I'm in the midst of trying to install a new rear plastic window on my '98 M Roadster, which I acquired in March '23. Like others, I have had the same failure in my right and left upper corners pulling away. Prior ownership did glue those areas, which bided some time, but that too has failed. Car sat in storage for 22/yrs before I acquired, accumulating only 3K miles during that time, but was maintained and well cared for based on its' condition. It now has 19K miles (14K 1st owner) and the top is still in very good condition, so hate to replace the whole when just the window needs replacement.
However, this has been an exercise of extreme frustration. I purchased a window from Z3Window.com and it seems to be very well made. Matches up size-wise to my current window. The install can't get off of first base, though.
After the zipper slide broke and finding a new one, I've gotten pretty proficient at getting both ends started and zipping closed towards the first corner - lower right side. Either 2~3 inches before the corner, or while trying to make the bend, the zip separates requiring going back over the open portion. Sometimes it closes and I can move forward, most times I need to restart from the beginning. Even if I can move forward, by the time I turn the first corner, it is separated again. I do have an extra set of hands, my wife who has been quite patient and useful, but together we don't have a solve for this.
Any words of wisdom or tricks of the trade that I can lean on would be greatly appreciated. I've exhausted YouTube videos, but will say Meca Upholstery did a very good video, the best and most informative, cheers to him. However, no one addresses my issue specifically, zipper separating or not closing, and I am at wits end.
Pics are prior to removal of window. I'm located in Bluffton, SC (Hilton Head / Savannah, GA area) and would also appreciate any local contacts / biz that have experience with installation.
Thanks in advance.
However, this has been an exercise of extreme frustration. I purchased a window from Z3Window.com and it seems to be very well made. Matches up size-wise to my current window. The install can't get off of first base, though.
After the zipper slide broke and finding a new one, I've gotten pretty proficient at getting both ends started and zipping closed towards the first corner - lower right side. Either 2~3 inches before the corner, or while trying to make the bend, the zip separates requiring going back over the open portion. Sometimes it closes and I can move forward, most times I need to restart from the beginning. Even if I can move forward, by the time I turn the first corner, it is separated again. I do have an extra set of hands, my wife who has been quite patient and useful, but together we don't have a solve for this.
Any words of wisdom or tricks of the trade that I can lean on would be greatly appreciated. I've exhausted YouTube videos, but will say Meca Upholstery did a very good video, the best and most informative, cheers to him. However, no one addresses my issue specifically, zipper separating or not closing, and I am at wits end.
Pics are prior to removal of window. I'm located in Bluffton, SC (Hilton Head / Savannah, GA area) and would also appreciate any local contacts / biz that have experience with installation.
Thanks in advance.
Ian.