Convertible tops are a popular choice for those who love the feeling of the wind in their hair and the sun on their face while driving. However, over time, the adhesive that secures the back glass to the convertible top can start to fail, leading to leaks and a less-than-perfect appearance. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry – it’s a relatively simple fix that you can do yourself with the right tools and materials. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of properly gluing the back glass to your convertible top, ensuring a tight seal and a professional-looking result.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. You’ll need:
- 3M Window Weld or a similar polyurethane-based adhesive
- 3M Single Step Primer or a similar primer
- Razor blades or a scraper tool
- Painter’s tape
- Rags or paper towels
- Clamps or weights
Prepare the Surface
The first step in properly gluing the back glass to your convertible top is to prepare the surface. Begin by partially opening the top (about 50-70%) to relieve tension on the fabric and allow you to stretch it more easily into position when you’re re-adhering.
Next, use the razor blades or scraper tool to remove all the old adhesive from both the glass and the fabric. Take your time and try to get it all, tossing the blade when it gets too gunked up. This step is crucial for ensuring a strong bond between the new adhesive and the surfaces.
Once you’ve removed all the old adhesive, use the painter’s tape to create a clean line separating the black-tinted portion of the glass from the rest of the window. This will help prevent the primer and adhesive from getting on the clear part of the glass.
Apply the Primer
With the surfaces prepared, it’s time to apply the primer. From inside the car, brush the single-step primer onto the bottom (black-tinted) part of the glass. This is the area where the fabric will adhere. Feel free to overlap the tape a bit with the primer. Let the primer sit for at least 15 minutes before moving on.
Apply the Adhesive
Now it’s time to apply the adhesive. Load the 3M Window Weld or similar polyurethane-based adhesive into a caulking gun. Apply a generous bead of adhesive to the primed area of the glass, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Quickly position the fabric of the convertible top over the adhesive, pressing firmly to ensure good contact. Use the clamps or weights to hold the fabric in place while the adhesive cures.
Wipe away any excess adhesive that seeps out from under the fabric using the rags or paper towels. Be careful not to get any adhesive on the clear portion of the glass.
Allow Time to Cure
Once the fabric is in place, allow the adhesive to cure for at least 48 hours before fully closing the convertible top. The manufacturer’s instructions may recommend a longer curing time, so be sure to check.
During the curing process, keep the car covered and protected from the elements. Avoid driving the car or exposing it to rain or moisture until the adhesive has fully cured.
With patience and attention to detail, you can successfully glue the back glass to your convertible top and enjoy a watertight, professional-looking result for years to come.