Just got my second box

[Alex Walker]

I had a silver 97 tiptronic box for the past 2 years which was totaled about a month ago when I was hit by a drunk. Earlier today, I bought a black 2000 5 speed. Couldn't be happier! Glad to be back in the boxstering world. Now if only I could get used to driving stick in the Austin rush hour traffic a bit more quickly...

What kind of wheels are these? I'm thinking I'd like to paint the brakes red, debadge the rear, and get a newer top. Any suggestions?

[coolbreeze551]

Glad to see you bought another one and that you're still in one piece from the accident. I am not sure about the wheels, they look like stock wheels to me but they look a little like the "Turbo Look II Wheels" that they have at suncoast porsche. Here is a link to that http://www.****************************************************.com/category/986Wheels.html

About the top... I bought a GAHH top I am very happy with it however, the rear window size takes a little getting used too and because I am not in a country that has a lot of convertible upholstery businesses (Canada). It was expensive to get it installed (about $1000). I believe that in Austin there is a place that is GAHH certified so you may get a better rate. Call around and I am sure you'll find a reasonably priced place that will do it.

Debadging sounds easy when you read about it but when I was doing it I made a hash of it. Getting the "boxster" badge off was ok, but getting that glue off was a pain in the a$$. I used a blow dryer to loosen it up and then all sorts of glue remover stuff but I spent about 20-30 min there just using what little nails I have trying to get it off. A certain angles you can still see a "boxster" outline on the boot lid. Good luck with that.

I haven't painted my calipers but I am going to upgrade my brakes and rotors at some point so I don't want to do all that work and just replace them. I have also desnorkeled and am happy with the outcome. But you have had one before so I am sure you know a thing or two about most of that sort of stuff just something to consider.

Happy Boxstering

[eightsandaces]

Hey Alex, thanks for reminding me what all our faces look like when we are seated where you are. Given that we are receiving 16" of fresh snow, its unclear when that might be. Regarding the calipers, if you're going to do it, you might as well change the brake fluid while you are there.

The calipers will come out a lot better if you take them off completely, take your time and use one of those high heat paint kits. The brake lines don't drizzle as much as I thought they would, you can just use a sandwich bag zip tied on them till you're ready to reconnect and bleed the system.

PS Might as well bleed the clutch while you're at it, enjoy the car! Oh and Alex not to sound like an old man but that's a lot of car under the ass of a young man, stay safe in it.

[JTP]

Nice car! As for the wheels, are they 17" or 18"? You should check your options sticker under the hood. Those look like the optional Turbo Look wheels.

[RandallNeighbour]

Traffic in Austin is nuts. And people say LA or Houston is bad!

That's a beauty! Congrats.

[AndyA6]

Congrats, that Box looks really nice!

Care to share a few more details like mileage etc?

Drive careful and good luck

[jmatta]

Congrats on the Box...it's even in the right color combination!

[Alex Walker]

Thanks for the tips guys! It has just under 70k on it so far. Had it checked it out and other than some minor wear on the top and a bit of a broken A/C display, everything is mint. Anyone know where I can pick up a replacement A/C display?

[tonycarreon]

turbo twist ( or Turbo I sometimes ), probably 18"?
great colors, but i'm partial to black anyway. as far as the AC display let me know when you find one. mine just started going on the fritz ( the left side and middle lines of the second number has gone out, so 74 looks like 71 )

and don't forget to add removing the bumper and painting the front air grills. totally makes a huge difference.

[yelojkt]

Those wheels are some of my favorite for the 986. Have fun with it, and practice makes perfect when it comes to shifting. So you will just need to drive alot. Tony's dead on with the front grill work. Get those babies painted.