<VV> Cleaning convertible back windows

[Jeffrey B. Aronson]

Dave,

With a succession of British sports cars I've tackled the dreaded rear 
window issue. I have tried several different products meant to clean the 
grime off the rear windows and remove light scratches. All do the former 
to about the same degree and more effectively than car soap and water. 
None can "restore" a tarnished or yellowed window back to it original 
condition. I've not found one product superior to another; they all seem 
to be about the same.

A few of my cars have required new tops; only then have I realized the 
suppleness and transparency of a new rear window. A friend owns and 
operates Leyland Foreign Auto Repair in Kennebunkport, ME. He has 
installed many new tops on sports cars. He told me that the eventual 
brittleness and translucency of the rear windows is due to the effects 
of sunlight; you can't keep them supple with fluids like you do with 
leather seats.

That was proven to me when I bought my current TR-7. The top looked and 
felt very original to the car but it still fit perfectly. The rear 
window looked surprisingly good but just needed a good cleaning. So 
after washing it, I started to use a "convertible rear window cleaner" 
product. Immediately I noticed a brightness to the cleaned-up portion of 
the window. Then, as I rubbed it in, the stitching around the window 
gave way and half the window now flapped in the breeze, and inevitably, 
the rain that followed the next day. Thinking I could get just a new 
rear window stitched on, a boat shop gave me a quote but reminded me the 
job would be only as good as the condition of the top fabric would 
allow. My sports car friend told me that the labor to get the old top 
off and repair it was the same, if not more, than installing a new top. 
I opted for the new top. Years later, the rear window and top remain in 
pretty good shape.

In his experience the rear window and top will deteriorate at about the 
same rate as the top itself. That said, the cleaning products will help 
remove the gritty dirt that can eventually cause scratches in the rear 
window - and don't forget the inside, too. The towel trick is an old one 
but I can't see how it will accomplish much.

Enjoy the convertible!

Jeff Aronson
Vinalhaven, ME 04863