Rear window is trashed
 

I have a 91 Bird convertible, and the top is in near perfect condition but the rear window is ripped and yellowed to the point where you can't see thru it. Can i replace just the window or does the whole top and window have to be replaced as one?

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

ASC did not have zipp in/out windows in the camaro/firebird like some E36 BMW convertibles did. No one has done it but if you bought a new top and then had auto upholstery specialist take a window and add zipper to window and top you could just replace window in the future. i was thinking of having some made. The only problem is ASC used 2 different top sizes with camaro/firebird years so it would have to be on a made to order basis.

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

If you are going to get a new top which I think is your only option, I would get one with the glass window in it. I got mine with the glass and I wouldnt have it any other way. They cost more but it the long run will last you longer because they wont yellow.

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

Find yourself a good upholstery or auto top shop and they can very easily replace the rear window in your convertible top. I had this done on my 89 IROC vert when I was in the same situation as you........perfect top with a bad bad back window. People on here always say you can't do it, and I'm not sure why. The shop that did mine did a perfect job. You would never know it wasn't the original window. :thumbsup:

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

I would check first to see how much your upholsterer is willing to charge. I did hear that they will have to remove your top to do the repair. If you are doing this, you should realize that you will still have an old top that is going to not last as long as a new one. You will want to compare with your upholsterer on the price of a new fitted top with an old one that has been repaired. I still love my glass window one. That is my opinion.

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

I thought the top folded at the window, which would make a glass window impossible. Guess I was wrong.

Where did you guys get your tops with glass windows from?

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

I got my top from Tops on Line. Had it for a few years and no problems at all.

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

Had my top replaced and bought the glass version since I live in Colorado Springs, both the sun and snowy freezing winters can be brutal on a convertible, the glass is slightly smaller than the plastic which eliminated the folding you percieved. By the way we also get some huge hailstorms in CS and my car has survived them all. My 88 IROC is a daily driver and lives outdoors. My glass top version is from Topsonline and has been on since 2011, no problems at all and I can scrape the ice off and no yellowing ever. Go with the glass version says the guy that has owned his IROC vert for 15 years.

Fivestar

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

I replaced my original top after about 13 years. The material had worn at the bends from daily use and the rear window had turned yellow and hazy, I replaced it with the same fabric top with the plastic window and that one has lasted 15 years. My question is this, is it really worth the extra money to get a glass window when the plastic ones last as long as they do? At this rate I won't need another top until I'm in my 80's! At that time I'll either be dead or will have given the car to my daughter (she thinks I'll be buried in it and she just may be right!). Anyway, are the glass windows really worth the extra cost. I've owned my 91 since new and have enjoyed every minute of the 28 years we have been together. I want to treat her right but I am stuck on what window to get her this time around. Any thoughts - glass or plastic - would be appreciated.

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

I would still go with the glass window. My car has never been garaged, both the Arizona and Colorado sun and snowy winters wreak havoc on convertible tops. I can scrape the glass window of snow and ice it will never yellow or get brittle. It has been on my 88 IROC for nearly ten years and again always outside. when it comes to painting and restoring the 88 I will stay with a glass top when the current cloth of the convertible goes.

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

I don't deal with snow any more. But the summer sun is brutal here in Florida and may make the decision for me since we don't put the top down as much as we used to. My other windows are not tinted. How dark is the glass rear window on these tops? Thanks for the input.

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

I have had my stayfast top with the glass window in it for about 5 years. I would not even think about the vinyl window. The glass could always be tinted whereas the vinyl cannot. Love mine.

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

Made my decision about glass or plastic rear window. I am going with the plastic. I think I would have gone with glass if the window was the same size as the plastic and it did not require dropping the rear seat to make it fit. The first two gave me 29 years of service (15 years and 14 years) so, if that pattern holds, my heirs will have a decision to make! Top number 3 is being installed today.

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

My 88 IROC Z daily driver convertible has a glass Stayfast top that was installed in 2011 and my car lives outside in the harsh sun, wind, snow and ice of Colorado. I had installed a stayfast plastic window top in 2006 and the top material was good through those years but the window became yellowed, brittle and hail eventually broke through the plastic window in 2009 (backyard repair of clear tape until I could buy another top) so I decided to go with the glass window and had it installed in 2011. You brought up something curious... you stated something about having to put down the rear seatbacks when lowering the convertible top with the glass to make it fit??? In all the years I have had the Stayfast glass window I have never once needed to lower the seatbacks, oh and I can use an ice scraper on my back glass on snowy and ice/frosty days. The slightly smaller glass window has not hindered my view either and you will not get that dreaded stress fold or scratches in the plastic window that comes with it being in the well. Go with the glass windowed convertible top-you will be glad you did.

Fivestar

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

I replaced my top with a glass window back in 2005. Still in great shape and that is dealing with the brutal Arizona sun.

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

My top is getting beat up and old looking, especially the rear plastic window is yellowing. I always thought about getting a zip down rear window. I had a zip down glass window in my 1994 miata which I loved having. It allowed me to have the top up, get shade from the sun, while getting full airflow inside the car. I'm not a fan of the sun beating on me since i'm in Florida now. I wonder if I should buy a new glass window top and bring it to an upholstery shop to have them modify it first then install it or have a new top made from scratch.

Re: Rear window is trashed
 

I had my previous top window redone many years ago and it was around 150$ and they offered me either white or black sewing wich was like OEM! I was even able to go with a tint window instead of the clear one that gets yellowish over the time... But I must admit that the mica was tinner than the original one. I ended up changing the whole top with topsonline but always regretted not purchasing the glass window instead. Next and last time I will change it I will go for it as it will last forever!