Replacing Boxster convertible top - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

LazzMan · 01-26-2015, 09:47 AM

Hey all: I am trying to decide if I should buy an ORIGINAL PORSCHE top with glass window for my 2000 Boxster S OR go for the US copy ( found a nice looking one on EBAY from Sierra Auto Tops). I usually go with original parts, but in this case the US copy is 600.00 where as the original costs almost 3K. Does anyone have any words of wisdom with respect to this dilemma? I love my boxster and love original parts, but that price differential is just too hard to ignore. Thanks in advance! Gerry

Keith Newby · 01-26-2015, 10:22 AM

the glass window first appeared in 2003 and takes a different frame than the one you have. An aftermarket glass top is the only way to go unless you can source a top frame from an 03 - 04.

steved0x · 01-26-2015, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Newby

the glass window first appeared in 2003 and takes a different frame than the one you have. An aftermarket glass top is the only way to go unless you can source a top frame from an 03 - 04.

Good catch, I didn't notice the years. If you do go aftermarket make sure you are getting the aftermarket for your year, and not an aftermarket with a larger glass window designed for 2003-2004.

LazzMan · 01-26-2015, 10:48 AM

Thanks for your info!! Didn't know that about the introduction in 2003- do you have any words of wisdom about getting an aftermarket top? Will I regreat it?

Run · 01-26-2015, 12:27 PM

I just had a robbins top put on my 03. Notice I paid someone to do it. I could have done it myself but with age comes wisdom and in my case much less patience. The Robbins or Gahh tops are great tops not so sure about the others considering the time it takes to put one on I would rather not figure that out after. My total cost including top installed was 1360.00.

tommy583 · 01-26-2015, 02:33 PM

I have a Robbins glass window top installed on my 98. I love it!! Makes the car so much better. The window is a little on the small side, but it beats looking out of a crappy plastic one.

Peter Serbanica · 01-27-2015, 01:16 PM

I prefer using GAHH.

lkchris · 01-28-2015, 09:23 AM

Using Porsche later top means also replacing your storage/speaker cover with a later version, too.

Dave928 · 01-29-2015, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

Using Porsche later top means also replacing your storage/speaker cover with a later version, too.

no it doesn't. i have an '03 top on my '01, with the original stowage box.

lkchris · 02-09-2015, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave928

no it doesn't. i have an '03 top on my '01, with the original stowage box.

Part numbers are different for '03-on.

mmassey0125 · 02-10-2015, 04:35 AM

I bought the Sierra top and you really can't tell the difference. Also sick they are made from the exact same material I expect it to last just as long...so save yourself some money! The money you save can pay for the installation.

Chuck W. · 02-10-2015, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

Part numbers are different for '03-on.

Perhaps because in '03 they went to a Bose unit on the rear shelf.

IMHO, pay the extra money and find an '03 or '04 986 OEM top. The look of the rear window on the aftermarket replacement tops just don't look right.

Xcellr8 · 02-10-2015, 12:08 PM

I'm glad this topic came up. I just sold a 2003 that still had its factory top with a rear speaker shelf from an 00-02. When opening the top, the boot cover would not completely lay flat with the top's motor. Had to hand press it down the last 1/4" or so. I thought this was because the top just hadn't been folded much lately. This is the first I've seen suggesting that the shelf may be getting in the way.

I'll check to see if I have an 03-04 shelf around here and measure the height. Be back in touch in the next couple of days.

Chuck W. · 02-10-2015, 05:06 PM

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KevinH1990 · 02-10-2015, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xcellr8

I'm glad this topic came up. I just sold a 2003 that still had its factory top with a rear speaker shelf from an 00-02. When opening the top, the boot cover would not completely lay flat with the top's motor. Had to hand press it down the last 1/4" or so. I thought this was because the top just hadn't been folded much lately. This is the first I've seen suggesting that the shelf may be getting in the way.

I'll check to see if I have an 03-04 shelf around here and measure the height. Be back in touch in the next couple of days.

I'd like to know the answer to this as well. I have an 04 top and frame on my 2000 Boxster with the original MY 2000 rear storage unit. I've been fiddling with the adjustments since I put the top on and I have never totally eliminated the gap you describe. Maybe I need to find an 03/04 storage unit if that is what is causing the problem.

Taipanic · 02-11-2015, 09:56 AM

I recently had a Sierra top with rear glass window put on my '02S. No issues, looks great, love the glass window (with defrost). You lose a little visability and you have a bit less access in Service Mode but otherwise I'm pretty satisfied.

keysguy · 02-12-2015, 05:08 AM

My car is currently in the upholstery shop receiving a new Gahh top. I elected to stay with the plastic window because the old top was 14 years old and and I had no issues other than it turning yellow recently and I more blame that on me not protecting it like I should have. The shop I went with is the local Gahh distributor. he gave me a slightly better price than the web site once you factored in shipping and his labor bill was quoted at $500 flat fee. I stopped by yesterday and took a look at it while in progress and it looked as "OK" as a new top going on can look. After watching him work for about 10 min. I am very glad I did not attempt the job myself. He has the tools and knowledge to do tops, sometimes it's just much better to toss a few $$ at it.

keysguy · 02-12-2015, 05:09 AM

tried to insert image but didn't work

porsche top in progress

Chuck W. · 02-12-2015, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keysguy

tried to insert image but didn't work

porsche top in progress

Here you go.....

jeepdad · 02-12-2015, 06:30 AM

I have a Metropol Blue top on my '99 with glass window and defroster. This is not the original top?

Also, not to hikack this thread ... but there is a small rip/separation on the driver's side at the seam where the cloth attaches to the support arm. There is a velcro strap there but I haven't figured out what this does. When I close the top, the cloth wants to wrap around the arm/frame around the halfway point. I have to pause the process and manually "tuck it in" before closing the top all the way. Can anyone provide some feedback or advice on how to fix this?

Thanks! And to the OP, good luck in your top search.