986 1999 Aftermarket top - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Homeoboxter · 11-22-2020, 07:35 AM

Thanks Guys, for all the useful info. I`m leaning towards the glass window, I don`t mind the limited visibility, I usually use the side mirrors when reversing anyway. Probably I`ll wait with this investment until spring though. First, what I`d like to try, is to buy similar vinyl material and stitch it in place the old one. The rest of the top is in perfect condition. It`s a lot of stitches, and it may end up being a complete waste of time, but I thought I`d give it a shot.

I found this on ebay for cheap:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Clear-Plastic-Vinyl-Upholstery-Boat-Auto-Window-40-GAUGE-54-Width-BTF/331956509141?hash=item4d4a2659d5:g:OjsAAOSwpDdVU5Y G

jaykay · 11-22-2020, 08:12 AM

Are these tops better than the stock S tops? How much does the glass weigh?

Is there a vinyl window option?

Homeoboxter · 11-22-2020, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaykay

Are these tops better than the stock S tops? How much does the glass weigh?

Is there a vinyl window option?

Most aftermarket tops with vinyl windows I`ve come across are meant to replace the factory top for early Boxsters from 97 to 99. My understanding is they are not compatible with newer models. I`m not sure what the difference is though.

jaykay · 11-22-2020, 03:14 PM

I see so to get an S spec top with better sound insulation one is stuck with glass? I say stuck because the weight and perhaps looks. I think the original 3 now top shape with the vinyl window is the best looking out of them all...

MrBen · 11-22-2020, 07:23 PM

When I purchased mine a couple years ago I seem to recall the plastic window version was available for my 2002s. For me the glass was a better option. No chop, has defrost, looks better IMO. My old top was in pretty good shape other than the plastic window. My car came from south Florida and had spent too much time in the Florida sun. I found some utube videos describing sewing in a new window. End of the day I just spent the thousand dollars and had the new top installed. I figure I’ll get a good portion of that back if and when I sell the car

elgyqc · 11-27-2020, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeoboxter

... Probably I`ll wait with this investment until spring though. First, what I`d like to try, is to buy similar vinyl material and stitch it in place the old one. The rest of the top is in perfect condition. It`s a lot of stitches, and it may end up being a complete waste of time, but I thought I`d give it a shot.
...

I replaced the window on my car. Instead of removing the original stitches I cut out the old window leaving about 1 inch of plastic all the way around then attached the new plastic to that. You might be able to glue it on (that didn't work for me). I ended up using pop rivets and stitching. I then covered the stitching with foam insulation tape. I put lots of caulking between the 2 plastic layers and then over the stitches. If you are interested I can give more details on how I did it (and how I would do it differently if I were to start over). I wish I had pulled the plastic tighter because there are a lot of ripples, but it is a big improvement and cost about $60.

See post #8 or this thread
https://rennlist.com/forums/boxster-and-boxster-s-986-forum/1099769-getting-the-maintenance-up-to-date-on-my-new-2000-boxster.html

jaykay · 11-27-2020, 08:58 PM

Is autotops the preferred vendor these days? I seem to recall Gahh and Robins(...not sure if spelt those correctly) being ones to go with.

Homeoboxter · 12-02-2020, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgyqc

I replaced the window on my car. Instead of removing the original stitches I cut out the old window leaving about 1 inch of plastic all the way around then attached the new plastic to that. You might be able to glue it on (that didn't work for me). I ended up using pop rivets and stitching. I then covered the stitching with foam insulation tape. I put lots of caulking between the 2 plastic layers and then over the stitches. If you are interested I can give more details on how I did it (and how I would do it differently if I were to start over). I wish I had pulled the plastic tighter because there are a lot of ripples, but it is a big improvement and cost about $60.

See post #8 or this thread
https://rennlist.com/forums/boxster-and-boxster-s-986-forum/1099769-getting-the-maintenance-up-to-date-on-my-new-2000-boxster.html

Thanks. I`ll look into this option perhaps next weekend and reach out to you if I go down that road. What kind of glue did you use btw?