Ok All, I've had my fair share of convertables, HOWEVER this is the first one with a plastic rear window (obviously its to save weight ) My question for everyone out there with a cab, is what is the proper way, if any, to properly lower the top and ensure its creasing at the right parts, and make the plastic window last longer. My rear window is already getting a little swirly and frosty (96k miles) but I'd love to hear if anyone has any .02 in regard to proper convertible top closing.

 

I never heard of a proper way for an electric convertible top to open. You're in the car while using the top,so no real way to work the back window. I changed my back window at about 90k. I put in a tinted vinyl window,looks great. You will notice the glue of the old window will start to fail and the window will come apart from the top. Just keep an eye on it.

 

I've has a few buddies with e36 M3's tell me to "chop" the windows, to make sure it properly creases and prolong the life of the window... maybe im just over thinking things.

 

this might be a bit ****, but i stop the opening half way up, get out of the car and make sure the window is folding flat, adjust if necessary and then get back in to finish the opening cycle.
Sometimes I'll open the roof before i get in the car by holding the key to the left in the door and adjust the roof with the other hand as it is opening.
Pete

 

pszikla, thats what im talking about! is the window the only aspect you check when its going down? do you check it when its around half way fully folded?

 

Yes, with the canvas assembly at a little past the vertical, I get out of the car and i check and adjust the fabric that is already folding on the horizontal shelf above the motor so that the window itself is flat without any creases and then continue the cycle of opening.

 

Glass windows became standard in later versions of the cab.

 

I'm on my third cab. and have never "chopped", folded or done anything but put the top down. I keep it cleaned, polished and moisturized to make sure it's supple and clean. Even when I put the hardtop on for a month or two I don't worry with anything. Just enjoy it. If you want to keep the "swirlies" away, keep it cleaned and moist. Plus with 96,000 miles, it may be time to replace the window. They're not forever.

 

At 96000 miles the fabric of the roof may very well be very sun faded and dirty and with the labor dollars involved in removing the roof to sew in a new window and then re-install, it may be worth considering replacing the roof with a new one which then gives you the choice to go plastic or glass although aftermarket glass is smaller than plastic opening size.
Pete

 

thanks for all the advice guys!