Engine access with glass rear screen?

[Georg]

Thank you for the info and photos. Was wondering: do you have (I am certain you do ) a profile photo of the car with the top open to see how far forward it goes with the gahh top for top engine access? In the access photo I cannot tell.

I am mostly worried about damage caused by mechanics stressing things too much to access sthng.

And another thing: do you (or anyone) know what it takes (besides money) ti have the original 4-bow top installed? Do I just add another bow or do I need a whole new frame? Either way, does everything go where everything goes now or do I need additional parts or modifications?

Had not thought about the difference in profile with the 4-bow top. Will need to find some photos to compare.

Nice car, by the way. Got me thinking with the 996 motor...

[ddb]

Georg,

If you haven't already seen this thread it's a good one started by a member here, Boxtaboy, chronicling his experience with his added 4-bow glass window top. It should answer a lot of questions about this option as well as show some pictures.

Best of luck,

ddb

2003 OEM glass convertible top installed on an 01 Boxster

[qikqbn]

4 bow compared to 3 bow examples and pics....

unfortunately I do not have a profile photo showing top up in engine access mode...
All I can tell you is that I have done a complete engine conversion and worked extensively on the top of the engine with no issues concerning engine top access. Unless your mechanics are completely disrespectful, I can not imagine how they would damage your top if you gave them a good tie strap ratchet to work with and showed them how to hold it up. Before any mechanic does any work on my car I explain to them the proper way to use the strap and have it held up. it takes 2 minutes. not sure what else I can tell ya.

If you have the money and you like the look of the 4 bow, then go for the 4 bow. The Gahh top cost me about $1400-1500 installed using my existing 3 bow. To do a 4 bow system you will need a fabricator to make the 4th bow fit on your existing setup or purchase an entirely new 4 bow set. Just the glass top and fabric will still cost you around $1500 installed plus whatever the cost is to setup the 4th bow.. You can most likely find a 4 bow top from a Porsche dismantler or buy it new from porsche... Either way I think you will be paying about $2500-3000 for the 4 bow system used from a dismanlter..

one advantage of getting the 2003-2004 4th bow top is the sound insulation on the inside of the top. The 3 bow systems do not come with that.

best of luck. Having a glass top does wonders for the look and feel and the convertible top. You will not regret installing it. best of luck ;^) bill

[mikefocke]

Didn't the insulated top come in around 2000 with the S model and in 2001 all models?

[qikqbn]

Yes, Boxster S has inside liner, but Gahh 3 bow tops, at least when I purchased mine, did not offer the inside liners. If you had a Boxster S you could just transfer it over, but the Gahh top did not have it as part of their kit.

[tonycarreon]

if you have a 2000+ regular top, you should have the extra sound fabric under the top. i do. it was reused when i had the GAHH was put on.

[Georg]

Originally Posted by ddb

Georg,

If you haven't already seen this thread it's a good one started by a member here, Boxtaboy, chronicling his experience with his added 4-bow glass window top. It should answer a lot of questions about this option as well as show some pictures.

Best of luck,

ddb

2003 OEM glass convertible top installed on an 01 Boxster

Thanks ddb. I also saved Maurice's complete works unabridged. Starting from the page you mentioned I got lost in various net places, so I cannot say exactly where I saw this, but I got the impression that if my mechanics (motor, transmissions etc) are working fine there is no reason to change anything other than the top and frame for the 03- OEM solution, in which case it would be a very easy straightforward unbolt-bolt job. Am I missing sthng?

Originally Posted by qikqbn

...If you have the money and you like the look of the 4 bow, then go for the 4 bow. The Gahh top cost me about $1400-1500 installed using my existing 3 bow. To do a 4 bow system you will need a fabricator to make the 4th bow fit on your existing setup or purchase an entirely new 4 bow set. Just the glass top and fabric will still cost you around $1500 installed plus whatever the cost is to setup the 4th bow.. You can most likely find a 4 bow top from a Porsche dismantler or buy it new from porsche... Either way I think you will be paying about $2500-3000 for the 4 bow system used from a dismanlter...

So the 4th bow is not a separate part and the only difference between 3- and 4-bow frames? If I buy the 4th bow as a part, it will need to be modified to be installed on my frame?

BTW, Bill, I have seen it posted repeatedly that the GAHH setup puts a lot of stress on the window (I guess by the fabric stretching too much when folding). How's yours? I am not so much worried about the window coming loose (they seem to have worked that out), but mostly about everything else (transmissions, cables, motor) being overworked in the long run.

The problem with buying from a dismantler is that I would be buying used. For the frame I wouldn't mind. But for the top I am not certain it makes sense, unless you are planning to sell the car at a specific time.

Maybe find a 4-bow frame at a dismantler and buy a GAHH top for the 03- car?

Originally Posted by qikqbn

one advantage of getting the 2003-2004 4th bow top is the sound insulation on the inside of the top. The 3 bow systems do not come with that.

GAHH now sells the top as an Akoustik version (supposedly OEM GI after 2009). I just don't know if that would be stiffer (maybe too stiff for the health of the mechanics).

Originally Posted by qikqbn

best of luck. Having a glass top does wonders for the look and feel and the convertible top. You will not regret installing it. best of luck ;^) bill

Thanks. Am trying but it looks like it's not very easy...

I saw a 01 Boxster with what looked like the GAHH top outside an independent service place, but it was pouring so I'll go back take a look again. If I am lucky they have one with the OEM 4-bow top as well to compare side by side. Is the roof line (profile) the same as the current model?

[clickman]

Originally Posted by Georg

I got the impression that if my mechanics (motor, transmissions etc) are working fine there is no reason to change anything other than the top and frame for the 03- OEM solution, in which case it would be a very easy straightforward unbolt-bolt job. Am I missing sthng?

You have a 98, and I remember reading that the 4-bow off an 03 or 04 is not a simple bolt-on for pre-2000. I don't recall it being impossible, but there's something else involved.