I need a new top for my 4th gen, i see a number of options and am down to either the stock 2 piece cloth with glass window or a 1 piece vinyl with plastic window.

Has anyone seen, installed or have any experience with the 1 piece with the plastic window? As I'm wondering if it looks any good or just cheap.

pictures/links would be great

 

Plastic windows will always look cheap but at least that way you wont have to worry about the glass one seperating from the top material (common problem with the glass windows)

 

theres no way I would put a cheap plastic window in my car, the vinyl only makes it look worse.

 

canvas and glass is the way to go

 

amen to that.

Canvas will outlast vinyl, and glass is the only rear window you can actually clean and rain-x.

The 2-piece stock design is excellent IMO. I've had zero trouble with my rear glass separating from the canvas. That's in a 300,000 mile convertible, 18 years old (mine for 15 of them) driven in the rainy Northwest (that top had to go up and down all the time when it was a daily driver).

 

1) I haven't seen it on my TA in 18 years, but I suppose its possible. There are several YouTube videos showing how to razor-blade off the old glue, clean it, and rebond it with new silicone adhesive.

The glass to canvas bond issue is really a minor thing IMO. The canvas will usually wear out before the bond to the glass does, its not under any real loads (as long as you DON'T put things behind the rear seat and then put the top down).

 

In the hot south it's a bit of a problem. The glass on my 97 has separated twice.