Convertible Top, to glass or not to glass

[Chuck W.]

I put an OEM 2003 top on my '01. IMHO, there is no comparison. The glass window is well worth the upgrade.

[ddb]

I think installing a 2003 or 2004 OE frame and top like Chuck W. is the ultimate solution. However you have to find one and pay for it.

With your car being a daily driver and considering the climate where you live I would think having the electric rear defroster would be a nice addition as well.

IMO, the limited access to the top of the engine with the aftermarket glass retrofit tops is annoying, but worth it when you factor in the positives. The limited view with the smaller window is quickly forgotten in a day or few. I can however imagine if I drove a 986 with the larger plastic window I would love the better view. So I just won't drive such a car. That is why I refuse to drive a Boxster S also!

[Perfectlap]

Does every Boxster in SoCal look this well kept?

Originally Posted by Chuck W.

I put an OEM 2003 top on my '01. IMHO, there is no comparison. The glass window is well worth the upgrade.

[MileHighBoxster]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Does every Boxster in SoCal look this well kept?

Every Boxster SHOULD look this well kept.

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by MileHighBoxster

Every Boxster SHOULD look this well kept.

Amen...caught myself drooling at that image every time.

[sasha055]

Total price is 1525$, but I had to shop around.

The insurance shop quoted 1200$ just to sew in new plastic window, I told my insurance agent that it's rip-off.. and found a new shop.
Insurance had no problems with the new quote.

Thanks
Sasha

[Chuck W.]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Does every Boxster in SoCal look this well kept?

Thanks for the kind words. I do enjoy waxing my cars (& the garage floor!)

[lbrown2009]

i have a 2001 with a nice crack in the platic window as of last week

Originally Posted by Chuck W.

I put an OEM 2003 top on my '01. IMHO, there is no comparison. The glass window is well worth the upgrade.

[lbrown2009]

630 shipped for a new top with glass window? defroster cable included. details below, is this good quality?


1997-2002 Porsche Boxster Convertible Top


PORSCHE BOXSTER, 1997-2002 TOP, GERMAN A5 ACOUSTIC, GLASS WINDOW, BLACK
[Vehicle Year:2001]

[ketsa]

I bought this one few weeks ago:
Porsche Boxster BAS BLACK MOHAIR Glass Window Hood upgrade 1997-03 | eBay

Quality seems to be really good and I'm hoping that I manage to finish my installation during next week. Not a hard DIY job, but not a nice one...

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by lbrown2009

630 shipped for a new top with glass window? defroster cable included. details below, is this good quality?


1997-2002 Porsche Boxster Convertible Top


PORSCHE BOXSTER, 1997-2002 TOP, GERMAN A5 ACOUSTIC, GLASS WINDOW, BLACK
[Vehicle Year:2001]

I believe this is the Robbins top, and if so I would personally give it a good quality rating. Are you planning a DIY or getting a professional installation?

[Jbocio]

Originally Posted by lbrown2009

630 shipped for a new top with glass window? defroster cable included. details below, is this good quality?


1997-2002 Porsche Boxster Convertible Top


PORSCHE BOXSTER, 1997-2002 TOP, GERMAN A5 ACOUSTIC, GLASS WINDOW, BLACK
[Vehicle Year:2001]

I am close to getting a top as well. But I'm wondering about the difference between the A5.

And the Twillfast RPC > 1997-2002 Porsche Boxster Convertible Top
Is it a $100 difference in terms of quality, durability, noise reduction.

[lbrown2009]

im going the DIY route with the help of 1 friend

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by Jbocio

I am close to getting a top as well. But I'm wondering about the difference between the A5.

And the Twillfast RPC > 1997-2002 Porsche Boxster Convertible Top
Is it a $100 difference in terms of quality, durability, noise reduction.

I'd say it's most likely materials, since they even say right there that it's a lower cost substitute for A5. Maybe it doesn't reduce as much noise as the A5, as well. See if there's a breakdown of the components of an A5 material as well so you can compare the two directly.

lbrown2009, you'll be saving yourself a good amount of money doing it yourself. Just be sure to take your time and have plenty of patience, and do plenty of reading up on the job.

[sasha055]

The top is succsessfully installed!
Jbocio, it sucks that your insurance didn't want to pay for it.
I'm with Liberty Mutual and I paid them 600$ every 6 month (for 2 cars) for past 8 years and never had any claims, they could buy me a new car with those money

Now back to the glass top. Here's my review after 2 drives to work and back:
1. Looks: it looks amazing, it looks sharp, modern, canvas is perfetcly stretched and glass window makes the car look like it's from 21st century
New top feels thicker and "puffier" somehow. Also old blue top was faded, dark black looks better
2. Window size: it's SMALLER! From outside.. it actually looks good with smaller windows. From the inside.. I cannt stop staring in it (now that I actually see something)
I never used rear view mirror, when it's sunny it was top down, in all other cases it was fogged, now I can see clearly through it.. so I stare all the time in it.. and the worst part it's smaller and I cann't see the eyes of the SOB behind me...
3. Rear defroster is amazing, windows doesn't fog in the morning and even in the rain.. you can see through it
4. Sound Proofing. I got a A5 Accoustic top.. I don't think it's "Hardtop" quiet, but then again, I never had a hardtop, road noise is a lilttle bit more muted and you can hear rattles inside better, other then that.. about the same thing
5. Engine access.. cannot comment on that yet. Shop told me to wait 2 weeks before lowering the top since it's cold outside, I'll post in 2 weeks more.

Overall I'm really glad I went with glass, it looks amazing, I don't have to worry about plastic breaking in spring and hopefully I'll get over the rear mirror stare

I also have a question: I saw the invoice from GAHH (they unpacked the new top while I was there) and it said 680$ it also said A5 UltraMaxx (I just glanced on it don't have many details). Does GAHH sell tops cheaper for installers?
They did charge me 870$ for the top and 650 for installation, but I have a feeling that those numbers were "probabilistic"

And of course before and after picture:

Thanks
Sasha

[Jbocio]

Looks great sasha! Thanks for the extra bit of knowledge as well, it answers some questions I had. I'm going to try to install my future top as a DIY project to save the extra $300+ installation charges.
Can't say you CAN'T do something until you try it first.