GAHH top self-install ? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

ChrisZang · 07-07-2009, 01:23 PM

I see that GAHH (one of our sponsors) currently has a killer deal for their insulated glass tops

I was wondering if I can install the top myself.
Did anyone ever try it?

RandallNeighbour · 07-07-2009, 03:23 PM

Chris, men install tops and you are a man, therefore you can install this top.

I do not think it requires any special tools.

And I know there's a tutorial online for it somewhere. Maybe Mike Focke or Pedro would know.

If you pay to have a GAHH authorized installer do it, you get a very good warranty that covers the top AND the labor to replace it or fix anything in the next X years.

KevinH1990 · 07-07-2009, 05:43 PM

Here's the link to Mike Focke's guide:

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/replacingthetop-adiy

If anyone ever wants to replace their own top in the Central Virginia area, let me know. I'd love to assist on one before I try my own.

fatmike · 07-07-2009, 06:14 PM

I just paid to have mine done. I wouldn't take this on myself. Lots of quirky little things can go wrong. The little ball thingies break. Then you have to go buy the right parts. You need to lube the frame in the right places. You need to stretch the new top just so. If you wire the defroster wrong the wire will break. I just don't see this as a job that will go well as a do-it-yourself effort. Putting on a top is an artform.

By the way -- my GAHH has the new acoustic material. I strongly recommend getting it. The new top is literally as quiet or quieter than my hardtop. Big difference from the original.

Opposite Lock · 07-07-2009, 07:31 PM

I spotted this in the FAQs:

I would like to make a purchase from you, and install it myself. Do you have installation instructions?

No, we do not. We recommend all our items be installed by a professional. Our products are not designed to be installed by anyone other than a professional. Improper installation will void our warranty.

j.fro · 07-08-2009, 01:47 AM

I've done three so far this year. There are a couple of quirky little things, but it's not such a terrible job. I'm in central Virginia ... hey Kevin H, where in C.VA are you? I'm just east of Charlottesville.

Rob-00BoxsterS · 07-08-2009, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisZang

I see that GAHH (one of our sponsors) currently has a killer deal for their insulated glass tops

I was wondering if I can install the top myself.
Did anyone ever try it?

Chris,

Went to the GAHH website and I don't see any special prices on Boxster tops. What "current killer deal" are you referring to?

jjanari · 07-08-2009, 05:24 AM

While I'm all for DIYs, I would approach this one with caution. at the very least, make sure you research al the DIYs on the net and pay attention to any tips/tricks. I bought my '02 box with the GAHH top, which was supposedly professionally installed. However, it was installed incorrectly, causing the top to separate from the seams where the top meets the rear edge of the window (it would be easier to explain w/pix). I took the top to 2 authorized GAHH installers in my area to see if it could be fixed and both indicated that the damage was likely due to an improper install. on top of that, since I didn't know who installed the top originally or have any receipts, I would pretty much be eating the cost myself (approx $900).

Bobiam · 07-08-2009, 05:55 AM

I'll have to get a top in the next yr of so. I started doing homework and contacted GAHH with some questions re colors, fabrics, etc. They were not very helpful.
I'd like to think that I could do this myself, but the warranty issue is important. Plus the aggravation that would be experienced before the thing fails.
Can anyone put an $ estimate of the cost of professional installation?
That's a great link for DIY above, but it really alarms me that there are a lot of things to screw up!
I wish you all the luck possible and please keep us informed about your decision and progress.
Bob

fatmike · 07-08-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobiam

Can anyone put an $ estimate of the cost of professional installation?

Just got mine done. And, I already forgot what I paid, but it was something like $800 for the top and $600 to install. Maybe $1400 all-in.

ChrisZang · 07-08-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob-00BoxsterS

Chris,

Went to the GAHH website and I don't see any special prices on Boxster tops. What "current killer deal" are you referring to?

less than $1k for the sound insulated top (incl. shipping)
I was under the impression that some time ago they were like $2k but maybe my memory is off...

fatmike · 07-08-2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisZang

less than $1k for the sound insulated top (incl. shipping)
I was under the impression that some time ago they were like $2k but maybe my memory is off...

Call them for a quote. I got a small discount. But it was definitely under $1K and worth every penny.

The sound insulation really makes a difference.

Bobiam · 07-08-2009, 01:31 PM

Fatmike ~
19K on an '02 and you needed a top? Plus you own a hardtop? Was it damaged or bad window, or just wanted an upgrade or color change?
Did you get the glass window? If so, what 's your opinion of the reduced view from the driver's seat?
Sorry for all the questions......

Bob

23109VC · 07-08-2009, 03:32 PM

a local shop quoted me $1400 + tax to do a glass top install - that's part + labor. I believe that was for a GAAH top... didn't get the exact brand, but they did say, if I just went out and sourced my own top and had them install it they charge $550 to put it on.

I can get my plastic window fixed for about $275-300 if I just hvae them sew in a new plastic window.

my top is not that old and in good overall condition. too bad I can't just sew in glass...

fatmike · 07-08-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobiam

Fatmike ~
19K on an '02 and you needed a top? Plus you own a hardtop? Was it damaged or bad window, or just wanted an upgrade or color change?
Did you get the glass window? If so, what 's your opinion of the reduced view from the driver's seat?
Sorry for all the questions......

Bob

Hi Bob. My car has 33kmiles on it now. I need to update my signature.

The car (and top) are 7 years old though. The plastic doesn't last in the cold of the northeast. In spite of my best efforts, the plastic developed a crack last year. It was bad enough that there were cracks on both sides. The car couldn't be left out in the rain. It looked terrible.

Yes, I got the glass window. I find that the visibility out of the rear is dramatically improved. I couldn't see a damn thing out of the old plastic window. I used dedicated cleaner and polish, but the visibility was just terrible. Yes, you lose some "window area" with the GAHH top, but what you get is adequate in size and crystal clear. What you are really losing is an inch or two along the top. You'll find that you simply don't notice after a couple of days.

Get the acoustic material. It really makes a difference. Its super quiet (like my hardtop - probably quieter actually). I might not put my hardtop on this winter. My car is a DD.

I like not having to do a karate chop when I put the top down.

Really - worth every penny. If your OEM plastic window is cracked, this upgrade is a no-brainer.

Rob-00BoxsterS · 07-08-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisZang

less than $1k for the sound insulated top (incl. shipping)
I was under the impression that some time ago they were like $2k but maybe my memory is off...

Too bad. I saw the $925.00 price but was hoping I was missing a hidden link with an even better price. lol.

Gubu986 · 07-12-2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisZang

I see that GAHH (one of our sponsors) currently has a killer deal for their insulated glass tops

I was wondering if I can install the top myself.
Did anyone ever try it?

Ditto on the Mike Focke's DIY. I replaced my wife's 986 top and it was a breeze but it did take 7.5 hours but saved XXXX $$.

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/replacingthetop-adiy

Franco · 08-18-2009, 01:55 PM

Hi, I just installed a new top with plastic window on my 97, removal took me 3 hours and 5 hours to install, not difficult at all.

I tried using the 3M tape but it wouldn't stick to the canvas so i tried contact glue and it worked fine.

Logic and patience and it was done

I want to thank my wife

Mike.focke and his friends for the D.I.Y. write up.

bar10dah · 09-21-2012, 10:42 AM

Mike's instructions are pretty good. You can do the job by those instructions alone. However, you can do a search here and find some additional info that may help.

When I did mine, I used Mike's info in addition to the 101projects book. Almost a year later and the top still looks good and operates as intended!

brian325is · 09-21-2012, 11:13 AM

make sure you have the tape and glue already. I also used Mikes instructions and the 101 projects book. Be very careful removing the plastic sliders and pins especially since you have to have it done this weekend. I had to replace one slider due to broken pins. I would have recommended you just buy new ones in advance, they weren't expensive.

Watch what you are doing when you take it apart and keep all the hardware organized