Rear Plastic Window Replacement?
Discussion
Does anyone know where I can get the rear window replaced on my S2 at a reasonable price without being ripped off. I know it's the wrong forum but they are all very similar and we have some knowledgeable members here. (Mr. Tank?) (Zig?). Any information is welcome as long as its in or around London, or maybe mobile.
Tony. TCB.
Tony. TCB.
Hi Tony..A few people have used these guys and they have done a good job..Not sure about just a rear screen replacement but they might be worth a call....Ziga
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=m...
Select car hoods at the top and then TVR.
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=m...
Select car hoods at the top and then TVR.
When I was ringing round, most places seemed a bit cautious about doing just a window replacement, saying that dependant on the condition of the rest of the hood material, it would damage it beyond repair, leading to a whole new roof. I guess this is because the roof material needs to be totally removed from the car and any supporting fibreglass such that a machine can be used to stitch the new window material in. Some places were just, "nope, new roof mate", others were willing to try, subject to seeing the car, but the time and effort required made that seem an uneconomical option to me (quoted upwards of £200, can get a whole new roof and window fitted for £550 on a wedge)
In the end I just did it myself, removed the roof from the car, but left it attached to the fibreglass framework and stitched a new window in by hand. The process of taking the roof off the car, and removing the old window material (that looked like a 3 year old had glued it on, not original) did cause some more damage to the roof material I then had to repair.
In the end I just did it myself, removed the roof from the car, but left it attached to the fibreglass framework and stitched a new window in by hand. The process of taking the roof off the car, and removing the old window material (that looked like a 3 year old had glued it on, not original) did cause some more damage to the roof material I then had to repair.
Thanks for the info guys. The hood itself on mine is in pretty good condition and it would be a bit of a waste to change the lot if I can find someone to just change the rear screen. My guess is that a previous owner had the rear screen changed but they didn't stitch it in properly and so its coming apart at the stitches. I have found someone who says they can do the job if I take the rear section off and take it to him but he is 120 miles round trip away and I would need to do the journey twice as I would need to leave it there and then collect. Price sounds reasonable at 150 but I thought I'd look for someone nearer home. Still if all else fails I may have no other option.
Tony. TCB.
Tony. TCB.
Hi Tony
Its not a job I have done or would attempt my self (Well certainly not at present) and as it an important part of the car for looks and weather protection (Off sorts) I would leave it to the experts. There is a firm at Hitchin who maybe able to help. Sorry I don't know of anybody closer!
Andy
Its not a job I have done or would attempt my self (Well certainly not at present) and as it an important part of the car for looks and weather protection (Off sorts) I would leave it to the experts. There is a firm at Hitchin who maybe able to help. Sorry I don't know of anybody closer!
Andy
ElvisWedgely said:
My guess is that a previous owner had the rear screen changed but they didn't stitch it in properly and so its coming apart at the stitches.
Hi Tony..There is another option..You could buy yourself a leather needle..2 x thimbles and some good quality thread..(Not cotton)..You could then go over the old stitching using the same holes..Then use some NIKWAX just on the stitching or hood proofer but be warned its very time consuming..But can be done with the rear section up..The stitch pattern would be... - - - - - - - -Starting and finishing at the same point but then a second stitch in reverse to cover the spaces..Of course its a lot easier with a sewing machine....Ziga
pasogrande said:
Or you could bring it here on holiday and have it done. Mine cost US$50 several years ago to professionally replace the rear window. I think they used isinglass, and did an excellent job - it's what they do. I bet it wouldn't be over $100 now.
Wilf.
Now that's solved all my problems. I could pop over to the States with the soft top, drop it off at the upholsterers, then pop over to Las Vegas, do a couple of Elvis shows and collect the soft top on the way back home. Wilf.
OR-
I could look for someone local and get it repaired here at a reasonable price.
I would like to have it done professionally as I won't be keeping this car forever and I don't want anyone who buys it to think that I've been cutting corners. It's a nice car and I think it deserves it.
Mr. Tank. If you can pm me the details of the people in Hitchin I would be most grateful, as I often go up Stevenage way with my van for deliveries and if they will replace a rear window I could drop the hood in to them and collect it another day.
Thanks for all the help and advise gentlemen.
Tony. TCB.
Just been digging through my random scribblings and checking sites I had bookmarked. This place may be worth contacting, they were one of the places that I think were willing to entertain the prospect of just doing the window, don't recall actually getting a quote from them so can't comment on how much they will want to charge, nor the quality of their work I'm afraid.
http://hoodsandtrims.co.uk
They are in Wheathampstead, north of St Albans, west of Welwyn Garden City.
http://hoodsandtrims.co.uk
They are in Wheathampstead, north of St Albans, west of Welwyn Garden City.
Thanks, Andy and Jon. I have spoken to the guy and God willing I will take a drive up there tomorrow because he wants to see if the rear screen is replaceable. Apparently, sometimes, the canvas and the glue is too far gone and the whole section may need replacing. He'll know when he sees it. I'll be keeping my fingers cross I can get away with the cheaper option and still have a good job. I will keep you informed.
Tony. TCB.
Tony. TCB.
Hi Tony
If you do not have joy try this guy...excellent workmanship and not a million miles away ... He will be doing my new hood
http://www.mazdahoodshop.co.uk/TVR.html
Chris
If you do not have joy try this guy...excellent workmanship and not a million miles away ... He will be doing my new hood
http://www.mazdahoodshop.co.uk/TVR.html
Chris
I drove up to the hood guy today in Wheathamstead and showed him the car. about 30 minute drive from my house. He says he is able to do the work and has now booked me in for the following Friday. I will be taking the car up to him then, and within several hours a new rear screen should be installed. I will let you know when the job's done, and perhaps even post a picture if all goes well.
Tony. TCB.
Tony. TCB.
dollydoll said:
On that subject. I need to replace my ka streetcar rear windscreen. It's hugely expensive to have done at Ford. Any idea guys?
Hello Dolly, you could have it replaced anywhere they repair soft tops. Depending on what type of rear screen you have it could still be costly. Is it a hard rear screen on the ka or a soft plastic type? The hard ones are harder to replace and presumably more costly too and might not be undertaken by some soft top repairers. My one was replaced but it was a soft screen. They did a good job and if my memory severs me right it was around 200 pounds as the canvas had to be removed and replaced for stitching. Send me a pm if you want the details of the person that replaced mine. They are just outside London on the northern side.Tony. TCB.
Edited by ElvisWedgeman on Wednesday 6th September 16:22
Edited by ElvisWedgeman on Wednesday 6th September 16:22
Stevenage isn't too far from me so I would be interested to find out how much it cost you Tony.
[WARNING! Thread on-topic Alert!!!]
As I have a Wedge and a couple of splits in the rear window where it folds over.
I had looked into a DIY job and found that the heavy duty PVC could be had for as little as £20, if you buy enough for 3 wedges and divide it up.
I don't think it would be too difficult to do either, just follow the old holes like wot Zig said.
[WARNING! Thread on-topic Alert!!!]
As I have a Wedge and a couple of splits in the rear window where it folds over.
I had looked into a DIY job and found that the heavy duty PVC could be had for as little as £20, if you buy enough for 3 wedges and divide it up.
I don't think it would be too difficult to do either, just follow the old holes like wot Zig said.
adam quantrill said:
Stevenage isn't too far from me so I would be interested to find out how much it cost you Tony.
[WARNING! Thread on-topic Alert!!!]
As I have a Wedge and a couple of splits in the rear window where it folds over.
I had looked into a DIY job and found that the heavy duty PVC could be had for as little as £20, if you buy enough for 3 wedges and divide it up.
I don't think it would be too difficult to do either, just follow the old holes like wot Zig said.
Hi Adram. When it comes to car hoods, home repairs from my experience, are never as good as a profeessional job. Reason being, the human hand cannot sow like a machine. Yes, you can have a satisfactory job. Something that's 'ok', but it will never be like when it was new. I have to say that the job they did for me was like a factory job, both the stitching and the pvc.[WARNING! Thread on-topic Alert!!!]
As I have a Wedge and a couple of splits in the rear window where it folds over.
I had looked into a DIY job and found that the heavy duty PVC could be had for as little as £20, if you buy enough for 3 wedges and divide it up.
I don't think it would be too difficult to do either, just follow the old holes like wot Zig said.
It was a long time ago and I can't remember exactly how much I paid for it but I think this guys details are further up this thread called hoods and trims. If you can't find it let me know and I'll send his details to you.
Tony.TCB.
Edited by ElvisWedgeman on Wednesday 6th September 21:08
Gassing Station | Wedges | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff