R129 soft top windows

[Chris Dixon]

Hi

Just been reading some very informative threads on soft top or window replacement strategies. However, I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has attempted (and ideally succeeded!) in replacing the windows themselves. Where to get/how much to pay for the materials, what problems you encountered and so on.

Basically my top is ok, doesn't leak but the windows are cloudy and starting to split. I tried Renovo and Hindsight to no avail. I am planning to remove the rear section (I've got the helpful videos of how to do this) and fit the hardtop for the winter. I'll then unstitch the windows and get new ones sewn in by an upholsterer/trimmer. As an alternative I'll also investigate whether it would be possible to bond in the new windows. And if it all goes horribly wrong I'll buy a new hood from cabrio.de!

 

[television]

Where abouts do you live.

Malcolm

 

[stats007]

I really wouldn't try this yourself. Very few companies will replace the rear section alone. Most will do the windows for £250. Read this thread all the way through.

 

[Chris Dixon]

Where abouts do you live.

Malcolm

Sevenoaks, Kent

 

[television]

Not too far from you in Watford, Herts M&M trimming, One of the best trimmers in the country, he had a 129 for some 8 years.

Malcolm

 

[Chris Dixon]

Not too far from you in Watford, Herts M&M trimming, One of the best trimmers in the country, he had a 129 for some 8 years.

Malcolm

Thanks Malcolm. Also thanks to stats007 via whose suggested thread I found d:class in Woking who are a bit nearer. Not many independent specialists in my immediate area, unless you own a Porsche or Ferrari!

 

[stats007]

These people come recommended from some owners within the Mercedes Benz Owners Club. Not too far from you.

 

[Flying Scot]

why do this just now when the top is going to be mostly folded away - best wait till the spring NO?

 

[Chris Dixon]

why do this just now when the top is going to be mostly folded away - best wait till the spring NO?

The idea was to remove the rear section, fit the hard top for the winter then refit in the spring.

 

[Chris Dixon]

I spoke to d:class today and yes they will fit new windows for £350+VAT including removal/replacement of the rear section. If I remove/refit it myself its £150+VAT. Didn't have time to ask what plastic he uses.

 

[Flying Scot]

I spoke to d:class today and yes they will fit new windows for £350+VAT including removal/replacement of the rear section. If I remove/refit it myself its £150+VAT. Didn't have time to ask what plastic he uses.

i think the plastic is critical there is another thread on 129 softops prob worth reading to find out which is 'the best' material for the windows

 

[LeaUK]

My suggestion is to ensure they use Wopavin at 1.5mm and 1.25mm for the rear quarters and centre respectively.

If you purchase from the UK you cannot get this material as Gurit the manufacturer or Wopavin do NOT distribute to the UK. Not because they don't want to but because the UK market doesn't care what material is used.

Ultralite is the alternative supplied by the majority of UK manufacturers.

You can purchase single sheets of the correct material from Aresma Gmbh but I'm not sure who will take these and fit over here.

Of course if you want to go the whole way I would recommend you take a soft top from KHM..

Lea

 

[Chris Dixon]

My suggestion is to ensure they use Wopavin at 1.5mm and 1.25mm for the rear quarters and centre respectively.

Ultralite is the alternative supplied by the majority of UK manufacturers.
Lea

Lea

I read all your threads, very useful thanks. There seem to be 2 schools of thought on the window material, with Ultrabrite favoured by some for scratch resistance. In practice does it really matter? One thing I haven't done yet is asked MB if they supply just the windows (I have now - they can't). Likewise I can ask d:class if they'd cut/fit OEM material if I supplied it, but I suppose any competent upholsterer or sailmaker could fit the windows (although the trick is in finding one).

Regards

Chris

 

[LeaUK]

My question of Ultralite will always be - have we got any proof? If we could poll 10's of owners having had their windows replaced with Ultralite >10 years ago, then I would feel more comfortable.

Unfortunately Ultralite has minimal history whereas there is plenty that suggests Wovapin will last up to (and probably more) 15. Do you really want to replace your windows again in <5 years? Not saying that Ultralight would need replacing, but just that I can't find any evidence to support it and if there is already a known product with history, the choice is simple!?

That's really the biasing point for me.

 

[stats007]

I know where you're coming from Lea but I've seen windows milky and split in 3 years - and that's the original plastic. If you look after it - I would suggest either material will serve you well if you're on a budget.

 

[LeaUK]

stats007

That does surprise me, as most car owners (and especially the richer they get) fail to even change the oil, let alone spend time re-lubricating their rear windows!

Still, I really don't believe my rear wind was looked after and it did survive 15 so hey, maybe I'm just biased ...