Audi 80 Cabriolet Plastic Window Replacement

[Chris Davies]

Afternoon all!

This is my first post on this forum; nice to meet you all.

Had lots of Audis in the past, but never a Cabriolet. Picking it up on Saturday.

I do know that it needs a new plastic window in the rear of the soft top. I understand that usually the new screens are hand stitched in for about £300 at soft top specialists. 

However, I was wondering if anyone on the Forum had used Cristal Cabriolet. Their product makes use of the zip as per the stitched in ones but then has a 3m adhesive seal that you affix to the soft top fabric rather than stitching. 
 

I thought I might try this and then if the adhesive is insufficient stitch it myself using something like a Speedy Stitcher Awl.

What are everyone’s thoughts on that?

Cheers,

Chris

[Steve Q]

Welcome to the forum you'll find the members on here are a friendly and helpful bunch 🙂 

You'll find that most soft top roofs are glued as well as stitched these days. I guess the key question is, what's the warranty on the replacement roof?

[Chris Davies]

Hi Steve,

There’s no warranty as such for the replacement rear window.

I think I’ll take the plunge and install one and then have a go at stitching it in too using an awl and the old holes from original stitching. I’ll photograph and video some of the steps and post it here to help others in the same situation.

All the best,

Chris 

[Steve Q]

Please keep us posted on how you get on. I did this post a few years ago for TT convertible which might help: 

 

[Chris Davies]

Thanks Steve. The Cabriolet has an integrated zip which should make the process a little more straightforward, although I’ve heard that lining up the teeth of the zip can be a nightmare!

The replacement window comes with an adhesive strip, but I’m also doing to use a speedy stitche awl to use the original stitching holes to re sew it too. 

For extra measure I may also use a sealant on the zip teeth themselves too.

Leave it with me and I’ll try and document the process. 

[Steve Q]

Bless ya, please keep us posted on how you get on