Hi:
I have seen many posts about the back glass coming unsealed from the convertible top. How I feel your pain!
Several months after purchasing my 04 used and not under warranty, I experienced the same thing. And I was told the same thing by VW and a specialist that repairs convertible tops, "nothing we can do..you must replace the whole top!"
I refused to believe I would have to shell out $3,000 for a new top, when the top was PERFECT, except for the back glass coming apart around the sides and bottom.
Sooooooooo, I started researching glues and such. Surely, there HAD to be a glue out there that would bond canvas to glass and withstand high temps (I live in Florida), humidity, and water. I was told by the experts there was no substance, except what they used to seal them at the factory.
DON'T BELIEVE IT! I found the answer, re-glued my top myself (and I am not handy) and that was months ago. It is still holding strong, AND I managed to waterproof it too, so NO LEAKS!
So, here's the trick. Go online and purchase Rhino Glue, industrial strength! The staff is AMAZING! I use it on everything now!
Use a small paintbrush to apply (because it is very watery, like super glue). But it starts to set quickly. Unhook the top, start to open it, and then prop it open someway (I folded up a huge comforter, and stuck it between the opening of the top and the top of the windshield. This is so you have the play you need in the canvas to work on the top.
Seal one section at a time. As you seal it, use something heavy to lay over the canvas where the glass meets it (I chose to lay a towel over them first, then I applied paver bricks to hold the weight pressure).
Once you have sealed all sections, let it set up for a couple of days before you put the top back up.
Then go and purchase a black window seal. This is what will waterproof the glass AND makes it look more finished. If you don't apply it to perfect, no sweat, just take a razor blade and clean it up some.
This was a great fix for me, and under $100 at that!
I'll come back and include photos when I get a chance. Wish I had taken before shots, mine was 3/4's unglued.
I have seen many posts about the back glass coming unsealed from the convertible top. How I feel your pain!
Several months after purchasing my 04 used and not under warranty, I experienced the same thing. And I was told the same thing by VW and a specialist that repairs convertible tops, "nothing we can do..you must replace the whole top!"
I refused to believe I would have to shell out $3,000 for a new top, when the top was PERFECT, except for the back glass coming apart around the sides and bottom.
Sooooooooo, I started researching glues and such. Surely, there HAD to be a glue out there that would bond canvas to glass and withstand high temps (I live in Florida), humidity, and water. I was told by the experts there was no substance, except what they used to seal them at the factory.
DON'T BELIEVE IT! I found the answer, re-glued my top myself (and I am not handy) and that was months ago. It is still holding strong, AND I managed to waterproof it too, so NO LEAKS!
So, here's the trick. Go online and purchase Rhino Glue, industrial strength! The staff is AMAZING! I use it on everything now!
Use a small paintbrush to apply (because it is very watery, like super glue). But it starts to set quickly. Unhook the top, start to open it, and then prop it open someway (I folded up a huge comforter, and stuck it between the opening of the top and the top of the windshield. This is so you have the play you need in the canvas to work on the top.
Seal one section at a time. As you seal it, use something heavy to lay over the canvas where the glass meets it (I chose to lay a towel over them first, then I applied paver bricks to hold the weight pressure).
Once you have sealed all sections, let it set up for a couple of days before you put the top back up.
Then go and purchase a black window seal. This is what will waterproof the glass AND makes it look more finished. If you don't apply it to perfect, no sweat, just take a razor blade and clean it up some.
This was a great fix for me, and under $100 at that!
I'll come back and include photos when I get a chance. Wish I had taken before shots, mine was 3/4's unglued.
