Need a New Top

[shacky]

My plastic rear window on my '99 Boxster is toast. Cracked right in the middle. I'm connecting through friend to have new top installed. I definitely want to go glass rear window.

What is/are the best choice(s)?

[kjc2050]

Your best bet is to get an '03 or '04 top AND frame. Plug and play. Better access to the engine than with a glass window top designed to install on your frame.

[shacky]

Originally Posted by kjc2050

Your best bet is to get an '03 or '04 top AND frame. Plug and play. Better access to the engine than with a glass window top designed to install on your frame.

Is it real plug and play? No mods?

[Boxtaboy]

If your car is a 2000, 2001, or 2002 model year, then no mods are necessary, and the new top and frame can just be bolted on and work fine. That's how it worked for my 01. For model years 97-99, you will need some mods. See below link for the full details. If I couldn't get my hands on an OEM 03-04 top, I would have gone with the GAHH aftermarket top with glass.

https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/installinga%2703-%2704glasstopandframeona%2797

I have an 03 top and frame on mine, and it is awesome not having the cheap plastic back there which really doesn't belong on a Porsche IMO.

[shacky]

Checking out GAHH, What is difference between Stayfast, Twillfast, Acoustic A5, and German A5?

[Boxtaboy]

I haven't purchased from them so not sure. I know they have varying types of cloth top materials, some that are like the material the factory top uses, while others aren't. I'd contact GAHH and ask them to clarify.

[shacky]

KB Results

Describes cloth types.

[shacky]

Has anybody put the 03-04 top on 97-99 keeping old transmissions and figuring this part out:

In that case however, you will have to devise a way to trip the B-Pillar microswitch at the appropriate time in the cycle because of the new location of the B pillar on the new, 4-bow, frame.

[Gelbster]

And then you need to check for leaking cylinders,wonky cables and the motors. If this gets to be too much, there is Thread on a manual operation conversion.
Woody has a good Thread and there is this one:
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/43235-why-i-converted-manual-top.html

[Boxtaboy]

I don't understand where all those problems pop up. My top mechanisms are original, and in 15 yrs, I haven't had to replace any parts (motor, cables, levers)...heck, even the red plastic ball caps on each arm is still original, and nothing has broken yet. The only thing I've changed is the top and frame itself to the 03 version.

[shacky]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

I don't understand where all those problems pop up. My top mechanisms are original, and in 15 yrs, I haven't had to replace any parts (motor, cables, levers)...heck, even the red plastic ball caps on each arm is still original, and nothing has broken yet. The only thing I've changed is the top and frame itself to the 03 version.

So no problem with "B Pillar micro switch? Lights for top up and down sti ll work correctly?

Sorry - forgot you have 01.

[shacky]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

I don't understand where all those problems pop up. My top mechanisms are original, and in 15 yrs, I haven't had to replace any parts (motor, cables, levers)...heck, even the red plastic ball caps on each arm is still original, and nothing has broken yet. The only thing I've changed is the top and frame itself to the 03 version.

The 97-99 are different mechanics. I had to replace one transmission but that was because I was stupid and installed the bypass for putting top down without having emergency break engaged. One day I didn't release hatch all the way and pop, pop, pop - ugly.

I went manual for a year. I like having a switch

[mikefocke]

A write up on how to install a '03-'04 frame and top on a '97-'02 car was done by Maurice who has done lots of tops.

Your answers may be there.

[shacky]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

A write up on how to install a '03-'04 frame and top on a '97-'02 car was done by Maurice who has done lots of tops.

Your answers may be there.

It just states that you have to figure out the B-Pillar switch

[Boxtaboy]

I think it's because Maurice opted to update his early Boxster with all the upgrades (newer transmissions, relay, cables, etc) to make it function just like the 00-02 models with the 03-04 top, so he didn't just try to figure out how to time it with the B switch. If you PM him, he might be able to give some advice. He truly knows the tops inside out, and I couldn't have done the swap without his know how.

Mike, you have stuck around these Boxster forums (a good thing) long after you've sold your last Boxster. You must miss the car...when you getting another?

[shacky]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

I think it's because Maurice opted to update his early Boxster with all the upgrades (newer transmissions, relay, cables, etc) to make it function just like the 00-02 models with the 03-04 top, so he didn't just try to figure out how to time it with the B switch. If you PM him, he might be able to give some advice. He truly knows the tops inside out, and I couldn't have done the swap without his know how.

Mike, you have stuck around these Boxster forums (a good thing) long after you've sold your last Boxster. You must miss the car...when you getting another?

No it says if you keep old mechanicals you need to figure out B-Pillar switch.

[Boxtaboy]

Originally Posted by shacky

No it says if you keep old mechanicals you need to figure out B-Pillar switch.

I know. What I was trying to say was that he decided not to go that route (keep the old mechanicals), and to instead upgrade all the pieces to make his earlier model Boxster have the same mechanicals as the 00-02 Boxster. Thus, he didn't need to figure out the B-pillar switch timing part of the conversation. He can explain better than me though.

[Chuck W.]

IMHO, go with the OEM '03 or '04. I prefer the look of those over the aftermarket ones.

Here is a before and after photo going from the original plastic rear window to a glass '03 top.

BEFORE;



AFTER;

[shacky]

Well I went with GAHH glass window replacement. Carl's Custom Upholstery did the work. They are awesome to deal with. Professional job at reasonable price.

I love the new top! Now it's off to storage and let top stretch over Winter hibernation

[BlackBox01]

did you replace the entire roof or just the glass?