Two things, and one is a phooey!
 

First, the easy. I hope. The convertible top mechanism, 1998, where you pull down on the handle. To the left and right of that handle I have two black plugs. Oval in shape. Actually, I only have one. I'm hoping someone can shed some light on where I might source that piece. Just a plug... snaps right in. Thank you.

Next... phooey.

Preparation is key. So, before beginning to treat my fabric roof with the protectant I taped everything off. For the vinyl window I used the painters tape... for houses... where you unroll the 3" strip and 25% of it has that adhesive on the one side. So... I applied it all the way around the vinyl window... then affixing newspaper to it so protect the window from overspray.

When I had completed the entire application I removed the tape from the vinyl. As I peeled away the tape it appeared to leave a residue. No. My stomach sank. It looks like ****************e. There was a chemical reaction. I tried water. Tried rubbing it out, figuratively speaking. No. An otherwise perfectly clear vinyl window with that 1" crappy looking residue strip look around the entire window.

Unless someone has the remedy, I believe I'm going to have it replaced.

So... where can I source tinted vinyl... not with tint applied to the vinyl... but an actual dyed, whatever, tinted piece of plastic/UV vinyl, I can take to the convertible top place.

I know I should have considered three, maybe four separate posts. I'm coming from a decade+ in the e30 forums, so, I'm like, still in recovery. Thank you.

Thank you.

The plastic often can be found at a boating upholstery place. Any around you?

As for the plug, wrecking yard?

And of course there is the PET, the Porsche part catalog which today is at the link but they do move it around.

The black plugs are the "alien eyes" aka interior sensor trim covers. Porsche P/N 996-618-212-02.

You can get them new from just about anyone: Pelican, ECS Tuning, even eBay, for less than $10. Woody may have some used ones. Search for forum member "itsnotanova" on this forum.

As for the rear window vinyl, I've never heard about painters tape having a chemical reaction with the vinyl. Are you sure it's not just tape residue? Have you tried removing it with some WD-40?

Just wonderin'..........

TO

I considered the vinyl replacement... maybe removing the top myself... bring it in... having a new piece sewn in. From the prices I've seen here thus far... $350-$450, depending upon if the vendor removes the top.

I just found this... and tomorrow will check to see how much would be the install. I like the glass.. don't have to worry about fading... chemicals on the vinyl... it's a smaller window... and it's heated.

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

I'll keep looking for that little plug, thank you.

Thank you! I thought I knew how to navigate that site.

I didn't want to try any chemicals on that vinyl. I did go out last night with a soft cloth... and it appears if I'm patient I can lift off the residue, and I had been wondering if there wasn't a product.

WD-40 won't leave streaks... melt into the vinyl? Thank you.

I use 303 Aerospace Protectant for my top. I pour some in a plastic cup and then brush it on with a foam brush. This way I don’t have to tape anything off and it is very fast and easy to do.

I clocked 1.25 hours taping off everything. I'll try that stuff next round.

The WD-40 recommendation. Will the application of that, trying to clean up that 1" wide track of residue, fog the vinyl?

Thanks.

Was the tape you used "Frog tape"? Apparently this is a new type painters tape that contains a polymer that reacts with the paint/liquid to form a block to paint penetration. Most cross linked polymeric chains can be broken with bleach. You might dampen a cloth and give this a try, just don't get the bleach on the top. Good Luck

Different brand... but this stuff...

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Trimaco-3-in-x-180-ft-Adhesive-Craft-Masking-Paper/50329993

I haven't yet mustered up the courage to try the WD-40 approach. Likewise with the bleach. This afternoon I'll go out and give them an attempt. I'll report back.

No, absolutely not. Use a microfiber cloth to apply the WD-40 to remove the residue. Then remove the WD-40 from the vinyl with rubbing alcohol.

Finish off with some Meguiar's PlastX.

TO

Thank you. I will try that.

:dance:

A thousand times thank you. Literally. I expected to spend $1,000 sourcing the new top, with glass, and having it installed rather than live with that 1 inch window run of gummy. The vinyl window is brand new.

I tried a small spot... followed it with the alcohol... and it lifted right off. It did, however, expose those few areas/runs where, when first I realized the error of my ways... I tried to encourage it. Thus... it has those fine, back and forth, lines.

Your recommendation for a fine line remover would be employed.

Thank you.

Meguiar's PlastX is a very light abrasive made for plastic lenses and vinyl windows. You could try to remove the fine lines with it and some elbow grease.

I wouldn't use anything more abrasive, as you would probably make the situation worse. If the PlastX doesn't remove the fine scratches, you should just chalk it up to experience and live with it.

Just sayin'.........

TO

Put some Plexus on that rear window. It Is great stuff.