Hardtop question .....

[bigislandboxster]

Hi all!
Have recently moved to the Chicagoland area, and with the cold weather and snow I began thinking about the prospects of using a hardtop in the winter months. A few questions regarding this:

1. Are the hardtops the same for all years? I have a '98...and would like to find one used if possible....

2. Do they make a Guards Red hardtop? In the info I have been able to find, none exist.....I did find this Guards Red '97 up for sale with a matching hardtop, I am assuming it was painted specially this way....Really like the looks of it tho!

Thanks!

[gRed04]

Originally Posted by bigislandboxster

Hi all!
Have recently moved to the Chicagoland area, and with the cold weather and snow I began thinking about the prospects of using a hardtop in the winter months. A few questions regarding this:

1. Are the hardtops the same for all years? I have a '98...and would like to find one used if possible....

2. Do they make a Guards Red hardtop? In the info I have been able to find, none exist.....I did find this Guards Red '97 up for sale with a matching hardtop, I am assuming it was painted specially this way....Really like the looks of it tho!

Thanks!

Welcome to Chicagoland.

Hardtops from 97 - 04 will fit 986. The 97 Hardtop had ears ( small side cover of some sort ). 98 - 04 didn't have them.

I saw a Gaurds Red up on ebay once.

I purchased one and had it painted Guards Red. About $650. Much easier.

They are not going to make any more ( at least that is what I was told by a dealer ) so I think used is the way to go.

[bigislandboxster]

Thanks for the info on the years...Now I need to find a used one!

Any recommendations on paint shops out here?

Looks to be a million to choose from !!

[tqtran]

You will also need to get the install kit.

[gRed04]

Originally Posted by bigislandboxster

Thanks for the info on the years...Now I need to find a used one!

Any recommendations on paint shops out here?

Looks to be a million to choose from !!

I used a local body shop in the far western burbs. I would call a Dealer close to you and ask where they have work done. Price isn't going to vary that much.

It is a labor intensive job. 4 hrs just to unassemble and reassemble. Need to pull the glass and remove the top strips to do it right. You can't peel back the weather stipping and do this job. Anyone that low balls you probably has never done one. Even experienced body shops will probably break some of the clips that hold the top strips on so be prepared for the job to take a week or longer while waiting on parts.

Locating a top is truely the PIA of the entire process. I got mine from a dealer that took one in on a trade and pulled the top before selling it. Great condition and cheap too Might be worth calling some dealers.

As mentioned you also need the spinlocks to hold the top on ( $100 locally ) and might want the center trim piece that covers the latch ( $10 - suncoast ).

BTW if you can find a new one the best price I could find was $2800 shipped.

[bigislandboxster]

Thanks for the tips ....I think you're right about finding a used hardtop, that will probably be the hardest part....Better get crackin now, the car is due to arrive in 3-4 weeks!

Thanks again!

[Onad]

Those with hardtops: How many of you were able to get a dealer with a hardtop Boxster on their sales lot to part with just the hardtop? I've tried a couple of times and they act like I'm asking for the radio in the car.

Any advice?

[thenavarro]

I got a brand new hardtop from Brandywine Porsche delivered for $1600.00 a few months ago in black metallic. I don't know if they have anymore or not. you can call them and ask for Justin in parts. Take care and good luck.

Mike

bigislandboxster, call the Porsche Exchange in Highland Park, IL. They work with a very good paint shop in Lake Bluff, IL. I don't have the name with me right now.

Also, Luxury Motors on Ogden Ave in Downers Grove, IL has a couple Boxsters with hard-tops, so maybe they would sell one to you. Don't know, just throwing out potential ideas.

Good luck!

Welcome to Chicago.

There are several Chicago area Boxster/forum owners...we need to have a get-together this Spring/Summer.

[bigislandboxster]

More good ideas ! I think I'll give Brandywine a call, I did get a new shift knob thru them earlier this year.....Luxury Imports is actually very close to where I'm moving, so that is a good option as well!

Once it warms up a cruise might be a good idea!

Thanks for the info!

Lou

bigislandboxster, there is a Porsche dealer in Westmont on Ogden Ave, FYI. They are about 1 mile east of Luxury Motors.