It was a Nice Easter until . . .

Chicita · #1 (**permalink**)

I returned home from the Zoo to find my rear glass of the convertible top laying on the stowaway door.

Maybe even close to tears.
I understand that this is an issue with the Roadster starting in 2002-2003? GAHH has come up with an entire top replacement kit to help us poor saps out. Or we can get Superman glue from 3M or Eastwood. I'd love to know your feedback on which is the BEST way to go. Does the GAHH canvas fade? I live in Florida and the heck if I will pay $1500 for something that is going to look like crap in 5 years!
And if this is a problem that Chrysler KNOWS about, why hasn't the car been recalled? I'm lucky my window fell in at a standstill.
What if I was driving with my windows down and the top blew out?
I'd love to hear your feedback.

Bill123 · #2 (**permalink**)

A question... Did it show any signs of failure before the glass fell out? I have a 2006 convertible and we're in FL until June and I wondered if there are any early warning signs to look for before it happens.

Chicita · #3 (**permalink**)

There were no signs that I observed. I hand wash my car and it is mostly garage kept. From what I understand, the gaskets eventually give up and release the glass.

Stargazer · #4 (**permalink**)

From what we experienced and what we've read, the window just gracefully lays down - no crashes, no breaks.
I've seen a few cars that have used glue or other sticky materials to hold the window in place and they seem to work real well. We have a XF in our neighborhood that has 'stuff' holding the back window for at least a year. It really makes the XF look less than ordinary.
I can't give you a 5-year story because it seems as though most of the new tops were installed in '08 and '09.
We replaced our top last April and it looks brand new. As of right now, I feel good about what the top will look like in 5 years. I am told by Orlando Auto Upholstery that they used the MB German material and it feels like it - it has substance.

bmorgan · #5 (**permalink**)

Chicita, do you frequently drive with your top up, and your side windows down. I have a feeling that the buffeting caused by driving with the windows down is what is causing them to weaken and eventually fall out (No proof of this, just a feeling.). Well, along with the heat. One of the members on here recently had this happen, and he turned it in on his car insurance. The insurance paid for a new top. Just a thought.

Thirteendog · #6 (**permalink**)

If you're going to replace the top I believe there is a custum shop in Miami that's doing it for the crossfire and adding a pocket for the window to sit in rather than just being held on by glue. Really reasonable too if I remember right. If I can find the thread I'll direct you to it.

tighed1 · #7 (**permalink**)

Tons of related info (and my fix that is STILL holding) in these threads.

http://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/...archid=1057874

Let us know what you end up doing.

Chicita · #8 (**permalink**)

Quote:

Originally Posted by tighed1

Tons of related info (and my fix that is STILL holding) in these threads.

http://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/...archid=1057874

Let us know what you end up doing.

Thanks for the info Tighed1. I did research what everyone was saying. I did decide to go to Classic Auto Interiors in Tampa. In speaking with Daran, we went over the 3 types of fixes:
1. Rebond w/ Superman Glue - - he says that 9 times out of 10, the glass does release. Tighed1 you are amoung the previleged few success stories.
2. They will rebuild the top with the top grade German Canvas, sewing in a pocket for the original glass $1475
3. Sew a 40 gauge marine grade vinyl window in the existing canvas for $575.

Daran was EXTREMELY compassionate for our cause. He does about 7 CrossFires Roadsters a week and knows the difficulty in getting a dime from Chrysler. Doesn't this just make you sick!

Having had a Convertible Beemer with a factory vinyl window, I am satisfied with the option for now. I am saving my rear glass just in case something should happen to my bonnet and then I will have it replaced by Classic with their custom fit pocketed top using my old glass.

I will take some photos when I get her back. Estimated repair time is 1-2 days.

maxcichon · #9 (**permalink**)

Thanks to all for keeping up on possible fixes and the places that will perform the work.

Maybe someone could compile the info and submit it for a sticky in the Roadster section?