New top recommendations? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Highlander · 05-23-2014, 07:13 PM

I've been out of the Pcar loop for the last 6 years due to new family commitments.

My '01 S is in dire need of a new top. GAHH were probably the "go to" company for replacement tops back then. Are there equivalent or better alternatives?
I want a glass rear window and I'm more interested in quality than price.

I also would be interested in recommendations for a shop to install it in the Pleasanton/Dublin/Livermore, or for the right shop, South Bay or anywhere on the peninsula here in the SF Bay area. This is way beyond my comfort level!

TIA

Topless · 05-23-2014, 07:18 PM

Where you been Highlander? Good to have you back. I have a GAHH glass top and recommend it, but others have gotten a less expensive option that seems to be made in the same plant without the brand name. I don't know if they are 1st quality or seconds that didn't meet GAHH standards but they look good to me.

Good luck in your quest.

Highlander · 05-23-2014, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topless

Where you been Highlander? Good to have you back.

Thanks! Good to be back.

Let's see, where have I been. Here's the Cliff's notes version.

Got laid off after 12 years with the same company - B*****rds. Divorced. Found a new job and moved back to Southern California. Got married again (this time to the most incredible lady). Got made the scapegoat on a failed program by (name redacted) and fired. Got picked up by a startup in San Jose. Startup got acquired by SanDisk. Bought an '02 Turbo to share the garage with the Boxster.

That about covers it

Pdwight · 05-23-2014, 07:40 PM

Why is the top such a bear to replace ??

Highlander · 05-23-2014, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pdwight

Why is the top such a bear to replace ??

Replacing Boxster Top, Pelican Parts Tutorial

Hand me a wrench and set of sockets and I'm all set to go. Start talking about trim and weather sealing and glue and I run away!

Pdwight · 05-23-2014, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highlander

Replacing Boxster Top, Pelican Parts Tutorial

Hand me a wrench and set of sockets and I'm all set to go. Start talking about trim and weather sealing and glue and I run away!

I seem to have a hard time with trim parts and internal door cards and such too

Topless · 05-23-2014, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highlander

Thanks! Good to be back.

Let's see, where have I been. Here's the Cliff's notes version.

Got laid off after 12 years with the same company - B*****rds. Divorced. Found a new job and moved back to Southern California. Got married again (this time to the most incredible lady). Got made the scapegoat on a failed program by (name redacted) and fired. Got picked up by a startup in San Jose. Startup got acquired by SanDisk. Bought an '02 Turbo to share the garage with the Boxster.

That about covers it

Sounds like a pretty wild ride. I hope things are settling down for you a bit. As I recall you were pretty active on Renntech and I followed your suspension how-to post about 5 years ago. It seems you were a better than fair AX competitor back then. As you probably know, PCA GGR has a very active driving program in the Bay Area.

4runnin · 05-23-2014, 10:49 PM

SAS German Auto in Pleasanton has done my Boxter work in the past. They replaced the cables for my top and seemed to do a good job. Maybe give them a call and see if they replace tops.

Highlander · 05-23-2014, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topless

Sounds like a pretty wild ride. I hope things are settling down for you a bit. As I recall you were pretty active on Renntech and I followed your suspension how-to post about 5 years ago. It seems you were a better than fair AX competitor back then. As you probably know, PCA GGR has a very active driving program in the Bay Area.

I had a fair run when I was autocrossing. In '06 I took 2nd in the SCCA ProSolo series and 3rd in the National championships pedaling a friends Mini Cooper S in G Stock. Also that year, I won my class in the Portland Parade Autocross, then followed it up in '07 with a win in San Diego. My female co-drivers did pretty good too. A win in Portland and a 2nd in San Diego. The lady that drove my car in San Diego had never autocrossed a Boxster and had never driven on race rubber before, so she did an outstanding job. Only got beaten by an ex-pro race driver in a 914-6.

That whole Ax setup will be for sale soon, just as soon as I drag it out of boxes and take some pictures...

Highlander · 05-23-2014, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4runnin

SAS German Auto in Pleasanton has done my Boxter work in the past. They replaced the cables for my top and seemed to do a good job. Maybe give them a call and see if they replace tops.

Thanks, I'll give 'em a call.

BruceH · 05-24-2014, 06:47 AM

Take a look at Auto Tops Direct. I bought mine off of their eBay store. When doing my research, I realized that they are the same as GAHH. The installer agreed that it is the exact same top as a GAHH. I have been very happy with the quality and love the glass window. I would love to find a Turbo like yours, great looking car

Porsche Boxster Convertible Top 97 02 in Black Stayfast Cloth with Glass Window | eBay

Porsche Boxster Convertible Tops | Porsche Convertible Soft Tops

healthservices · 05-24-2014, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highlander

Thanks! Good to be back.

Let's see, where have I been. Here's the Cliff's notes version.

Got laid off after 12 years with the same company - B*****rds. Divorced. Found a new job and moved back to Southern California. Got married again (this time to the most incredible lady). Got made the scapegoat on a failed program by (name redacted) and fired. Got picked up by a startup in San Jose. Startup got acquired by SanDisk. Bought an '02 Turbo to share the garage with the Boxster.

That about covers it

Seems like the only thing we can rely on is that things are constantly changing...