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Old 04-21-2011, 11:38 AM   #1
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Torn Penthouse Window

A couple of my penthouse windows are quite difficult to zip closed right at the top corners as they are very taut at that location. One of the plastic windows has finally developed a 2 or 3 inch tear where the stitching for the zipper had perforated the plastic.

Has anyone dealt with a repair similar to this? I imagine any boat canvas place could replace the window, but I'm not sure how to get the canvas off so they could get it into the sewing machine. I've thought about hand-sewing a piece of nylon tape over the tear, but I'm afraid the hand stitching wouldn't be strong enough and would tear again.

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Old 04-21-2011, 07:25 PM   #2
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Re: Torn Penthouse Window

Bummer. In the soft top Jeep world cracks like that are often repaired with clear tape on both sides. Not the prettiest, but it seems to hold well.
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Old 07-06-2011, 01:59 PM   #3
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Re: Torn Penthouse Window

Bump. I did find some tape for clear vinyl repairs, but it won't stick to the cloth on the zipper. I guess I could cut the stitching between the zipper and the torn vinyl, repair the vinyl tear with the tape and then restitch the zipper to the repaired section by hand.
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Old 07-06-2011, 05:50 PM   #4
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Re: Torn Penthouse Window

What does SMB suggest?
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Old 07-11-2011, 08:55 AM   #5
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Re: Torn Penthouse Window

I called Indiana, and they suggested taking the penthouse apart, removing the canvas so a sewing machine could be used to replace the vinyl. I'm sure this is the best fix aesthetically, but seems like too much work and expense for a two inch tear.
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Old 07-11-2011, 09:57 AM   #6
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Re: Torn Penthouse Window

Quote:
Originally Posted by pkfolly
they suggested taking the penthouse apart, removing the canvas so a sewing machine could be used to replace the vinyl.
It's also probably worth it if you have a shop full of people who assemble these tops all day, industrial sewing machines on hand... for a driveway project at home... phew!
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Old 07-11-2011, 01:16 PM   #7
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Re: Torn Penthouse Window

maybe something like this stuff would work although I don't know what these windows are made of. I would ask SMB if it would harm the window material. Maybe give these guys a call 800-474-3688 If these windows are like a convertable window here is a link on how to fix them
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Old 07-11-2011, 08:47 PM   #8
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Re: Torn Penthouse Window

In the event that you have to pull your Penthouse Canvas I would have all of the Windows and Zippers replaced at the same time , saving you the hassle of repeating this repair . I would also recommend proper lubrication and zipper placement for your repaired top . I clean , polish and lubricate after every extended trip .
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Old 07-11-2011, 09:46 PM   #9
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Re: Torn Penthouse Window

Quote:
Originally Posted by Greggd
In the event that you have to pull your Penthouse Canvas I would have all of the Windows and Zippers replaced at the same time , saving you the hassle of repeating this repair . I would also recommend proper lubrication and zipper placement for your repaired top . I clean , polish and lubricate after every extended trip .
Greggd
huh...cleaning, polishing and lubricating your zippers....must refrain from commenting....must refrain...refrain...

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Old 07-11-2011, 10:14 PM   #10
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Re: Torn Penthouse Window

OK Gregg, you're the plastic guru here; is there a preferred compound to use on these windows? I heard Pledge was good but seeing some of these high tech products for plastic car windows, I wonder what's the best? Any advise?
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