Softtop repair

[Christopher Adair]

Hello members,  l am looking for advice mainly on re gluing my softop to the rear window..the professional advice is it can't be done and to buy a new roof at £3000.00....surly there has to be a bonding solution?   Any ideas please.  

[Magnet]

Who was the professional who advised you to buy a new hood Christopher? 
Have you tried taking advice on the mainland? 
I did use a ‘industrial/professional’ type contact adhesive that has remained well secured for over 25 years - but that was 25 years ago, and the memory doesn’t serve well over that time! 

Suffice it to say, there will be something suitable out there. Research is your best friend here, and once you find that ‘industrial’ adhesive, you will need to ensure the mating surfaces are scrupulously clean - this will be the secret to success. 
Sorry I can be more specific. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Steve Q]

I agree with Gareth, it's extreme to need to change the whole roof for a rear window that's coming loose. It often just needs rebonding. I'm sure I've done a guide on it on the forum somewhere, I'll see if I can find it. 

[Steve Q]

As promised, I found it under the TT section but the principle will be the same. 

 

[Christopher Adair]

12 hours ago, Magnet said:

Who was the professional who advised you to buy a new hood Christopher? 
Have you tried taking advice on the mainland? 
I did use a ‘industrial/professional’ type contact adhesive that has remained well secured for over 25 years - but that was 25 years ago, and the memory doesn’t serve well over that time! 

Suffice it to say, there will be something suitable out there. Research is your best friend here, and once you find that ‘industrial’ adhesive, you will need to ensure the mating surfaces are scrupulously clean - this will be the secret to success. 
Sorry I can be more specific. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Hi Gareth 

Thanks for your advice.

Yes a professional auto upholster, yacht upholster and Jerseys main Audi dealership all say the same thing...

"Due to the high pressure the fabric is under when in operation,  any attempt to glue using silicone or marine quality glue only lasts for a couple of times then fails" apparently. 

I have ordered suction cup clamps, as seen on good old utube tutorials and l will give it a go, but l am trying to find,the bonding solution that the factory uses..trying to get this info is proving difficult...

A4 2003.

Kind Regards 

Chris..

[Christopher Adair]

11 hours ago, Steve Q said:

As promised, I found it under the TT section but the principle will be the same. 

 

Thank you for your time and effort Steve Q, most appreciated .

I have ordered suction cup clamps specific to this job and will give it a go.

My Audi is the 2003 A4 1.8T, which has had a ridicules amount of money poured into it by the previous owner, and the softop was replaced in 2017. So I was prity disappointed when the glue failed, in the  heat last summer, 39 degree's in Jersey!! 

Finding parts is problematic, as my Audi dealers don't stock anything for this age of car, obsolete apparently. I need a new rear light unit, found one on eBay for £95.00, my local car parts company was charging me £157.00!!

I was advised by my Audi dealership to scrap the car as they can't get any parts or solution to the roof problem. 

Audi's you just have to love them to own one!!!!

cheers     Chris... 

 

[Steve Q]

They want you to scrap the car so you buy a new one. I'm in the same boat with my 02 A6. Having to buy parts from eBay even if it eBay worldwide. 

[Magnet]

Hello Christopher again.

It might be well worth giving BAS - Cwmbran, S. Wales a ring. They are a well respected specialist high end car trimmer near my neck of the woods, and they are likely to have the experience of which adhesives are most suitable for the purpose. 
To me, I think it’s the preparation and removal of any earlier adhesives is the main problem here, but should be doable with patience. 
Alternative:- consider sewn-in ‘Perspex’ rather than bonded-in glass? Again BAS might advise.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 
 

[Sandy Smith]

I have this issue. 2007 A4 Cabriolet. Top is separating from the rear window around the edge. I am in Jersey. Actually New Jersey USA just west of New York City. I was told I need a new top $2100 USD. I cannot tell you how the dealership is a money grubbing no nothing crew. I now go to a local Audi guru. Long story. I will be looking into posts here. Double sided tape or glue is my first choice. Thank you all for posting. I am watching. 

[Sandy Smith]

I meant to add the car has 51,000 miles. 

[Steve Q]

On 1/18/2023 at 1:33 AM, Sandy Smith said:

I have this issue. 2007 A4 Cabriolet. Top is separating from the rear window around the edge. I am in Jersey. Actually New Jersey USA just west of New York City. I was told I need a new top $2100 USD. I cannot tell you how the dealership is a money grubbing no nothing crew. I now go to a local Audi guru. Long story. I will be looking into posts here. Double sided tape or glue is my first choice. Thank you all for posting. I am watching. 

You're most welcome glad this thread helped 🙂

[Sandy Smith]

Hi all.  Well no permanent solution for my soft top. It’s still cold here so the top is not going down.  However I did manage to adhere the top to the glass for the time being.  Don’t laugh but I used “as seen on TV” Alien tape I bought on Amazon end of January for $10 US. (Is that a woman thing to do?) Although it’s not permanent it’s holding surprisingly well. Does not rattle. Haven’t tested it in a storm but we have another vehicle and the car is parked in a garage overnight.  Still looking for a fixit solution!