Plastic Window Cracked - cheap fixes?

[23109VC]

what did you pay for your top and what did you pay for install? or did you DIY??

can you see any major difference in the top vs your OEM top or is it something "invisible" that you can't see from inside the car looking up at the top while closed??

my canvass top was replced a couple years ago by the dealer under warranty by the former owner. why they didn't covert to a glass 03-04 top I don't know - maybe the part was more mney, maye the warranty wouldn't do it..i dunno... but my canvass is VERY clean. It would be hard to justify going to glass for all the expense JUST to get glass... although believe me, I want to...

$300 vs $1500..... arrgghhhh...

i'm about to buy another car too...my current DD took a crap and I had to sell it. I'm back in the maket for antoher car AND found out my work is cutting pay for 7-10% due to the "economic crisis"....so shelling out "extra" money might not fly well with my CFO / wifey.

honestly... for a car i only drive on weekens...I honestly coudl live with a new plastic top - as long as it turns out nice. but glass would be nice!

[fatmike]

ANSWERS BELOW:

Originally Posted by 23109VC

what did you pay for your top and what did you pay for install? or did you DIY??

TOP AND INSTALL WAS ROUGHLY $1400. $800(ish) for the top and $600(ish) for the install. Ballpark pricing. I only did it a month ago, but I actually forgot what I paid already...I am getting old.

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can you see any major difference in the top vs your OEM top or is it something "invisible" that you can't see from inside the car looking up at the top while closed??

YES BIG DIFFERENCES. The new top has "acoustic" material. Its quiet. Really quiet. Its as quiet or maybe more quiet than my hardtop. Seriously big difference. Also, you can easily see out the back window. Finally, I like the convenience of not having to think about doing the chop.

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my canvass top was replced a couple years ago by the dealer under warranty by the former owner. why they didn't covert to a glass 03-04 top I don't know - maybe the part was more mney, maye the warranty wouldn't do it..i dunno... but my canvass is VERY clean. It would be hard to justify going to glass for all the expense JUST to get glass... although believe me, I want to...


YOU WILL REPLACE THE PLASTIC AGAIN IN A FEW YEARS...

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$300 vs $1500..... arrgghhhh...

PLASTIC ISN"T $300. ITS A HUGE JOB TO SEW IT IN. GONNA PAY $600 OR MORE TO INSTALL IT. YOUR REALLY COMPARING $900(ish) plastic to $1400 Glass with acoustic material.

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i'm about to buy another car too...my current DD took a crap and I had to sell it. I'm back in the maket for antoher car AND found out my work is cutting pay for 7-10% due to the "economic crisis"....so shelling out "extra" money might not fly well with my CFO / wifey.

BUMMER ON THE WORK THING. BUT, BUY HER SOME FLOWERS OR SOMETHING.

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honestly... for a car i only drive on weekens...I honestly coudl live with a new plastic top - as long as it turns out nice. but glass would be nice!

[Boxtaboy]

...hhmmm.. Or, you can source an OEM factory glass top and frame from a 2003 or 2004 model yr. Boxster, and just unbolt your old top and bolt on your new one. Found one for $750...

Factory part, built in strap that holds the glass window completely out of the way when you put the top in service position (no limited access to the engine like the GAHH top), and a larger glass window due to the 4th rib in the newer top frame design...

[ChefCarnivore]

Clear Duct Tape!

:chicken:

This chicken is a duck

[Scbrindley]

I had a new window stitched in my '99. Overall, I am pleased with the results. However, they didn't put in a tinted window and the clear plastic looks
kind of strange at first glance. It really isn't that bad looking, but that's just a heads up. My top spends most of it's time in the down position so I'm not too worried about it. The cost of stitching in a new plastic window was much less than a new top and given the great condition of my canvas this seemed like the best option.

Hope you get it fixed with good results.

SB

[dja1980]

I replaced mine with a GAHH top due to a small tear just like yours. I really didn't want to spend the money at the time, but looking back, it's definitely the best money I've spent on the car... one the most aesthetically pleasing upgrades these cars can get IMO. If you upgrade to a GAHH top, you'll be amazed at the difference when you view your car from the rear with the top up. I've had mine for over a year, and it still catches my eye when I walk past it. I also upgraded the tail-lights this week, and with the 2 upgrades, it seriously looks like a new car.

[urban_legend]

I had mine done with smoked strataglass on my black boxster. I like it a lot better than than the green tint. It is for marine use and a little thinner than the auto vinyl. It also takes some special care because it is coated - but if the canvas is good this is the way to go.

A couple of things I learned:
- not a diy, no way can you hand sew like a pro with the proper equipment
mine was double stiched all the way around
- they prefer to take the canvas off the frame to sew it - it is very important to get it tight
- expect to pay $300-400 to get it sewn in
- I like the smoked glass - very nice with a black top
- if your canvas is worn - forget the above and get a new top!