The rear window of my 99 Sunfire was smashed. I had a mint window and asked my local top shop to put the new glass in the existing curtain but they said that it was not possible.

Instead they quoted me the following estimate:

Replacement window and curtain (Electron Tops)................$387
Labor- 3 hours at $70.00 per hour.............................................$210
Shipping............................................................................................$25

Total.................................................................................................$622

I was able to purchase a mint rear window and curtain for $20 on E-Bay. and the shop repaired my car for the, three hour, $210 labor charge. The GM Sunfire parts list allows 2.6 hours for the same job.

In the process, I learned that the Electron Tops suggested retail price is $315,. not $387.
See their website.

I now have the curtain with broken glass chips and an undamaged piece of tinted glass with rear defogger.

My question is:

Is it possible for me to attach the glass to the curtain? How is this done?

If I cannot do the job myself is there a shop that can do it in the event that the current glass is damaged.

Please do not guess and suggest contact cement or polyurethane glue unless you have experience in this repair.

Call an auto glass place, not a generic mechanic.

Find a place that specializes in convertible top repair... they may have an idea how to fix it.

It's bonded to the glass at the convertible top factory.... I doubt you can re-attach an old curtain to new glass, but hey.. give a convertible top place a call...

I bought my whole top on Ebay for $400... new black cloth top.... with new curtain to match.... it's minty now, I have to get off my arse and install the dang thing!!

John,

Thank you for your response to my queries about attaching the rear vinyl curtain of a convertible top to the glass window.

I too have heard the word "bonded" used to describe the union of these two elements. After some web study, I am coming to believe that the process involves a heat sensitive adhesive that is pressed in place. I am open to more data on the issue, however.

Without benefit of the factory system, it seems probable that the individual vehicle owner could do something on his own to make a repair.

The problem is more difficult than it would first appear. The Internet indicates that Saab 900, Sebring, Mustang and Corvette owners have all had problems with the glass and the curtain separating causing leaks. Top shops will not deal with the issue finding it easier and more profitable to replace the entire top. A number of home remedies, including double stick emblem tape, and two-part epoxy have all failed over time.

Two more successful writers on the web used dabs super glue to make the initial "tack" contact and found that it adhered both surfaces together. One used a popsicle stick to force two part epoxy between the areas that were still open as a sealant. The other, a top shop owner, used windshield urethane sealant which has the advantage that it also acts as a bonding agent. Each used a razor blade to remove visible residue although the urethane could not be removed from the vinyl.

I still think that there must be an adhesive that is usable with a heat gun and moderate pressure.

My car is a summer only project and never leaves the garage with the top up. On only three occasions has the top been up because of unexpected rain. I think that I will use the process above to "bond" the curtain to the glass hoping that I will never need it since I have a replacement on the car and, if I do, that it will hold up well under my limited use.

If you are able to retrieve any data about how factories do the bonding, please post.

I am purchasing on E-Bay the DVD describing the installation of a J-Body top. I try to do all the work on my car (the rear window was an exception) and, if I have to do the entire top project ,the DVD might be of help.

I do not know what type of top you are putting on your car but I struggled with scratches and clouding on the plastic rear window of my '68 Chevelle. I want to retain the glass window on the Sunfire at all cost.

My brother-in-law has a big buck '90's Mercedes 500 SL convertible that has a clouded plastic rear window. It is a source of some pride that my low buck J-Bod has gennie glass with a defogger, even if it is seldom seen.

Once again, thank you for your reply. I respect your knowledge base.

Jack

John, did you ever get around to installing it? Is it as nice as factory?



Scott

When I boost, you boost, we boost
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You have been banned from NEJBODY.
You've displayed wayyy too many acts of pushing people to their limits.
It's never cool to tear people down for what they want to do.
NEJBODY is a team. We're not the same as JBO where everyone bashes on eachother.
I'm surprised you show up to our meets after half of the things you say on here.

Nah, still working on the engine swap. It's too f'n cold in my carport to work on anything.... I'm prepping the control arms in my shed tho

Once the car is running again, maybe I'll think about the top swap...