New owner soft top replacement - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Jgkram · 03-24-2021, 10:30 AM

I too struggled with the dilemma of replacing myself or having a shop replace it. Ultimately I chose to replace it myself. In all honesty I didn't find it to be too difficult at all. If you are patient and take your time it can be done. Search my posts and you can find a photo of my finished work. It installed with no wrinkles and fit very nice and tight. It has been on since this past October and I am very pleased. I have a 2001 base and ordered the glass window top with acoustic material from autotops direct. If I remember the cost was around $580 and the instructions were well written and thorough. Those along with a couple of youtube videos was all I referenced. Good luck with your decision whichever way you decide. Ping me if you have specific questions and you think I can help.

Escott1622 · 03-24-2021, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jgkram

I too struggled with the dilemma of replacing myself or having a shop replace it. Ultimately I chose to replace it myself. In all honesty I didn't find it to be too difficult at all. If you are patient and take your time it can be done. Search my posts and you can find a photo of my finished work. It installed with no wrinkles and fit very nice and tight. It has been on since this past October and I am very pleased. I have a 2001 base and ordered the glass window top with acoustic material from autotops direct. If I remember the cost was around $580 and the instructions were well written and thorough. Those along with a couple of youtube videos was all I referenced. Good luck with your decision whichever way you decide. Ping me if you have specific questions and you think I can help.

How long did it take you and are you glad you went with the glass? Did you notice any actual differences with the acoustic ?

Jgkram · 03-24-2021, 11:35 AM

I decided to do this over a nice weekend last October. I do not have a garage so I had to wait for some nice weather. I started taking the old top off when I got home from work on Friday and finished the install Sunday afternoon. I worked at a steady pace and definitely took time to double check myself each step of the way. I am pleased with the glass top although I have not tried to service the engine. I hear it does not fold up as far as the plastic window so it limits the area available. Be aware the rear view is quite a bit reduced however it's really nice to be able to see through crystal clear glass. I do believe the acoustic material also helped with the noise level although that is really subjective. The biggest issues I had were; fitting some side tabs that are blind (see the Roaring Tigers youtube), getting some glue on the top (but it cleaned off easily) and replacing a plastic retaining strip that holds my headliner (the original broke and i had to wait on a replacement part). I took tons of photos during my teardown as reference notes and I highly recommend doing that if you choose to do this yourself. Several folks have commented on the job and asked me to replace their tops (which I've declined). Again good luck whatever you decide.

Homeoboxter · 03-24-2021, 11:52 AM

I`m replacying the vinyl window in mine just now. It`s doable and cheap, but I wouldn`t recommend it unless you have plenty of time to do the stitching, it takes forever..

flouese · 03-25-2021, 02:24 AM

I just replaced my top for the 2nd time. It took a day and a number of sailor words. I used the Mike Focke (sp?) site and the 101 Projects book to do the install. Last top lasted only 4 years until the window just fell apart. My only issue is that my most recent top does not have the material attached that an elastic piece is attached that helps pull the top into the channel when shutting it. Look for that piece before you start the install. I'm still trying to figure how to retrofit that piece...

sharper410 · 03-25-2021, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flouese

I just replaced my top for the 2nd time. It took a day and a number of sailor words. I used the Mike Focke (sp?) site and the 101 Projects book to do the install. Last top lasted only 4 years until the window just fell apart. My only issue is that my most recent top does not have the material attached that an elastic piece is attached that helps pull the top into the channel when shutting it. Look for that piece before you start the install. I'm still trying to figure how to retrofit that piece...

I'm in the same boat in that my new top is missing the fabric tab for the elastic. I saw a video where someone sewed a piece in but I need to know where about along the top it goes.

Escott1622 · 03-25-2021, 06:45 AM

I am also searching for complete tops off part out vehicles that way it’s 30 minutes and a few bolts whole thing comes out

flouese · 03-26-2021, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharper410

I'm in the same boat in that my new top is missing the fabric tab for the elastic. I saw a video where someone sewed a piece in but I need to know where about along the top it goes.

I've hit up the forum up several times on this subject. Waiting for someone to post a picture of where this mystery piece of material connects to on both ends. Several videos show the repair, but none show what to do if the material is not thee. I spent a few hours yesterday attaching material to several locations and failed each time.

gwinterhalter · 06-06-2024, 09:16 AM

Would like to hear from those that replaced their top themselves what was their source/supplier for the top. Thanks all.

elav · 06-06-2024, 12:38 PM

For those that are considering swapping at top - it is true that a few fasteners on either side hold it in, but also be aware that with at least the 3-bow tops, there is a micro-switch that needs to be disconnected too.

If you are planning on replacing a 3-bow top with the newer 4-bow top, I believe the microswitch is in a different place - so you will need to do some re-wiring. I also believe the convertible top transmissions are also different.