The Project Car Rear Window

[Nodzed]

Some advice people please, the roof on the project car is in great condition (other than needs a good clean) but I thought the rear window had replaced and someone had glued it inside the lip of the roof surround, but now I believe after separating the two halves and taking a peek, that it has a zip in window and there is some trim / beading missing and someone has glued the fabric of the roof over the window edge fabric if that makes sense. Do you think I am right? and can the missing trim / bead be purchased and fitted or am way off mark here? Shame to waste money on a new roof if this is all thats wrong as the rear window is in good shape too.

 

[Lee]

The replacement window we just fitted to Pauls zed is the same as this. It has no plastic bead for the fabric to tuck into, Instead the kit comes with glue to stick it down. I suppose unless you want a new window just stick it down again.

 

[Nodzed]

Cheers Lee, took a look at the ///M and realised that the bead should be on the window, bit of a Harry half a job though me thinks, wonder why they dont put a bead on?

 

[Bozzy]

Cheers Lee, took a look at the ///M and realised that the bead should be on the window, bit of a Harry half a job though me thinks, wonder why they dont put a bead on?

Must be an after market item Niall.
I replaced mine only because the bead trim was coming away and as you say it's part of the window.
I went for o.e.m for peace of mind and had it fitted by a trimmer.

Steve

 

[Lee]

Cheers Lee, took a look at the ///M and realised that the bead should be on the window, bit of a Harry half a job though me thinks, wonder why they dont put a bead on?

Not sure mate. The bead comes on the window, signs of a cheap manufacturing process me thinks.

 

[oldcarman]

Have a look at the ADM site where they have a good video on how the window gets installed. But instead of the contact cement usually used they have a double sided tape. HTH. JIM

 

[Dobiwallah]

ADM double side tape after 5 months of hardtop use.

 

[Harryd]

I have a related problem, though for different reasons. The stitching that holds the window zip to the hood has perished. That wouldn't be so much of a problem if I could unzip the window, but I can't open the zip - broken tag and slider. If I could get the window out then I could re-sew. Do you know of a supplier for window and zip?
Harryd

 

[Nodzed]

Do you know of a supplier for window and zip?

@pgunter

 

[pgunter]

@Nodzed I have that horrid stick down as a temp fix on the 3.0 I have purchased a OEM from BMW and to be honest for the little extra they are over the cheaper ADM and Ebay windows I think it will be worth it. The funny thing is, ADM was too small and the stick down edges just don't seem right. Lucky for me the car came with the Temp fix one as I would not be happy with the piping edge not being on the window. I would be for ever thinking that the water would be working its way under the seam.

So, Niall I would go down the OEM route. Call a few BMW local dealers and get a few prices, be cheeky and ask for a discount as you are trying to keep BMW Heritage on the road.

 

[g8jka]

Mine has one of them dodgy stick down ones as well which lets water in, not a lot but it still leaks. It's coming apart in places and doesn't look the greatest. I think if your replacing your rear window it's always better to pay they extra and go for a genuine one with a part like this. Or for a couple hundred more replace the whole hood.

 

[oldcarman]

ADM double side tape after 5 months of hardtop use.

I was just mentioning the fact they used tape not saying it was any better or worse. Just wanted to inform Nodzed of the availability of the video as a learning tool! I too wondered about the longevity of the tape. Gave my window to @BMBabe but don't know if it was installed! Stacey?? I've installed a new hood with a stitched in window and don't expect it to leak as this method has been used for a very long time since plastic replaced glass! JIM

 

[oldcarman]

About the contact cement method, I believe for it to be reapplied you must first remove the old adhesive or it won't work. Has anyone run into this problem. The other thing with it is no matter how careful you think you are it gets where it shouldn't and is a bi**h to clean up so I'd recommend you take the time to mask your window before trying to spread it! JIM