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

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

ike84 · 03-26-2021, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Escott1622

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

Good luck with this, I agree that it's the best way to go but I have been looking for about a year now and have not seen one come up for sale anywhere. If you happen to find two though please let me know

Sent from my POCOPHONE F1 using Tapatalk

papasmurf · 03-26-2021, 08:53 AM

(first time was factory top with plastic window cracking...second time my GAHH rear window shattered) and it is not a fun job. Both tops I have put on have had the glass rear window but the first one was a nicer fabric than the one I have now. I would get some double sided banner tape from a sign shop as the recommended double sided 3M tape did nothing for me as it would not stick to the fabric when you are installing the edge of the top in the channel for the rear. Take your time, it is possible as many have said to DIY the job but figure it taking most of full day at minimum.

Escott1622 · 03-26-2021, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ike84

Good luck with this, I agree that it's the best way to go but I have been looking for about a year now and have not seen one come up for sale anywhere. If you happen to find two though please let me know

Sent from my POCOPHONE F1 using Tapatalk

Where are you located at? In I’m PA I’ve found several

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.