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Softtop problem

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Old Jun 4, 2024 | 08:11 AM
  #1 (permalink)  
MPblue's Avatar
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From: Solihull
Default Softtop problem

Hello, I have a Crossfire soft top. The problem is the rear glass windscreen is slowly parting company from the mohair roof. The soft top is otherwise in very good condition. Can anyone recommend someone who can carry out a repair? I live in Solihull but happy to travel to someone to get this fixed.

Thanks
 
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Old Jun 4, 2024 | 10:36 AM
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ZERACER's Avatar
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From: Orange County CA.
Default Re: Softtop problem

You can do a search on this site on how to repair it or order a new one from BAS International for under a grand.
 
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Old Jun 4, 2024 | 11:37 AM
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pizzaguy's Avatar
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Default Re: Softtop problem

Solihull? That is not a location - note how I put "Fort Worth, Texas" to make it clear where I am.

If you are in the UK or EU, I don't know of anyone. If you are here in the USA, we have several people scattered around the country that can reglue the window (it won't last but if you insist on trying and throwing $200-$400 away....) or that can replace the top for no more than $300 labor. The top is currently running $800USD, delivered in the USA.

Your top is close to 20 years old - it is time for a new one - I glued mine four times and had enough.
 

Last edited by pizzaguy; Jun 4, 2024 at 11:39 AM.
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Old Jun 4, 2024 | 01:53 PM
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nickwe21's Avatar
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Default Re: Softtop problem

Originally Posted by pizzaguy
Solihull? That is not a location - note how I put "Fort Worth, Texas" to make it clear where I am.

If you are in the UK or EU, I don't know of anyone. If you are here in the USA, we have several people scattered around the country that can reglue the window (it won't last but if you insist on trying and throwing $200-$400 away....) or that can replace the top for no more than $300 labor. The top is currently running $800USD, delivered in the USA.

Your top is close to 20 years old - it is time for a new one - I glued mine four times and had enough.
Always wondered if there is anyone who glued it and actually got decent results (long lasting results). Maybe if it is caught very early and only on the inside, it could be "reinforced" but I think once it starts to really separate there is only one option - get a replacement!

Most seem to go with BAS (UK company) and most likely due to the price factor. There are some others who swear by the EzTops, which seem to be cut better and have the window stitched into a pocket so you do not have to worry about the glue coming apart anymore. They are more expensive though. Both are used quite frequently.
If you are handy, you can replace it yourself (there are videos online - it's actually fairly simple). I did it with a very nice forum member once and then was confident enough to help a friend replace his. Two people come in hand for the job but it's worth it.
 
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Old Jun 4, 2024 | 03:22 PM
  #5 (permalink)  
dcskmail's Avatar
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From: Marine, il 62061
Default Re: Softtop problem

Unless you do the whole window the part that you don't do will also fail been there done that here's a video that may help, clamps and glue at Amazon :
 

Last edited by dcskmail; Jun 4, 2024 at 03:26 PM.
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Old Jun 5, 2024 | 05:20 AM
  #6 (permalink)  
MPblue's Avatar
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From: Solihull
Default Re: Softtop problem

Thanks for your replay. I would like to keep with the original spec and the repair procedure would do that. Thanks. Kevin
 
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Old Jun 5, 2024 | 05:22 AM
  #7 (permalink)  
MPblue's Avatar
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From: Solihull
Default Re: Softtop problem

Hello and thanks for responding. You’re right, the location is Solihull, West Midlands, UK.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2024 | 07:04 AM
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nickwe21's Avatar
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Default Re: Softtop problem

Originally Posted by MPblue
Hello and thanks for responding. You’re right, the location is Solihull, West Midlands, UK.
Completely understandable but just think, we have seen thousands of forum members and members across many Facebook groups who have attempted to glue their window in and I literately can't remember one who did not come back after a while to tell us it didn't work and they are now ready for a replacement.

Plus that glueing process is not easy. It takes time, patience (and a lot of money if someone else does it) just to fail again in a few month.
These cars are now 18 years old and the glue is a weak spot but it's expected for convertibles of this age. I have spoken to many BMW, VW, Mercedes convertible owners form that era and before and most of them have a new top. Some of them tell me about separated seams, windows falling out, tears, wrinkles etc.

But as always - it's up to you. Being in the UK you could probably get the BAS top for cheaper because they are from there Same specs and material as factory but with a better reinforced window
​​​​
 
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Old Jun 5, 2024 | 07:20 AM
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Oldschool's Avatar
Joined: Dec 2019
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From: Cincinnati
Default Re: Softtop problem

Originally Posted by MPblue
Hello, I have a Crossfire soft top. The problem is the rear glass windscreen is slowly parting company from the mohair roof. The soft top is otherwise in very good condition. Can anyone recommend someone who can carry out a repair? I live in Solihull but happy to travel to someone to get this fixed.

Thanks
I had a problem like that as well. I know the top may be nearing its life expectancy but after spending $1,600 with Top Hydraulics my car allowance is drained. I you tubed top repair and stumbled across "Stormsure flexible repair adhesive.
Amazon
Amazon Amazon
For $6.99 and shipping where is the harm? I did it and so far so good (4 weeks ago). The adhesive directions say to only apply to one side of the seam and hold it in place. I masked the exposed sides of the seam to help prevent smudging and in my case was able to clamp it with several binder clips.
I want to go to Woodward Dream Cruise - Royal Oak, Michigan - August 16 & 17 and not have a leaky top. I believe this top repair will get me by.
The longer I can get this old top to hold on the longer a future new top will last.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2024 | 08:54 AM
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Oldschool's Avatar
Joined: Dec 2019
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From: Cincinnati
Default Re: Softtop problem

deleted
 

Last edited by Oldschool; Jun 5, 2024 at 08:57 AM. Reason: delete
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Old Jun 5, 2024 | 11:41 AM
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pizzaguy's Avatar
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Default Re: Softtop problem

Originally Posted by MPblue
Thanks for your replay. I would like to keep with the original spec and the repair procedure would do that. Thanks. Kevin
A loose, leaky window is not 'spec'. And old top is not 'spec'.
Fabric tops have a limited lifetime, and our cars are nearly 20 years old. You can't fight this and again, I tried re-gluing, I don't have the patience. Replacing the top is easier and takes less time.

I Had a set of those clamps, they are NOT enough. Greg in Oklahoma made a frame to hold the window to the fabric, took his time, reglued his window.
A year later, he replaced the top.
 
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Old Jun 6, 2024 | 11:37 AM
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mwe74's Avatar
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Pinehurst, NC
Default Re: Softtop problem

I just went through this with my O5 Roadster. I said my top was in very good shape and did the reglue. Not satisfied. Had a Forum member put a new BAS top on. What a difference. My top was not in very good shape on comparison. I have clamps and 3M activator for free if you must! Good luck.


 
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Old Jun 6, 2024 | 12:21 PM
  #13 (permalink)  
nickwe21's Avatar
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Default Re: Softtop problem

Originally Posted by mwe74
I just went through this with my O5 Roadster. I said my top was in very good shape and did the reglue. Not satisfied. Had a Forum member put a new BAS top on. What a difference. My top was not in very good shape on comparison. I have clamps and 3M activator for free if you must! Good luck.

Looks great! I think reading through hundreds of self-glued threads on forum and facebook we can come to an accurate conclusion. What the individual does with that information is entirely up to each of them. I like my car, I want to keep it as nice and presentable as possible. Yes, expenses can add up but that is what you signed up for when purchasing a 18 year old Roadster with a soft top. To me (and again, that's just me) the time and effort as well as money put into gluing the top and then taking the chance that water will still enter you trunk and ruin your electronics would not be worth it to me. OR the chance that I will have to re-do it in a few weeks. New tops make old cars look brand new people
 
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Old Jun 6, 2024 | 01:40 PM
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pizzaguy's Avatar
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Default Re: Softtop problem

Originally Posted by nickwe21
Looks great! I think reading through hundreds of self-glued threads on forum and facebook we can come to an accurate conclusion. What the individual does with that information is entirely up to each of them. I like my car, I want to keep it as nice and presentable as possible. Yes, expenses can add up but that is what you signed up for when purchasing a 18 year old Roadster with a soft top. To me (and again, that's just me) the time and effort as well as money put into gluing the top and then taking the chance that water will still enter you trunk and ruin your electronics would not be worth it to me. OR the chance that I will have to re-do it in a few weeks. New tops make old cars look brand new people
Added to the above, which is all valid, is this thought: A new top is cheap considering what it does for you (Provides security against water intrusion as well as cosmetic appeal).

Tops cost almost NOTHING. Here is my math:
In fifteen years and over 130,000 miles, I have bought no less than six sets of tires for $850-950 a set.
In fifteen years and over 130,000 miles, I have done no less than 22 oil changes at $60-90 each (prices have increased over the years).
That's over $7000.

In the same time and miles, I have bought ONE top for a cost of $740 (with free install thanks to forum members at the Eureka SPrings Meet, your cost will be up to $350).

$740 in fifteen years? The expense is insignificant compared to the cost of tires and oil changes. In 90 minutes, all that was left to do was to throw away the old top. You can't reglue the top in that amount of time, and you are going to replace the top soon, anyway.
 

Last edited by pizzaguy; Jun 6, 2024 at 01:44 PM.
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Old Jun 6, 2024 | 02:20 PM
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BPCR45-70's Avatar
Joined: Dec 2020
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From: S'ville, TX
Default Re: Softtop problem

Pizza, that is some really good math. Kind of puts it all in perspective don't it.

Just yesterday I helped a buddy do an emergency glue repair of the rear window as a temp fix. Hoping it will hold up till we get back from the Ozarks Rally. Then, it will be a new top for sure.
 
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