Value of a 2003 Top Frame

[Boxtaboy]

Originally Posted by edevlin

How hard is it to replace the frame mechanism. I have also toyed with the idea of getting one for my 2000 base, thanks,

Ed

It's very easy. It is a plug and play bolt in, and no modifications are needed if you are putting an 03 or 04 top frame into a 00, 01, or 02 model year. There's only 3 bolts on each side of the frame that hold the top frame to the car. You, of course, also need to unbolt the pushrods that drive the top up and down when you operate it, but that's only one bolt on each side too.

Here is a full DIY walk thru (by the way, the picture of the white car in the article has an aftermarket GAHH top installed, as we wanted to show the difference in window size between the GAHH and OEM factory top.):
http://www.google.com/gwt/x?ei=O0z9SoO1J5SpoAepwoGjAQ&source=pagecreator&u=http%3A%2F%2Fmike.focke.googlepages.com/installinga%2703-%2704glasstopandframeona%2797&wsc=pr&wsi=54d22947ee6e732d

What's cool about it also is that it updates the look of your car. Check out my 01 model next to the Orange 08 special edition to my right. No ratty plastic window.

[Thumper]

I paid $900 shipped for my '04 top and installed it by myself in around an hour. I have to agree, it's probably my favorite mod to date. I didn't unbolt the pushrods, I just popped the plastic ball connectors off the old top and popped them back on to the new top.

I believe that the factory glass top rear windows are larger than the GAHH rear windows, but not by much. It's also cool that at the bottom of the factory window it says "PORSCHE".

With the large surge in folks converting their boxsters to spec racers, there should be more of the '03 - '04 tops coming available in the near future. That's where mine came from. A guy converting his low mileage '04 550 special edition to a full time track car. I don't think I would've done that to a 550 special edition, but it was his car. I was able to pick up a few other choice items from him at bargain prices. I have seen the dismantlers getting $1,500 to $2,000 for these tops, so some detective work is in order to locate a true bargain.

[clickman]

A SoCal dismantler quoted me $2000 for the entire top including drive; they wouldn't sell only parts of it.

[Boxtaboy]

Originally Posted by clickman

A SoCal dismantler quoted me $2000 for the entire top including drive; they wouldn't sell only parts of it.

Go to car-part.com, type in the model year (2003), choose "Boxster", type in "Roof", and then when it asks you what part of the roof, choose "soft top". This site will survey several dismantlers throughout the country and if they have the part, it will list it, and also the damage code (if any damage to the part).

I just did a search, and it looks like there's one dismantler in Texas that has one undamaged for $950. Check with them if it is a complete top with the frame, and if so, it's not a bad deal. Enjoy.

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

I just did a search, and it looks like there's one dismantler in Texas that has one undamaged for $950. Check with them if it is a complete top with the frame, and if so, it's not a bad deal. Enjoy.

That one has been sold.

[Lil bastard]

Well with threads like these, the values are going to go up. Wish I was the seller rather than the buyer.