cracked rear window - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

blackkatt · 03-18-2007, 11:52 AM

So I go out to my garage this morning to check out a few things on my Boxster to get it ready for when it does warm up enough to drive. I went to put the top in the service position and not thinking anything about it being chilly out, I cracked my window. It did not just crack a little, it cracked clear from the top to the bottom along the passenger side. Needless to say that made me happy

.

Does anyone know of a good shop in the Cincinnati/Dayton area, or even Columbus? I would like one of the GAHH tops, but don't really want to give that much for one. I was maybe thinking of trying to find a shop that will sew in a new window. Any advice?

djomlas · 03-18-2007, 01:10 PM

my window has been replaced by a PO, although it does leak a little in heavy rain, and it still cracked on the passinger side a littttle.
original window was cut out, and new one sewed in, still has some kind of a stamp on the bottom of the plactic window

i will try and see if i can put some sealant from the inside, not to show from the outside, but for me its really not a problem, i either have a hardtop on or no top at all, and on those rare ocasions that the vert top is on it doesnt bother me, plus i hate how boxster looks w black convertible top.

FrayAdjacent · 03-18-2007, 01:20 PM

You could get the rear window plastic replaced. I did the same thing you did, and used clear tape to seal it up for now.

Replacing the rear plastic window cost varies per shop, but I've seen people comment, and called a few local places. Estimates vary from about $300 up to $600. A good local shop said $475.

Replacing the whole top is also an option, but a more expensive one. The GAHH top with a glass window costs just over $1000. Robbins has a top with a glass window now, that I've seen on Ebay for about $700. Installation might cost a pretty penny, too. I asked one local shop what they would charge if I obtained a top on my own - $650.

They also gave me estimates for GAHH tops installed from them - $1250 for a soft rear window top, and $1880 for a glass rear window top.

I don't know what I'm going to do YET, as my top is in OK shape, but does have some scuffs and wear showing. It doesn't leak, and operates normally... but I would very much like having a glass rear window...

blackkatt · 03-19-2007, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrayAdjacent

I don't know what I'm going to do YET, as my top is in OK shape, but does have some scuffs and wear showing. It doesn't leak, and operates normally... but I would very much like having a glass rear window...

Yea I am in the same boat, my top is in good condition other than the huge cracked window. I emailed GAHH yesterday, and they sent me a list of shops in this area. Hopefully I can get home early enough tomorrow to get some prices.

BoxsterBob - CA · 03-19-2007, 03:39 PM

I feel your pain. I had mine replaed about a year ago. It was ~$500 for an auto upolstery shop to sew in a new window here in California.

djomlas · 03-19-2007, 04:53 PM

ouch man, that was from jsut regular wear and tear or from putting the top down, or did someone slash that?

Peter Serbanica · 03-20-2007, 07:54 AM

I live in New Jersey. I charge $525.00 to replace plastic window and $410 labor to install top. 862-222-4618

clb0099 · 03-20-2007, 08:01 AM

i am in the process of getting a new window sewed in for 300 . I also amfrom nj.. It really depends where you and who you use. I got a friend who works at a dealership to give me dealer cost to fix it. So i would say shop around and see what prices you get.

CJ_Boxster · 03-20-2007, 08:18 AM

I replaced my entire top myself for $380... ***flashback memories of tramatic week long finger-tip pains***

JAAY · 03-20-2007, 08:38 AM

I had a upholstry shop do mine. barton's. It was 600 bux. Came out perfect.

BoxsterBob - CA · 03-20-2007, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djomlas

ouch man, that was from jsut regular wear and tear or from putting the top down, or did someone slash that?

No slash, just put the top down, ~50 degrees, POP!

porsche986spyder · 03-20-2007, 08:46 AM

You could always make a claim with your insurance company. Just tell them a tree branch fell on the back window while you had it parked outside. That's the ONLY way they will cover it. Pay your deductable and let them pay for the rest including the labor. This way you can tell them you want the glass window also instead of the plastic one. Your claim should not make your rates go up since it was not your fault. They will look at it as a weather related issue.

djomlas · 03-20-2007, 12:35 PM

that funny, but clever idea.
i bet you can come up with something more creative then that to get the whole top replaced

larez2 · 03-20-2007, 01:29 PM

I've decided to try this once my plastic window breaks or becomes unusable.
http://www.emiata.com/BoxsterWindow.htm

If the rest of your top is in good condition, this option is worth considering.

Window Replacement - a nice bit of kit

Cheers
Larez2

blackkatt · 03-21-2007, 01:56 PM

You are correct in that the insurance company won't raise your rates over that claim, but they will hold the claim against you. Most likely if you have to file another claim, they will use the two claims to non-renew your insurance at renewal time. For a few companies, they would drop you over just the one claim.

blackkatt · 03-21-2007, 01:59 PM

Also I got a few prices yesterday. To sew in a new window it was anywhere from $450 - $650. One place had bumped their head, they wanted $995 to sew in a window. I could go with the GAHH top from $1595-1750.

porsche986spyder · 03-21-2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackkatt

You are correct in that the insurance company won't raise your rates over that claim, but they will hold the claim against you. Most likely if you have to file another claim, they will use the two claims to non-renew your insurance at renewal time. For a few companies, they would drop you over just the one claim.

That's pretty crapy to drop someone over a few hundred dollars. I could understand if it were a couple of thousand. I've had several claims over the years and never any problems. I use Geico. My brother totaled his car and that was his only claim in 10 years and they did drop him. He used Allstate. So I think it has to do with the amount of damage(cost) on the claims.

blackkatt · 03-21-2007, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche986spyder

That's pretty crapy to drop someone over a few hundred dollars. I could understand if it were a couple of thousand. I've had several claims over the years and never any problems. I use Geico. My brother totaled his car and that was his only claim in 10 years and they did drop him. He used Allstate. So I think it has to do with the amount of damage(cost) on the claims.

The total dollar amount does come into play, but I have seen a few companies drop people that had two claims and the total dollar amount was only about $4000-5000 for both.

Peter Serbanica · 03-21-2007, 02:49 PM

Beware of insurance fraud... it costs all of us a lot of $$$$$$.