Removing and installing convertible top rear window — AUDI

Notes:

Rear window is zipped into convertible top.
Seal is provided by thermally activated adhesive between polyglass panel and fabric edge of window opening.
A stranded wire is inserted in the adhesive for removal purposes. When replacing panel, adhesive can be activated by applying voltage from vehicle electrical system. The required power level is 26 A with a voltage of 12 V.

Removing

Special tools and workshop equipment required

V.A.G 1742
Feeler gauge
Plastic wedge

Open convertible top as far as dimension -A- to fully relieve stress on rear window.
Dimension A = approx. 350 mm

Note:

Secure open convertible top to stop it dropping down.

Bend out contact ends of stranded wire -arrows- at bottom left edge of window between zip and fabric.

Note:

Fig. shows convertible top with frame raised.

Attention:
Before applying battery voltage, it must be ensured that ends of wires are not twisted (danger of short circuit). Otherwise scorch marks on convertible top could result.
Connect power cable from V.A.G 1742 to contact ends of stranded wire and heat adhesive for 2 minutes.

Notes:

Fig. shows power connection with inner frame of fitting tool in position.
Fitting tool must not be in position when removing rear window.

Disconnect current.
Unfasten edge of fabric from rear window in centre of lower area.
Use a plastic wedge to open zip.

Pull rear window out of zip all round.

Note:

Residual adhesive spread evenly over convertible top (no lumps) need not be removed.

Installing

Insert sliding tab at start of zip -arrows-.
Position start and end of zip exactly over one another.
Fasten zip as far as wire connections.

Attention:
Zip misalignment of more than two teeth results in considerable strain, above all at corners of window.
When heating stranded wire, the high voltage involved can cause the rear window to melt and tear.

Slide wire connections through between zip strip and fabric.

Attention:
Ends of wires must be inserted through convertible top seam a minimum distance of two pin pricks apart to stop them becoming twisted (danger of short circuit). Otherwise scorch marks on convertible top could result.
Fasten rest of zip and take out sliding tab.

Insert inner frame from V.A.G 1742 on left and right between convertible top cover and rear bracing hoop.
Align inner frame with window opening.

Insert retaining bracket at top left and right between convertible top cover and upper bracing hoop and fix in position with wing nuts.
Support centre of inner frame with centre brace on rear seat bench.

Centrally align outer frame of fitting tool V.A.G 1742 with window opening on convertible top.

Note:

Convertible top has been removed in Fig.

Engage hooks of tensioning strap from V.A.G 1742 at convertible top linkage on left and right.

Route strap from V.A.G 1742 over outer frame as shown.

Note:

Insert piece of cardboard or the like between body side panel and convertible top in area of tensioning strap so as not to damage paintwork.

Insert strap in tensioner.
Tension strap by moving lever of tensioner back and forth -arrow-.
If inner frame from V.A.G 1742 is pressed off convertible top in places when tensioning outer frame, inner frame must be bent back on
=> Fig. V64-0381, Page
64-44.

Note:

To slacken off belt, pull up centre section of tensioner and press lever forwards as far as it will go.

Make sure outer frame from V.A.G 1742 rests evenly on convertible top all round.
Check contact with 0.5 mm feeler gauge -item 1-.

Attention:
If outer frame does not rest evenly on convertible top, rear window may melt and tear on heating stranded wire.

If upper cross piece becomes slack -arrows- inner frame can be bent accordingly.

Note:

With strap tensioned, make sure outer frame from V.A.G 1742 rests on convertible top fabric over entire window opening and that fabric presses onto polyglass panel.

Connect power cables to contact ends of stranded wire.
Apply current for 21/2 ... 3 minutes.
Leave adhesive to cool for 20 minutes with fitting tool in position.
Detach fitting tool V.A.G 1742.
Shorten wire ends to 20 mm and jam them between end of zip and fabric.
Check rear window for leaks.

If leak is found:

Attach entire fitting tool V.A.G 1742 again and connect up power cables.
Press outer frame from V.A.G 1742 more firmly against inner frame in area of leak.
Apply current for 21/2 ... 3 minutes.
Leave adhesive to cool for 20 minutes with fitting tool in position.
Detach fitting tool V.A.G 1742.
Check rear window for leaks again.