996 Cabriolet roof rear window refurbishment.

As some of you will know I fit a new cabriolet roof on my 996 back in may 2018. As 4 years of daily use have now passed, there was visible evidence of light scratches and slight haziness. So I thought I'd have a do at buying some specific custom product made for the job and see if I could buff it up a tad. After a route round on the web I decided to settle for Autosol scratch remover, specifically designed for convertible plastic windows as well as other clear plastic items: http://www.autosol.com/product_p/1300.htm A search on eBay turned with this little kit compromising of applicator sponge pad, buffing cloth and a tube of Autosol scratch remover: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400965322050 Yesterday morning I had a go at tackling the job. first mask off the periphery of the canvas window border with some masking tape. Give the whole outer face a good do with the polish and applicator, then buff off with the cloth. Repeated this around 3 times to try and acquire an optimum finish. Doesn't take long but does take a bit of elbow grease. I do have a machine polisher but didn't want to chance it on this cos if I bodge it up, it's a new roof time. Once you make a start on it, you soon realise a majority of the scratches are on the inside!! So that also needs the same treatment. Didn't bother masking the inside off as the plastic window on the inside is bigger than the external aperture. I did put the roof in the service position, un-hook the cab roof anchor points and fold the back of the roof over to gain easier access to the inside as it can be a pig of a job trying to do it from the inside of the car. Also did the inside a few times. Unfortunately it didn't get all the scratches from the inside, unless I really put some effort in. At that moment in time I couldn't be bothered but at some point in the near future, give the inside a go again. Regardless of that, then window has come out looking tip-top and brand new again, so Alex is a happy cabper . Got home from work tonight and took a quick couple of snaps before it went dark: Went to work on my Vespa today, so thought I'd give it a go on that too. Quick buff of the instrument binnacle and it's come up like brand new. I would deffo recommend this stuff for clear plastics needing a refresh.

Nice looking job Alex, how do you get the roof in service position Steve

Service position is basically just halfway. You can the unclip the rear anchor cables and fold the rear part of the roof over with the clamshell in its open position.

Alex, Did you ever make a report on the roof replacement? Looks like a daunting job but one which all of us cab owners will eventually have to face up to!

Window looks great Alex - I wish I'd opted for a plastic rear window instead of the glass when replaced my hood, it's just so much larger.

I didn't do a proper write-up as it stressed me out too much at the time, but did do an update here: http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=126392

Thank you kind sir. I was in the same boat as you at the time. I remember you commenting at the time how the plastic windows are useless if you can't see through them. At the same time I just couldn't live with the letter box of the glass windows so took the plunge on the plastic. The plastic is more hassle over glass but upside is better rear view. I remember when I fit it, the platic didn't fold properly for a good 6 months and used to 'crease' halfway across.

Didn't know it was that easy, my back window never been so clean.

:thumbs: