[flash]

yeah - not sure what was up there. i would have had to work on that one for a while. fogging though is a different issue, and i have not had a problem with removing that.

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[JMC72]

I am basically in the same situation as JimandJami and some other posts, with an unacceptably clouded rear window. I did try some rubbing with a Armorall (I think it was), but it didn't help much. So I have been toying with the idea of replacing the back section. I can appreciate that it might not completey match the rest of the top, but I am impressed at how new my cab top appears -- other than the window problem, I am not sure that one would know it is not new. Has anyone tried the approach of just replacing the rear section -- and been satisfied with the results?

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[flash]

try novus with a buffer. i have yet to be unable to get the window reasonably clear with that approach.



i've seen a few rear window section replacements. they never look good. the top is always faded more than the owner expected. as a gauge, lift up the section at the vent behind the side window. look at the stitching. it should be black, as should ALL stitching on the top. if the stitching is faded on the top, you can bet the canvas is too, and when you put new canvas up against it, it will really show.



the only top i think you might get away with it on is a grey one, and i'm still not sure about that.



besides all of that, the job itself is a pain. in order to take the rear section off, you have to practically remove the entire top. at that point you risk tearing the old section when you put it back together.



there isn't much cost savings either.



give the novus a try. it's amazing stuff, comes in 3 grades, and when applied with a buffer, really works well. remember to mask the canvas first, or you'll get the compound all over it and it won't come out easily.

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[lbpesq]

Another possibility is micro mesh, a series of EXTREMELY fine wet/dry sandpaper developed to remove scratches from fighter jet windows. I've used it with great results on acrylic aquariums and headlight covers. Just google "micro mesh".



Bill

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[MCL968]

[quote name='flash' timestamp='1366134548' post='141446']

yeah - not sure what was up there. i would have had to work on that one for a while. fogging though is a different issue, and i have not had a problem with removing that.

[/quote]



Flash, do you polish the outside and the inside, or just the outside? It seems that the majority of the oxidation is on the outside, but I suppose doing both sides could make the job better.

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[flash]

depends on the car, but yes, i have done both. a lot more work draping and masking the inside though, so i usually do that by hand, and with the lighter compound (1 versus 3)

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[JMC72]

Well, thanks for the info, guys. I will definitely try the Novus before I go any further. But, if I decide to go for a new top -- what kind of money would I expect to spend for the labor involved at an upholstery shop? Looks like the top would cost in the neighborhood of $600 or so, from the internet dealer.

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[flash]

labor is generally about $500, unless you decide to do something custom like mine (zip out rear window).

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[JMC72]

Just to report on the clouding issue. (I just got back to me 968 last week after being abroad for several months.) I had ordered an electric buffer/polisher (6" head size) and a Novus kit with the three grades of cleaner. I treated both inside and outside of window. It did make a significant difference, for sure. The window has gone from intolerable (virtually useless when sun was coming from behind) to tolerable. There is still distortion and fuzziness in some sections, though, which _seems_ to result from problems inside the plastic rather than on the surface. But, at least I am now reasonably comfortable with using that back window, even when the sun is behind me.

Thanks again for the tips, especially to Flash.

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[flash]

happy to help. that should buy you some time at least. enjoy

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[rxter]

So $1100 to replace the top. That's a lot less than I figured. Time to go get a new top...

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[lbpesq]

I paid a lot more when I put on a new top. The 968 is one of the more difficult tops to install. It's 2 pieces and is listed by Robbins as a 10 hour job where most tops are a 5 hour job.



Bill

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[flash]

$1100 is about right down here in the L.A area. i know of a couple of shops that do a good job that will do it for that. however, they will only install a GAHH or robbins though, varying shop by shop.



i paid about $2k for mine, but i wanted a different canvas than normal, and i wanted a zip out rear window.



rxter - let me know. you drive right by one of them on your way to work

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[ds968]

Not that this will make you feel better ( or maybe it will just a little ) but a soft top for a 2013 BMW 6 series is about $ 7, 000 and the ragtop for a 991 is around. $ 8,000 or so I hear..( the Porsche that is, I know the BMW cost for a fact..)

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[GT917]

I have the same cloudy effect on the window and will apply the Novus/buffer combination. One question please, did you guys use the provided bonnet on the buffer or some specific pads ? Thanks for your feedbacks.

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[flash]

i just use a cotton bonnet like you get at pep boys. be aware that we are talking about an orbital buffer and not a polisher. a polisher spins too fast and can burn through the plastic if you aren't really careful

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