S197GT07

Vert guys,

Ever had the rear glass panel peel away from the fabric? I noticed the other day the car had some fog on the inside of the rear window. Crawled into the back and noticed the fabric behind the seats had 2 damp spots, so water was getting in somehow.

Next day had somebody slowly lower the top, and I realized the rear glass is separating from the fabric. I have an appointment for a shop to see if they can re-seal it, or if they have to replace the ENTIRE top.

Anybody have this issue before? Car has a cloth top, 34k miles, 4 years old, and has only seen 1 winter outside, the rest were in heated garages.

I appreciate any info on the subject. I feel like the adhesive they use should of lasted more than 4 years...

Thanks.

mikeSF

let us know what you find.
yikes, i better check mine. my car is an outdoor car, sits through rain and 100+degree heat and i don't do anything for the top...got about 70K miles on it now.

SD 197

Unfortunately, these tops are designed to have a life of about 4-7 years, depending on environment. On mine, the passenger rear side near the little triangle window has developed a small rip.

But, I would check with your local convertible top / auto fabric repair shop. My local shopped charged $125 to repair the pealing back window on my buddies Vert.

S197GT07

I'm a little ticked that Ford doesnt have some sort of warranty on vert parts past 3 years. I mean I cant go replace the entire top every 4 years.

I can get my arm through the space between the back window and fabric, and this was right before our big storm this weekend.

I go to the shop on Friday, so we'll see how it goes.

SD 197

I hear you, unfortunately this applies to almost all vinyl, canvas, and fabric convertible tops.

You can do some things to help them last longer. Clean them with a proper cleaner and the correct protectant.

Also, on vinyl tops, don't open them on cold days, wait until they warm up in the sun to make them a bit more pliable.

Store the car indoors if possible.

Repair them as they need it. Most shops that specialize in repairing/replacing tops will help you out with the odd cut or rip. I think your top will still be serviceable, just get that rear window repaired.

S197GT07

The car is stored in the winter in a heated garage. Also, its not the top that ripped, that I can understand. There is no reason the rear window should be ripping off, its like the adhesive just failed.

Ugh. Its a good thing my insurance will cover it if the whole top needs replaced.

Could of happened at the start of summer though, not the beginning of winter haha.

White05GT

Happened to my sisters 07GT vinyl top, Ford wouldn't cover it. Top shop said any repair won't last and that it's a common issue with S197s.

Costs over $1600 to have a new top put on but it at least has a 5 year warranty against defects which it obviously is. I don't think she'd raised and lowered her top more than a dozen times and it lives in a garage.

Good luck with it.

SD 197

That's kinda pricey for a new top.

You can pick up a new top for $500 - $800 (depending on manufacturer), install should be $350 - $400, most carry a 5 year warranty.

The OP should still pursue a repair, get a quote and see if it's worth it.

S197GT07

Worst case scenario is I have the top replaced, and its covered under my comp insurance so it would only cost me $500

ab

I have not had this problem yet. Knock on wood. But the hem or welting what ever you call it is starting to wear from the top corner of the passenger side window. The dealer would do nothing and the local top shop said to just leave it alone. Let us know how you you make out.