2009 XK Convertible Rear Window Falling Out.
Fixing a Loose rear window in a Jaguar XK Convertible
I purchased a low-milage 2009 XK convertible on Bring A Trailoe and, after fettling a few minor issues, was very happy with this great-value car. I did have one lingering issue: a rattle from the rear when the top was up. When out with my daughter one day, she spotted that the issue was the heated rear window becoming detached from the soft top.
Replacing the soft top was not in the budget so I attempted to correct the issue myself.
Attempt 1: I used a glass-to-fabric adhesive that required pressure on the two parts while curing. To keep the glass and the soft top together, I used several one-gallon plastic bags full of sand inside and out while the adhesive cured. There was insufficient pressure, and after a couple of weeks, the bond failed.
Attempt 2: While discussing the problem with my local restorer, he showed me a frame he used for soft-top window replacement.
Based on the restorer’s design, I constructed a scrap wood frame shaped and contoured to go around the window. I ordered two large suction cups from Amazon and collected three clamps from my workshop.
After cleaning the glass and edge of the fabric as much as possible, I attached the two suction cups to the glass, slid a bar under the handle of the suction cups, applied Gorilla Glue high-strength clear adhesive, and mounted the wooden frame. The three clamps pulled the bar and suction cups toward the frame and compressed the glass against the edge of the fabric.
After curing overnight, removing the frame and suction cups, and some cleanup with a razor blade, the window is now back bonded to the soft top. There is no rattle, and there is no need to buy and install a new soft top.
Update from Les
However, I should have researched more before I started my woodworking adventure.
George Camp Noted that:
JCNA has loaned a tool many times to members. First offered for the XJS (same issue then with rear glass). It seems to do well as it is very adjustable and holds the top window in place under pressure so that the drying is accomplished with the window in place. You can see the tool here http://www.jcna.com/shopimages/tools/JagTools-1990s.pdf.
It is tool JD 158 but later took on the Global number (thank you Ford) of 501-016.
On the X150 Forum at Jaguar Forums. There is a long thread about fixing this not so isolated XK and XKR issue including links to specific “Suck N Clamp” devices available from Amazon for very reasonable cost. See https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk-xkr-x150-33/window-convertible-top-97478/
So the moral of the story is; check online before you launch a woodworking project unless you have the time and spare wood. Les H 2024
Suction cups and bar in place on the window. Frame ready to mount over the edge of the window. The small pieces to the left of the frame are extra shims to ensure pressure on the window edge.
Frame in place and three clamps in place pulling the bar, suction cups and glass towards the frame while the frame pushes down on the fabric.
An additional view of the frame in place. Note the two halves of the frame longer sides are slightly angled to follow the roof curvature.
Les H 2024