My convertible top is showing wear and the rear window is starting to fall out. In the next year, I imagine I will need to install a new convertible top. Any idea what the best aftermarket tops are? The price for an OE top is ridiculous and I'm not willing to spend $4000 to replace the roof.

So far I believe the GAHH top has been recommended, but that top still lists for something like $1800. Curious if there are any other models people have experience with.

 

Alan, when the back glass began dropping out of my convertible several months ago, I started looking for a replacement top. I cannot speak from experience with any of these but here is what I found. In the end, my canvas was in good shape and I found a local guy that could re-glue the glass to the top so that is what I did. Because all of these simply come in a box, you will want to start hunting for a shop that will install it for you. When I was looking the cost of the labor was more than the cost of the top.

AutoBerry.com | Jaguar XK8 XKR Convertible Soft Top with Defroster Glass Window - Convertible Tops | Seat Covers | Headliners

XKR 2007-2011 - EZ On Auto

 

Interesting that so few people have installed replacement convertible tops. I imagine the number of rear window problems has been increasing greatly as the X150s age.

I may also find someone who can reglue my top, but I probably need to wait for it to get worse before I can go that route. Right now, the top of the window is only separated about 0.5".

 

I would get it fixed now. The larger the separation, the more it costs. Also the auxiliary junction box is behind the rear seat center section, rainwater could damage it. Repairing it would not be difficult with such a small separation, the real issue will be to ensure you get the correct glue. RTV won't work.

 

I have replaced the top on my '98 328i BMW convertible twice now. I got my top on-line. I have no complaints on either top, they were each from a different manufacturer. I did pay extra to have the plastic guides on the top. In my opinion it makes the installation easier and more foolproof. I know you can get the top for an XK on-line, but not sure if they will supply with the plastic guides.

 

I still think it's interesting that nobody has replaced their XK tops yet with an aftermarket top!

 

I went to two upholsterers. Both were unwilling to attempt the procedure in the TSB and said the only way to fix would be replacing the top. To be fair, I believe the TSB says only a 350mm length of repair is allowable, and I have the whole length of the rear window that is separating from the top.

I got a quote for the HAGG top of $2600 with labor and parts, which I think is pretty fair.

 

Sounds like you got a good quote for the top, did they say how long the installation would take. Please post picture when it is finished.

 

I don't have a vert, so my knowledge of its complexity will elude me.

But I live in a water community, and I've seen some excellent custom tops made for pleasure boats. Some of the more skilled shops can do it from scratch if needed, as that is all they do all day long. Food for thought?

V

 

I replaced mine (2009) TWO times already. Sits in Florida sun and rain all day. First one in 2012 was dealer, snuck in with 1 day left on warranty. Second one in 2017. Shopped around, decided to get an off brand with different window placement so that water wouldn't pool and decay. Well, this one is just now pulling up off the back. Place I got it done is closed and I can't remember the name of top. It was not Gahh. A dealer told me once every convertible in FL will have to be replaced regularly. Seems every 4 years for me.

 

I just bought a replacment top. In blue. I bought it for insurance; because someday my top WILL fail.

Curious thing is, the German company, which´s tops were recommended to me, told me in mail that they buy the top from the US ... but did not found ANY clue, from where. Top is a fine dark blue and looks extremely well made.

Price was ~ € 1750, incl S & H.

Hermann

 

I'm surprised no one has steered you to this thread yet:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...rtible-113105/

And also this one -- but in this one, forum member Stuart, who's something of an authority on this, first details instructions using a 3M adhesive, then later uses Rhino Glue with much more success:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...p-97478/page7/

Basically, these are both how-to's about re-gluing the rear window to the convertible top. I have done it myself, in two sections so far. (One of the things that's pointed out is that once it starts to go, it's all going to go, and it's much easier to do this job if the window's still at least partially attached).

Long story short, it works. Getting the "suck-n-clamps" is essential, and the Rhino Glue works great (at least for me so far, and some of the posters on the thread are a year or so in with no issues). It is incredibly well photographed and detailed in some of the posts on that thread.

Is it a permanent fix? Who knows? But logic says it might be-- Jaguar assembled it by simply gluing the glass to the convertible top, so why not a re-glue? Plus, when all is said and done, it's easy to do. And in your case you literally have nothing to lose, since that entire top's just going to end up in a dumpster if it's replaced anyway. Give it a shot!

 

See this thread for their source - GAHH.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ations-252739/

 

Not yet sure, GAHH is really the source, there may be more manufacturers. But I wrote to GAHH, still waiting for their answer.

Thanks, Hermann

 

Very helpful. Except for the window separation issue, my top is in great shape. I will look for someone to re-attach it. Quotes for a new top and installation are $1,800 to $2,000 here in DC.

 

https://oemplusautotops.com/

Select "Local Installers" to find a top shop near you.

 

Reattaching the rear glass is an easy, DIY repair that costs under $100.

See this thread, starting with my Post #104, for details and photos of how to fix the separating rear window using Suck N Clamps and Rhino Glue. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...p-97478/page6/

Note that my first attempt with 3M adhesive failed after a short time. My repair using Rhino Glue begins with my Post #121, and it's still holding after almost 5 years.

Read that entire thread.

 

Thanks Stuart. I will try it. Already have ordered Rhino Glue. Better than $2,000+ for a new top!

Where do I get Suck N Clamps? Thanks again. Will report results. —hcrawford

QUOTEI =Stuart S;2548623]Reattaching the rear glass is an easy, DIY repair that costs under $100.

See this thread, starting with my Post #104, for details and photos of how to fix the separating rear window using Suck N Clamps and Rhino Glue. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...p-97478/page6/

Note that my first attempt with 3M adhesive failed after a short time. My repair using Rhino Glue begins with my Post #121, and it's still holding after almost 5 years.

Read that entire thread.[/QUOTE]

 

Click: AMAZON

 

I tried the repair method , but the previous owner had tried with some other products that made the surfaces very uneven, the repair lasted a few months, but I ended up replacing the top, I went to a local shop that said he ordered the GAHH, but when I went to pick it up he had installed an EZon top, the window has a life time warranty so I just took it.