Convertible Rear Window Adhesive

**kheflw** · 05-01-2009, 08:19 AM

My rear window on my 02 CETA is coming loose. Doesnt look like a difficult thing to glue back together, material is all in good shape. Just a couple questions. BTW, I'm new to this car, just got it about 6 weeks ago.

The Outside bottom is completely loose, and looks like it should be glued. The Sides and Top of the window are also loose, but do not appear to have ever been glued....Is this Correct?

On the Inside it is very clear that just the bottom is coming unglued, started small, about 2 inches, but has grown. I want to fix it ASAP before it gets worse.

Any suggestions on the correct Adhesive? The inside glue side of the material has a shiny surface, not sure what it is.

Thanks for any help.

Hef

**bigrondownhiller** · 05-05-2009, 01:59 PM

I used clear silicone on the bottom of mine. I don't know what was original. It has held for 2 years now. I think the sides don't get anything. When you fold your top down you will see. You could always take it to an upholstery shop and see what they say.

**kheflw** · 05-26-2009, 06:42 AM

I need to update this thread. My fix was a failure. The Gorilla Glue I used is too brittle, it cracked and seperated this weekend. I think your comment on the Silicon is the right idea. Silicon usually stays flexible, I think that is the key.

I will update again when I fix it, I'm just hoping that Gorilla glue I put on will come off the fabric. It released from the glass very easily.

Thanks
Hef

**01 SS Vert** · 08-14-2009, 05:42 PM

I'm also interested in a fix!

**kheflw** · 08-17-2009, 04:20 AM

I just re-fixed mine about a week ago. So far so good. Lucklily the Gorilla glue just came right off, released nicely from the canvas side, so both parts were nice and clean.

I looked into Silicone, and found a tube of a Silicone Glue. I'm sure it's very similar to the Silicone you buy in the big caulk tube, but it probably has a little more adhesive quality. I found it at a local hardware store, dont know the name of it right now, I can post it later.

Some tips on this - Set up the top so that top is partially opened. I used a short kids baseball bat to prop up the top, it will not stay open by itself. Leaving it patially open, puts slack in the top to allow you to fit it easily, both inside and out.
I used Duct Tape to secure the top to the glass after I glued and fit it up nicely. The Tape keeps anything from moving or shifting while it's drying.

I'll get back with the name of that glue.

Hef

**01 SS Vert** · 08-17-2009, 06:27 PM

Name would be great!

Has it been out in the rain since the fix? Any leaks?

**kheflw** · 10-07-2009, 12:27 PM

sorry, never got back on this.
I used a GE Brand Household Glue. As I said, looked just like normal clear silicone caulk, probably more adhesive.

I wish I had been a little neater on the cleanup from the glue that squeezed out on the glass on the inside. Probably some time with a new razorblade will get it off.

Yes, lots of rain here in NJ and no leaks yet. Top has been up and down a hundred times and still it is attached. So far so good.

Hef.

**01 SS Vert** · 10-08-2009, 08:25 PM

Thanks!

**Bouvers** · 11-02-2009, 08:46 AM

I have a similar issue... my passenger side of my rear window has slack and looks like it came unglued from the canvas aswell. Is this suppose to be left unattatched or is it supposed to be glued?

**kheflw** · 11-03-2009, 12:45 PM

Only the bottom of my glass has ever been glued, and I believe that is how it should be. Otherwise the top would not be able to fold down properly.
Mine is still working well.

**toi tyme** · 11-04-2009, 06:30 PM

My vert started to come unglued too..

So i traded it for the SS

Problem solved

**01 SS Vert** · 11-04-2009, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by toityme

My vert started to come unglued too..

So i traded it for the SS

Problem solved

What if you have both?

**toi tyme** · 11-04-2009, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by 01 SS Vert

What if you have both?

both of those cars?

may i remind you i traded v6 maro vert for v8 SS

if my vert was and ls1, id keep it for sure, and snag the NBM SS

**turbojimmy** · 11-19-2009, 08:55 AM

I used 3M body side molding adhesive. It's basically super-duper double-sided stick tape. It's the same width as the plastic strip that is supposed to be glued to the window. I've had it installed for a few weeks now and it's fine. Looks good too.

Jim

**Dabom75** · 11-19-2009, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by turbojimmy

I used 3M body side molding adhesive. It's basically super-duper double-sided stick tape. It's the same width as the plastic strip that is supposed to be glued to the window. I've had it installed for a few weeks now and it's fine. Looks good too.

Jim

Where did you get this at?

I need to fix mine and I am going tomorrow morning to get something either the Silicone glue or this tape.

**turbojimmy** · 11-19-2009, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Dabom75

Where did you get this at?

I need to fix mine and I am going tomorrow morning to get something either the Silicone glue or this tape.

I got it at Autozone. It's in the aisle with all their adhesives. It comes in 2 widths. The narrower of the two is the one you want.

HTH,
Jim

**Dabom75** · 11-19-2009, 03:49 PM

Thanks bro.

Going to get some in the morn will post up some before and after pics of teh project so others can see one done with it.

**Dabom75** · 11-20-2009, 08:36 AM

That 3M super sticky auto trim tape is AWESOME.

Picked some up this morn and applied it to top of window and let it set in the sun to set good. Went back an hour later and it is great. Sealed up great and looks good too. Not too noticeble unless you know what you looking for.

**turbojimmy** · 11-21-2009, 03:25 AM

Originally Posted by Dabom75

That 3M super sticky auto trim tape is AWESOME.

Picked some up this morn and applied it to top of window and let it set in the sun to set good. Went back an hour later and it is great. Sealed up great and looks good too. Not too noticeble unless you know what you looking for.

Glad that worked for you.

Here are pics (left the first one huge deliberately so y'all can see the repair better):

Jim

**kheflw** · 11-23-2009, 06:00 AM

Sure wish you guys were around when I was fixing mine! Looks liike good stuff. Mine is still holding strong, but I made a bit of a mess on installation.
Good to know there is an alternative.