New owner introduction with back window question - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

KellyC · 10-31-2010, 07:07 PM

Hello All!

I took delivery of my "new" 2002 black on black 986 S early this morning! So far, the car has blown me away - Its just sweet!

My back window is plastic, and is badly cracked on both sides. In fact, on the passenger side, there is triangle hole about 1.5 inches on each side. Sadly, I'm pretty sure I did this damage myself this morning in my excitment to put the top down. It was a bit cold after the truck dropped off my car (about 30 degrees) and I heard a loud CRACK noise from the back window as I put the top down.

So to the question - I've read other articles posted here about sewing in a new plastic window. It sounds not too tough if you're willing to just put in the long tedious time to do it. That said, has anyone here ever used the window offered by the website below? Just curious about the quality...

http://www.emiata.com/BoxsterWindow.htm

Mark_T · 11-01-2010, 05:50 AM

Hi Kelly,

I guess it's a bit late to tell you to never raise or lower the top when it's below 50F. Judging by what looks like frost on your trunk, there's a pretty good chance that you are right about the damage being self-inflicted. Oh well - live and learn. It's not the end of the world and it's not going to be too wickedly expensive to fix.

My rear window was in rough shape when I bought my car, too. I looked at the various options to replace just the window- auto upholstery shops, boat upholsterers, doing it myself, having it done on the car, off the car - and came to a bottom line that no matter who did it, or how much or little it cost, it would look like like a hand-sewn replacement job and I wouldn't be happy with it.

I ended up replacing the whole top. I found a very well made top at Prestige Auto Trim in the UK for about $500 shipped and changed it out myself. I had a buddy assist me with the job and that was a good call. It's not a job you want to tackle all alone. I won't say it was an easy job, but with the help of Mike Focke's DIY it turned out very well and I was pretty happy to save the installation fee, which would have been about $800.

If I was to do it again, I would buy an entire 4-bow top, frame and all, from 03-04 model so I could get a factory glass window. I would not go with a glass window replacement for a 3-bow top as the window is quite small and it restricts access to the engine compartment. Plus the bright orange defroster lines on some of the aftermarket glass window tops are just heinous.

Good luck!

Mark

jcb986 · 11-01-2010, 06:05 AM

You can have the plastic window replaced at a top shop for about $450 as long as your top is in great shape.

KellyC · 11-01-2010, 07:15 PM

Thanks for the replies. I guess now I need to think about how much I want to spend....

clickman · 11-01-2010, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_T

If I was to do it again, I would buy an entire 4-bow top, frame and all, from 03-04 model so I could get a factory glass window.

+1, if you can find one!

Bruce Wayne · 11-02-2010, 12:47 AM

kellyc

congrats and welcome to the club. you'll remain addicted!

FWIW its probably worthwhile, if you dont go for the full with glass window replacement, to get the plastic window replaced by a specialist, as you wont want your interior getting moisture in and having worthwhile job done.

i'm sure depending on the area you are in, some forum members will be able to point you in the right direction.

JTP · 11-02-2010, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_T

If I was to do it again, I would buy an entire 4-bow top, frame and all, from 03-04 model so I could get a factory glass window. I would not go with a glass window replacement for a 3-bow top as the window is quite small and it restricts access to the engine compartment. Plus the bright orange defroster lines on some of the aftermarket glass window tops are just heinous.

I thought about doing the same thing, that is if I could locate a good roof setup. But after studying both tops I found the earlier soft top, despite the plastic window, is better looking with a nice gentle slope. It has a much nicer profile that fits the Boxster better.
Just my personal opinion.

Jake D · 11-02-2010, 05:52 AM

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 · 11-02-2010, 06:28 AM

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 · 11-02-2010, 06:42 PM

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 · 11-02-2010, 07:58 PM

Quote:

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 · 11-23-2010, 08:30 PM

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 · 11-24-2010, 03:08 AM

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.