1996 Celica GT convertible

[cansune]

I have a problem, my Celica's back window has fallen in. The glue rotted through and now I have to replace the top. I have the new top in, but I am wondering what labor might cost to perform the repair. Has anyone had this experience? What am I expecting as far as labor cost is concerned?

Thanks in advance.

[renatodato]

I'm in Ca and I was quoted 1800 dollars. About $80per hour. Probably a little less for you since you have the top.
I plan to just do the rear curtain myself. How hard can this job be if staples, contact cement and some prying tools are all that are needed

[caitlinx]

Originally Posted by renatodato

I'm in Ca and I was quoted 1800 dollars. About $80per hour. Probably a little less for you since you have the top.
I plan to just do the rear curtain myself. How hard can this job be if staples, contact cement and some prying tools are all that are needed

hi. saw your message which was pretty old.. did you fix your back window? mine's the same.. i cannot hardly afford a new curtain and/or top.. how'd it go??
thanks ;-)

[renatodato]

Originally Posted by caitlinx

hi. saw your message which was pretty old.. did you fix your back window? mine's the same.. i cannot hardly afford a new curtain and/or top.. how'd it go??
thanks ;-)

Yes, I did the rear curtain myself. It was not hard to do. Just takes time and patience. I was told by experts that it could not be done without doing the whole top .. Not true. Start with removing the brackets to expose the numerous Phillip screws, outside the vehicle . Then, remove brackets in the left and right pillar areas which is accessed from inside the vehicle. Detach the top from the rear portion by removing screws from the bracket that crosses the roof area. When they are separated,peal the top forward just enough to gain some working room. Installation is basically the reverse. The liner should have been removed before beginning job. Play with the motor to position the top as needed for access. When the old one is removed, place new rear curtain over it and trace it making note of staple marks. You need a buddy to help you stretch it taut. All the tools needed are electric staple gun, contact cement and electric screw drivers. I bought my stapler at home depot for about 30$. I got my rear curtain at Pik N Pull junk yard. Thats how i learned that this job can be done without removing the top. Now, I can see through my rear window and smile with pride that I didn't listen to the "experts" advice.

[OldElPaseo]

Same thing happened on my 1993 celica rear plastic window. fell off in a snowstorm. i had to shovel snow from the trunk to the dash... lesson learned : buy a winter beater so now i drive a crappy 1999 corolla in winter.

i fixed the window myself, but its very ugly job. i will change the whole top next year and have car repainted.