Rear screen replacement

Started 27th May 2017 at 15:35 · Laurence Jones

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Has anyone undertaken to replace the rear screen themselves ?

I’ve two rear hoods, one has almost opaque browned plastic screen (through age) and the other is clearer but has a split in it in one corner. So I’m toying with the idea of getting a new plastic screen and trying to stitch it in myself.

Secondly, has anyone ever reconfigured the mechanism so the rear screen doesn’t fold, like the convertibles, and fit a solid rear screen of clear Perspex of glass (glass like the convertible). Just a thought.

Laurence

Author

Replies
- 28th May 2017 at 21:51 #4928
  
  Mark Thorley
  Participant
  
  Have you tried the plastic cleaners specifically for these rear screens Laurence?
  
  They are quite good, I’ve used this (eBay 391496956911 ) on several Convertibles in the past and it does work. Depending on the severity, you might need several attempts. If you can restore the opaque one then you’ll not have the hassle of trying to stitch in a new one which won’t be easy unless you’ve some experience.
  
  The idea of a solid Perspex screen sounds great but the bulkyness when folded down wouldn’t suit the Cabriolet that well aesthetically. I don’t favour the Convertible for that reason. Even with a Tonneau cover it still appears intrusive to me. The Cabriolet is discreet and neat. Having a plastic folding screen is a small price to pay.
  
  I always ensure the plastic screen is evenly folded across the entire length without kinks thus helping to keep it looking great.
- 29th May 2017 at 12:59 #4932
  
  eddiepanton
  Participant
  
  i remember seeing a “wheeler dealers” where they cleaned a screen up with t cut
- 29th May 2017 at 19:27 #4942
  
  Laurence Jones
  Keymaster
  
  Thanks John and Eddie,
  
  I’ll have a go at trying to improve the opaque (one corner first maybe) and see how it goes.
  
  One of the reasons I was considering having a go at changing the cracked screen with a new one is that the hood itself is in better condition than the other hood. Ideally I’d invest in getting a complete replacement/refurbished hood, targa panels and head lining, but as I mentioned in another thread a huge chunk of my petty cash (XJS fund) has been swallowed up replacing the oil cooler on my LHD Convertible recently – so seeking a way low cost way to improve the Cabriolet for this summer if I can.
  
  Laurence
- 29th May 2017 at 22:32 #4944
  
  Mark Thorley
  Participant
  
  Laurence, give Jack Smith Trimmers a call in Swansea, he’s a professional upholsterer and soft top manufacturer and his prices are very good indeed. He replaced my Fathers soft top and new plastic rear window on his Alfa Spider for considerably less than anyone else and the job was 1st Class.
- 30th May 2017 at 13:24 #4951
  
  Laurence Jones
  Keymaster
  
  Thanks Mark, I will make enquiries in that direction
  
  Laurence
Author

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