Should I swap in an 03-04 top?

[Brian in Tucson]

I put an 03 top on my 01. Good shape on a frame, so it was easy to swap out. Love the glass, but it doesn't open up very far before it hits the roll bars. So anything other than what's right on the back of the engine requires that one take the top completely off. I suspect that OEM is better quality to begin with and the glass is etched with "Porsche."

Mine was $1000 from 20th street automotive in Phoenix. I went and picked it up. (I live in Tucson.) I got nice replacement carpeting, too. What a massive and horrible job that was to change out. BTW 20th Street Automotive does ship.

[mikefocke]

https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/listsofsources has a list of junk yards specializing in Porsche parts

[Deserion]

Originally Posted by Brian in Tucson

Love the glass, but it doesn't open up very far before it hits the roll bars. So anything other than what's right on the back of the engine requires that one take the top completely off.

That seems strange to me, wonder if there's an issue with the roof. I can get the glass on my '04 and the '06 up vertical against the roll bar (which was handy when I removed the tint on the '06 yesterday).

[Qckslvr]

My 02 S has a glass rear window top.

After owning MANY Miatas with various states of plastic rear windows. The glass rear window is a blessing. May not have as much visibility due to being smaller. But defrost! and it will NEVER get hazy.

[Brian in Tucson]

Originally Posted by Deserion

That seems strange to me, wonder if there's an issue with the roof. I can get the glass on my '04 and the '06 up vertical against the roll bar (which was handy when I removed the tint on the '06 yesterday).

I just went out and checked. Unless I'm doing something totally wrong the roll bars interfere with the window. Hmmm!

[78F350]

For the aftermarket tops, Pelican Parts has a good article from Wayne's book:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/70-BODY-Convertible_Glass_Window/70-BODY-Convertible_Glass_Window.htm

Hundreds of pictures: Pelican Parts Photos - 101 Projects for your Porsche Boxster: Project 70 - Convertible New Top

Mike Focke's page about top replacement: https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/replacingthetop-adiy

I currently have two aftermarket tops, an original plastic, and an '04. The aftermarket glass is harder to access the service position, but does work. I'll have time to get detailed pics or answer any specific issues later this week if you want.