Replacing plastic window with glass?
#1
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Replacing plastic window with glass?
Hey guys, I found this link from the sticky on this forum:
http://www.topsonline.com/index.php?...odelID=1066000
And I noticed that they make a top with a glass window. I'd MUCH prefer a glass window (could hardly see squat when backing up with original plastic one). Is it a drop-in replacement? Since I thought that the window kinda bends when the top is stowed away. Any pointers?
And what's the difference between the "stayfast cloth" and "pinpoint vinyl"? Which one is more durable?
http://www.topsonline.com/index.php?...odelID=1066000
And I noticed that they make a top with a glass window. I'd MUCH prefer a glass window (could hardly see squat when backing up with original plastic one). Is it a drop-in replacement? Since I thought that the window kinda bends when the top is stowed away. Any pointers?
And what's the difference between the "stayfast cloth" and "pinpoint vinyl"? Which one is more durable?
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
The glass tops are smaller then the plastic in order for it to still fold down. Not replaceable.
Kevin D.
Kevin D.
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Car: 1989 IrocZ Convertible
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
Not into an existing roof that formally had the larger plastic window.
As mentioned, the smaller glass window allows the fold to occur just to the top of the glass.
Also note, with a glass window, you may need to fold down the rear seats to put the top down. They can go back up after.
Bonus for glass . . . more durable, less prone to scratching, fading and clouding, looks great, and tintable!
Con . . . as if the visibilty wasn't bad enough with the top up, the smaller rear window makes it even worse.
Personally, I love the glass window. I am looking at buying a roof while they are still easily available, just as a spare. I'm really torn between the original style plastic or glass. Oh well. Maybe I should buy both!
I would definitly go for the stayfast cloth. It's basically like the original material. The vinyl idea just doeasn't float my boat in both appearance and durability.
As mentioned, the smaller glass window allows the fold to occur just to the top of the glass.
Also note, with a glass window, you may need to fold down the rear seats to put the top down. They can go back up after.
Bonus for glass . . . more durable, less prone to scratching, fading and clouding, looks great, and tintable!
Con . . . as if the visibilty wasn't bad enough with the top up, the smaller rear window makes it even worse.
Personally, I love the glass window. I am looking at buying a roof while they are still easily available, just as a spare. I'm really torn between the original style plastic or glass. Oh well. Maybe I should buy both!
I would definitly go for the stayfast cloth. It's basically like the original material. The vinyl idea just doeasn't float my boat in both appearance and durability.
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
Stayfast with glass window here... LOVE IT!
#6
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
Not into an existing roof that formally had the larger plastic window.
As mentioned, the smaller glass window allows the fold to occur just to the top of the glass.
Also note, with a glass window, you may need to fold down the rear seats to put the top down. They can go back up after.
Bonus for glass . . . more durable, less prone to scratching, fading and clouding, looks great, and tintable!
Con . . . as if the visibilty wasn't bad enough with the top up, the smaller rear window makes it even worse.
Personally, I love the glass window. I am looking at buying a roof while they are still easily available, just as a spare. I'm really torn between the original style plastic or glass. Oh well. Maybe I should buy both!
I would definitly go for the stayfast cloth. It's basically like the original material. The vinyl idea just doeasn't float my boat in both appearance and durability.
As mentioned, the smaller glass window allows the fold to occur just to the top of the glass.
Also note, with a glass window, you may need to fold down the rear seats to put the top down. They can go back up after.
Bonus for glass . . . more durable, less prone to scratching, fading and clouding, looks great, and tintable!
Con . . . as if the visibilty wasn't bad enough with the top up, the smaller rear window makes it even worse.
Personally, I love the glass window. I am looking at buying a roof while they are still easily available, just as a spare. I'm really torn between the original style plastic or glass. Oh well. Maybe I should buy both!
I would definitly go for the stayfast cloth. It's basically like the original material. The vinyl idea just doeasn't float my boat in both appearance and durability.
#7
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Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
You can still use the back seats, its just when you are putting the top up or down you need to put the seats down (not even all tbe way, just a few inches), so the window can clear the tops of the seats. One the top is in place (either up or down), the seat can go back to the "up" position. I really need to make a video that shows this because a lot of people have asked about it.
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
ive heard that 4th gen seats ar alittle shorter on the back of the rear seat i wonder if that would be enough to remidy the problem
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
I think it would my 95 camaro convertible is about the same top and the frame is very similar(other than being power) I would definitely try it out pretty easy to find the rear seats cheap. I like the plastic window on my 87 though the glass window being so tiny makes a hell of a blind spot when backing up.
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
I don't think the issue with the rear seats is that big of a deal. As BlueZee28 said, it's just a few inches when moving the roof. After the roof is up or down, the rear seats are back to normal.
If anything, the rear glass might only add one more minor step. No biggie.
If anything, the rear glass might only add one more minor step. No biggie.
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Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
Yep. No big deal at all.
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
they also look way better with the glass have a asc black stayfast top with plastic i bought a couple years ago and was going to install it i was form asc for 1990-93 black new going to sell it now any takers ?
#16
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
I bought my 91 z28 convertible from a guy who just had the top replaced....with the plastic window!!! I didn't even no they made the glass one until a few months later, I was almost temped to replace the top with the glass window top! but then I figured I might as well wait until the new top thats on it is shot, just wish I could tint it!
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
you can tint the vinyl window. could also just use tail light smoking spray (see through spray paint basically)
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
the tint will stick to vinyl not the easiest thing to do but I have seen it done. the paint looks almost exactly like the tint did in way less time for the install. Another option is to take the car to a reputable interior shop and have them remove the clear vinyl window and have them install a tinted vinyl window not the cheapest option but can be done.
#20
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
I think I may try that spray, just worried about it running, do you spray from the inside or on the outside? The tint sounds like a lot of swearing, I'm sure the neighbors would love that!
Thanks
Thanks
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Car: 1990 IROC Convertible
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Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
Can someone post pics of the glass back top on their car? Very interested, going to replace mine soon. Anyone else's top tearing right above the driver and passenger windows? Errrr!!!
#23
Re: Replacing plastic window with glass?
sooooo pissed with topsonline!!! quote from another thread
glass sags inward with the bow's in the stock location. The only way to fix was to cut the 9" webbing and move the bow... and it still dose not look right!!! I will take a pic for you!!
This is the top with glass btw...
glass sags inward with the bow's in the stock location. The only way to fix was to cut the 9" webbing and move the bow... and it still dose not look right!!! I will take a pic for you!!
This is the top with glass btw...
This is what you can expect when working with a vinyl top. Notice the rivet heads tore right through the top... You would not have this problem with a canvas/cloth top, this stuff is paper thin, the slightest tug will cause this...
Because the top tore where the original rivet was, I had to install a new one next to it.... As you can see, the new one looks as if it's going to come off... and it did..
Because the top tore where the original rivet was, I had to install a new one next to it.... As you can see, the new one looks as if it's going to come off... and it did..
Last edited by blakecharles; 08-24-2011 at 02:11 AM.
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