Author Topic: Replacing convertible top window  (Read 18150 times)

Scootter

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Replacing convertible top window
« on: 26 January 2012, 07:30:32 PM »
I've a 1999 Saab 9-3 convertible. I'm trying to remove the headliner and replace a broken window in the top. Any helpful pointers would be greatly appreciated.

win_k

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Re: Replacing convertible top window
« Reply #1 on: 26 January 2012, 08:13:48 PM »
You'll need the front and back of the roof unlatched.

I think the hard part will be taking down the entire headlining, the rest is pretty straight forward.

There is a set of clips behind the cloth trim at the release.  Pop those clips and the release will slide out.  After that, remove the screws across the front of the 1st bow and you can pop the trim off -- use care the clips on the sides are fragile.

With the front trim off, remove all the screws that hold the headlining to the roof and then pop the front wire off the hooks on the 1st bow.

A couple plastic rivets and the headlining support channel on both the 2nd and 3rd bows will pop off.  Release the elastic straps at the 4th and 5th bows.

From here, you'll have access to the clips that retain both the headlining to the window surround and the window to the top.  I'd start by gently prying each clip up just far enough to remove the headlining's support ring.

Once the headlining is off, pop off the clips and remove the old glass.

Reassembly is pretty much the reverse except the headlining pops back onto the rear window clips after the rest of the headlining is mostly installed.





Max Headroom

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Re: Replacing convertible top window
« Reply #2 on: 26 January 2012, 09:39:17 PM »
Thanks for those hints Win_k

Scootter, I thought I would definately find some video on You Tube for this operation, but alas there is nothing  :(

I'm still looking for some more info on this.


EDIT:
Some sources are suggesting that it may be better to replace the entire hood - depending on its condition, of course.
« Last Edit: 26 January 2012, 09:42:18 PM by Trenchfoot »

Scootter

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Re: Replacing convertible top window
« Reply #3 on: 26 January 2012, 10:00:57 PM »
First a Big Thanks to both of you!

Trenchfoot, I've looked high and low for videos to help with this project. I'm going to record and hopefully post my experience. I appreciate your searching on my behalf.

Win_k, I'll keep this post update as to my progress. Thanks again for your help on this.

Can the headliner be washed or dry cleaned? Is there a good cleaner I should use?

To Whose interested, I've a supplier in Virginia, USA that is reasonably priced and great to work with. Email me and I'll reply with his contact info if interested.

Max Headroom

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Re: Replacing convertible top window
« Reply #4 on: 26 January 2012, 10:13:11 PM »
Good luck wth it all, Scootter.

Even a step-by step account of the job in photos would be a huge help to anyone having to do the same task, so be sure to report back here and let us know how it went along with any "do's & dont's" that you may encounter.

I'm only sorry I couldnt find anything for you by way of videos  :-\

win_k

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Re: Replacing convertible top window
« Reply #5 on: 27 January 2012, 12:28:11 AM »


No way can it be washed.  Basically, the fabric is a layer of soft foam sandwiched between to layers of cloth.  Except for the inner layer of cloth, its the same stuff rigid headliners are covered with.

As it ages (from heat more than anything I suspect) the foam starts to break down and either turns hard and brittle, or soft and gooey. Disturb it as gently and as little as possible.

At least on mine, the headlining was one of the nastiest bits of fabric I've ever had to deal with.  I chucked the whole thing in a trash bin and replaced it with a used headlining from a NG900 Vert.  Not a perfect fit, but is a huge improvement on what I had.

Before:



After:



Max Headroom

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Re: Replacing convertible top window
« Reply #6 on: 27 January 2012, 08:42:02 AM »
Wow Win_k - thats a pretty good job!  8)

Scootter

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Re: Replacing convertible top window
« Reply #7 on: 27 January 2012, 11:12:46 AM »
Win_k, I'd swear you have a picture of my headliner there. Your repair looks great. Thanks again for the heads up. 8)

Scootter

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Re: Replacing convertible top window
« Reply #8 on: 15 July 2012, 11:15:39 PM »
Well after much procrastination, I've started on the window replacement! I've got the old out and the new (cheap used) window in place. I should have done this back in Jan. when it was 40 outside and not 95 like today. I found two tears in the top near the window. Any ideas on thread to use to sew them up?

I'm going to posts some of the pictures here and will post the video to youtube.com. So far so good. The window came out relatively easy and is going back that way.

The headliner is filthy and needs extensive cleaning and some repair. Will keep everyone posted on how that project comes out!

barrybuick

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Re: Replacing convertible top window
« Reply #9 on: 03 February 2015, 02:49:30 PM »
Hi Scooter

did you ever post a video replacing the window or photos. I am having the same problems and pics would help

Scootter

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Re: Replacing convertible top window
« Reply #10 on: 05 February 2015, 10:29:40 AM »
No, I got alot of footage and a bunch of pictures that I could post or you could call me at 5738084865 and we'll talk and see if I can help you through replacing it.