Glass v Plastic rear window: which do you prefer?

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by patssle

I'm a DIY mechanic so I want the best access to the engine. Plastic. Also as a sporty driver I want the best view. Plastic.

Plastic is more functional. Glass is more cosmetic.

Bottom line up front - Your comparison between the plastic window and an aftermarket glass-window top is valid. But, I haven't heard anyone say that they regret putting an 03/04 top and frame on an earlier car.

Access to the engine is fine with an 03 or 04 top and frame. I've heard that the aftermarket glass window tops on an original frame make life a bit more difficult for the DIY mechanic.

The rear view with the 03/04 top and frame is also good. The plastic window was larger, but when they get hazy you feel like you are looking through a shower curtain in the back. I kept my plastic window pretty clear with regular polishing, but it was never going to be as nice as glass. Again, I have no first hand experience but I heard that looking through the aftermarket glass windows is like looking through a mail slot.

The glass windows also have a defroster which comes in handy if you drive your car year round.

[Geof3]

Yeah, plastic for me too. Mine is in great condition fortunately. I don't sweat the "issues" such as the karate chop, not lowering colder than 50 deg etc. Also, though marginal, it is lighter. And the fastest, easiest way to make these cars faster is to make them lighter.

[itsnotanova]

Originally Posted by Geof3

Yeah, plastic for me too. Mine is in great condition fortunately. I don't sweat the "issues" such as the karate chop, not lowering colder than 50 deg etc. Also, though marginal, it is lighter. And the fastest, easiest way to make these cars faster is to make them lighter.

My boxster had the aftermarket glass window when I bought it and switched it to the plastic for the weight savings. Along with making it manual.

[A8ked]

I've experienced 3 different rear windows in my 98 Boxster.
My car came with the factory hardtop option which gives GREAT visibility and a rear defroster, but alas, does not go up and down. It is a great compromise for the dark rainy months (Oct to June) in Seattle.

My original soft top had the plastic rear window which was so badly discolored after 20 years that I could not see anything thru it. It finally cracked one day when it was getting the chop...

I have had a original style soft top with the glass window installed, visibility is excellent thru the glass window and the rear defroster is nice to have. BUT, the smaller size of the glass rear window does reduce overall visibility. As others have mentioned the glass rear window in an original style soft top also makes DIY in the engine compartment a bit more challenging...

Kevin

[fridsten]

I swapped my cracked plastic window top for a new one with a glass window on the same frame. The rear window is significantly smaller which affects rear visibility a bit, but now I know it won't break, so I recommend it highly.

[Brian in Tucson]

Originally Posted by fridsten

I swapped my cracked plastic window top for a new one with a glass window on the same frame. The rear window is significantly smaller which affects rear visibility a bit, but now I know it won't break, so I recommend it highly.

I know I said I wasn't going to do it, but I found a nice, complete 03 top and frame this weekend at a wrecker in Phoenix. $1000 for the top, and a set of black carpeting is included. I jumped on it. Can't pick it up for a couple of weeks. But I think I'm pretty excited by the prospect. I wish it was closer, I'd like to pick over the just junked car--nice shape just an engine expired. Might be buying some other must haves for my project car.

[Rob175]

My 98 got a new GAAH top with a glass back window last October. I'm very pleased.
One question for those that had a new top installed....... the first couple of times I tried raising and lowering the top I had some difficulty un-latching it and relatching it. It was a bit of a 2-handed effort and needed more "force/effort" than the old previous top. I spoke to the installing company and they assured me that in time it would loosen up (ie: stretch out a bit). They advised me to store it with the top up (I store it over the winters)....and said that I shouldn't have a problem when I open it or close it in the Spring/Summer. They did say that IF I had further difficulty there is some small adjustments they could make but told me to hold off on that until I give it more time..........

Any thoughts from those of you who have had new tops installed?

[tommy583]

Yes mine was a little tight when it was first installed. What the guy told you seems correct to me.

[Rob175]

Thanks for the reply.