Guest Downside Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 Hi just got myself a brand new vinyl rood outer skin as the old outer skin is ripped in several places. Now before i take the old roof off i would like to know how difficult it is to cut out and fix a new window on the new roof and what tools\materials i need? any help appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Cabbytech Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 Well, it is a straightforward job when you have done a few, but if this is your first one, then i cannot stress enough to take your time and double check everything before you proceed, one mistake and your roof is ruined. Once you are happy that the roof is fitted correctly and tensioned right, open and close it a few times to make sure you have no other problems first, once you are happy it works right, then you can look at doing the rear window, it might be helpful to get someone to sit in the car and press the window frame up against the roof, so that you can see where it will hopefully be when you have done. You will need a sharp stanley knife, a staple gun, tipex, measuring tape, and some window/frame sealant. 1...measure to find the centre of the rear glass area, (i have seen a few windows fitted slightly to one side due to incorrect measuring, and it spoils the finished job). 2...Get your helper to press the frame against the roofing and check that they are holding it close to the finished position by measuring from each side to the frame, I usually put a spot of tipex on the left, right, top and bottom of the roofing when i am happy the frame is close to its fitted position, and this is my guide that i must NOT cut upto or past. 3...Cut from the centre of the window area towards each corner stopping about 3 inches from each corner, and then cut the rest of the material out leaving this 3 inch border all the way round, 4...now centralise the window frame to the material and start stapling the material to the frame, you will see on the frame where the old roofing used to be stapled on. Be careful at this stage because it will be easy to rip the material, Only put a few staples on to start with, and then make sure you are happy with the position of the frame in relation to the roofing before stapling all the way around, you will probably have to stretch the material to the frame as you staple to keep the tension in the material, if you dont do this, then the material will look baggy and slack and spoil the finished result, but also do not over stretch the material as this also spoils the finish. 5...Once the material is stapled to the window frame, cut off all the excess material around the inside edge of the frame, then its a matter of refitting the glass to the frame, sealing the rubber to the frame and reconnecting the heated window wires. I think i have covered it there, but if i have missed anything, i hope others on the forum will add it for you lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Downside Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Thanks Cabby Tech i'll probably do this today or tomorrow and let you know how i got on. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Cabbytech Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Good luck, and like i said double check your measurements and take your time.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Downside Posted December 7, 2008 Share Posted December 7, 2008 ok just one more question i've got is how does the rear window disassemble? do i take off the rubber seal around it and the metal frame or just remove it as one whole piece and cut off the old roof from around it? thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Cabbytech Posted December 13, 2008 Share Posted December 13, 2008 Leave the frame attached to the inner roof and only remove the rubber and the glass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts