I know this is a repeat of previous posts. Just a different take of the repair.

I got the car and within two days the rear window fell down. :-( Sad face




I did a temp glue job and now having to do the proper job.

I pulled the window out completely and started the scraping process to remove the old glue.


I found having a small battery operated vacuum around helps in sucking up the waste.

I found folded seam had separated and glued it back together with some wood blocks.

clamping the seam


I took a rotary sander drum to inside edge of the seam and cleaned off the all the previous glue and junk. This worked very well as it also roughed the surface. I think I used a 80 grit drum.


Once done, I took my newly acquired clamps to test fit the window. I came to the conclusion, I needed more clamps to keep the edges down once I am gluing. So I have ordered 6 more clamps. All the reviews bounce between great and crappy. Personally, they are not the best of suction cups, but they work fine if you have a clean surface and clean cups.


Need more clamps!

So until I get my clamps, the work is paused. Stay tuned for more crossfire repair on this crossfire thread.

 

I got my second set of clamps and it was time to do the gluing. I did another test fit. The towels in the back are important to create tension on the soft top.


Test fit with the clamps

I used a pencil and created alignment markers using a bit of electrical tape.


Alignment markers

I ran a good size bead around the black part of the window. All the advice I got online side more is better. Afterwards you can cut off the excess.


Keep it thick she said

I got my neighbor to come over and help me with a crucial step. Thanks Neighbor! Once the bead was on the glass, I lowered the top over the glass. I picked up the window using the suction cup clamps and brought it up to the alignment marks. I had my neighbor place the towels under the glass giving the window support. I was able to start clamping down the soft top seams onto the window. I went around the perimeter setting the clamps and have my neighbor move the towels around as needed for tension.


Right before placement and clamping

 

The rear window clamped and letting the glue set.

 

What glue did you use?

 

3M Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive, 08693, Medium Viscosity, High-Strength, Fast-Curing, 310 mL/10.5 fl oz Cartridge , Black

I plan to post a picture of all the tools used.

 

Here is a list and picture of all the tools I used.
Single edge scraper - Ace Hardware
Cutting knife scraper - Ace hardware
12 Suction Cup Clamps - Amazon
3M Auto Glass Urethane 08693 - Amazon
Various Towels - collected over the years
Rotary Sander - Lowes Hardware
Caulk Gun - Ace <- this was very hard to use, and took much hand strength



I took off all the clamps last and seems to be holding. I took a razor and trim up the excess that oozed out onto the window.

 

That's the glue

i used six years ago and it is still good. I did use the primer with it though. Looks great.

 

I did that method as well but after 3 yrs fell out again put a new top on it at that point. Nice repair though.

 

Thanks! This is a new old car for me. I am spending my money on getting mechanicals and top working. This is cheaper than a new top. I plan on a new top next year or the year after. I want this car solid before I get a top.

 

Had a rear window fall out of mine after owning it for just 6 days ... because I had Comprehensive Coverage my Insurance replaced the top, they paid the bill, cost me nothing ... something you might want to look into ... my new top has a sewed in back window and the shop that did the replacement did a super job

 

Have done this repair several times with the 3M adhesive, pillows and clamps as shown. Window has fallen out again. GRRRR Good thing this is my summer Crossfire.

Any other suggestions?

 

How long does your glue-up last?

It would help to know what is separating. Does the adhesive look like it's pulling away from the fabric or the glass? If it's the glass then maybe using the primer is necessary. I did not use the primer on my repair. If it's the fabric then you should consider changing your prep method. Otherwise it's a new top.

 

Most recent glue-up (with 3M and clamps) lasted 2 weeks. Most of failure is adhesive-to-top. Seems to adhere to glass reasonably well. new top? Might have to start buying Lottery Tickets again!

 

I reglued mine three times in three years and gave up. Got a new BAS top. If you can afford a set of tires, you can afford a top.

The guys replaced mine out in the parking lot before the Eureka Springs meet.

 

There prices may not be as high as you think.
Take a look:

https://www.car-hood.co.uk/crossfire

 

When I used primer just on the glass, I could tell it was not going to hold for long. The second time I used primer on the glass and top, it was very secure and no problems after that.

 

Just got mine from here !!
Great quality and they have been selling us tops for many years now.
Just send an email to: rebecca.web.bas@gmail.com