sew a zipper on replacement plastic?
Is this style of window easier for the DIY type to replace? or should I still plan to have an experienced shop replace it?
Also, if it is a DIY thing, can I buy just the replacement window ready to zip in? or will I have to glue/sew a zipper on replacement plastic?
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Charlotte, NC
Mike,
This has been discussed numerous times with different opinions and a search will bring it up. I have used the ebay guy and the "universal" zipper he provides. His shop is near me. The zipper is a royal PITA to get in. Took much time and numerous attempts due to the way the zipper works. The factory window does not have a zipper pull on it, and when you replace the window, even with the universal zipper, the pull comes off when finally zipped in. I believe I used the one they provided to unzip the factory window. There is also an adhesive strip on the factory top that has to be removed. It has a braided copper wire in it. Adhering the new window to the top is problematic. Nothing I know of works and forget getting one from Audi. There is also a special frame to compress the edges - see the Bentleys about this. If I did it over, I would remove the factory window, buy window plastic, and perfectly mark and stitch the old zipper to the new window. I saved the old one and if I can find it I'll repost with pics.
This has been discussed numerous times with different opinions and a search will bring it up. I have used the ebay guy and the "universal" zipper he provides. His shop is near me. The zipper is a royal PITA to get in. Took much time and numerous attempts due to the way the zipper works. The factory window does not have a zipper pull on it, and when you replace the window, even with the universal zipper, the pull comes off when finally zipped in. I believe I used the one they provided to unzip the factory window. There is also an adhesive strip on the factory top that has to be removed. It has a braided copper wire in it. Adhering the new window to the top is problematic. Nothing I know of works and forget getting one from Audi. There is also a special frame to compress the edges - see the Bentleys about this. If I did it over, I would remove the factory window, buy window plastic, and perfectly mark and stitch the old zipper to the new window. I saved the old one and if I can find it I'll repost with pics.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 442
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From: Tucson, AZ
I did some google searches and saw the guy selling the zip in replacement. Their website mentioned they modify the zipper by removing every 5th tooth so it will match up to the zipper in the top. Just the window is $154 shipped
http://www.bmw-convertible-window.com/Audi80.asp
I read a few posts about how it is extremely hard to get the adhesive to heat set too.
The other thing I am considering is the ~$320 top on Ebay. It is HAARTZ stayfast cloth so it should be the same material as the factory top. Aren't these tops glued to the leading edge? The auction doesn't mention anything about adhesives.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Audi-...m=260864845355
I am also going to talk to a local upholstery shop to get an idea of what they would charge to fix it. They might do exactly what you mentioned by attaching the zipper to a new piece of plastic. I plan to sell the car soon and really want to stop putting tons of money in the car I will never see a return on.
http://www.bmw-convertible-window.com/Audi80.asp
I read a few posts about how it is extremely hard to get the adhesive to heat set too.
The other thing I am considering is the ~$320 top on Ebay. It is HAARTZ stayfast cloth so it should be the same material as the factory top. Aren't these tops glued to the leading edge? The auction doesn't mention anything about adhesives.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Audi-...m=260864845355
I am also going to talk to a local upholstery shop to get an idea of what they would charge to fix it. They might do exactly what you mentioned by attaching the zipper to a new piece of plastic. I plan to sell the car soon and really want to stop putting tons of money in the car I will never see a return on.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 442
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From: Tucson, AZ
I'm thinking someone had the original window replaced before. Looking at it this afternoon I discovered there is a pull on the zipper attached to the window.
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v687/MAtkisson/?action=view&current=cab_window1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/MAtkisson/cab_window1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v687/MAtkisson/?action=view&current=cab_window2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/MAtkisson/cab_window2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
So it looks like the options now are either a new top or hope a local shop can come up with a fix.
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v687/MAtkisson/?action=view&current=cab_window1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/MAtkisson/cab_window1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v687/MAtkisson/?action=view&current=cab_window2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/MAtkisson/cab_window2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
So it looks like the options now are either a new top or hope a local shop can come up with a fix.
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