New owner introduction with back window question

[Jake D]

There's another discussion going on right now I think that's also in the general discussion about GAHH tops and buying one from Autotopdirect.com which apparently is the same product as the GAHH with the difference being price and the warranty you get. Overall I think that looks like our best bet considering $450 for a sewn in or $525 for a whole replacement. They also have options for glass or original.

Here's a link:
http://www.autotopsdirect.com/Porsche-Boxster-Convertible-Tops-s/35.htm

Hope that works

Jake

[tuanle16]

i thought that you couldn't put an 03-04 glass top on the earlier models 02. i thought they physically couldn't fit. perhaps, i was wrong. are there any downsides to that, such as accessing the engine compartment? do you have to buy a lot of more parts for the modification to fit correctly? my 02 window is cracked too and the top fabric is not looking too hot either, especially where it folds.

[urban_legend]

I had my plastic window done with strataglass - it is used for yachts. Instead of green or clear you can get smoked that looks very good with a dark car.
It is a bit thinner than OEM - so more pliable in winter. Material is quite inexpensive and you can get it sown in for $350 or so.

If the fabric is good this is the way to go. If your fabric is worn just move straight to a new top.

btw - this is not an easy job you will need a pro with experience and the right equipment. If you don't routinely sew your own clothes don't try this - plenty of other DIY projects to do.

[schoir]

Originally Posted by tuanle16

i thought that you couldn't put an 03-04 glass top on the earlier models 02. i thought they physically couldn't fit. perhaps, i was wrong. are there any downsides to that, such as accessing the engine compartment? do you have to buy a lot of more parts for the modification to fit correctly? my 02 window is cracked too and the top fabric is not looking too hot either, especially where it folds.

You can put an 03 or 04 OEM glass windowed top on any 986 and it's an exact fit.

If you have the early transmissions and microswitches, you have to devise a way to trip the B-Pillar microswitch unless you switch to the later B-Version transmissions, and then have to do some rewiring. The 2000 to 2002 Boxsters are a plug and play installation and can be accomplished in less than 2 hours.

Here is a write-up with all the details, including how to source one: http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/installinga'03-'04glasstopandframeona'97

Regards, Maurice.

[KellyC]

Here's a glass top version on eBay for $575. The strange thing is that it does not come with a headliner. Is that common? How much work is it to swap in my headliner from my existing top? And would it even work to put a headiner from a plastic window top into a glass window top? The window itself is smaller, so I am guessing not...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-Boxster-97-1997-2002-02-Convertible-Top-W-Glass-/250731090948?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3APorsche%7CModel%3ABoxster%7CYear%3A200 2&hash=item3a60bcd404

[eightsandaces]

Kelly,

If money is an issue and the canvass is in excellent shape, I would replace the plastic and get the wear out of the top. If you live near any marine canvass makers or boat dealers they could replace that in a snap. I owned a Searay, making the pieces for boat tops is artwork, find the right place and only you will know it was replaced. If you go with a new top, just know the labor is going to easily eclipse the part price; I'd replace the cable ends while I was in there if I went for the entire unit as well, good luck.