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Old 04-15-2021, 07:22 AM   #1
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Top replacement on 2000 S

Hey guys,

One of the main remaining things on my 2000 S is the top.
The window is cracked on both sides and the internal velcro and elastic straps have long since moved to a farm upstate.

So I'm looking for advice on how best to proceed.

The way I see it I have two options.

1. Buy a new aftermarket top from GAHH with the glass window along with any "wear" components for the top frame and replace top and parts.

2. Somehow get a black (yes the color is important) 2003-2004 top and frame with OEM glass and replace the whole thing.

The third option of having someone else replace the window is not really viable as nobody in the greater New Orleans area is willing to do it and I suck epically at sowing.

So which is the best way to proceed ?
And where and how likely is it that I would be able to find a black 03-04 top in decent condition ?

Also. If I go down the GAHH route what parts should I be looking at replacing "while I'm in there" ?

In advance.
Thank you for any and all help in this.
I honestly can't figure out what's the best approach here.

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Old 04-15-2021, 07:27 AM   #2
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Options are 1 & 2.
2 - If you can find one takes about 30 minutes to remove & install replacement
1 - Figure 2 days for a shop to do it, or a weekend to do it yourself. Multiple videos on youtube. $600 to do it yourself, $2k to have a shop do it.

Nothing else to replace while you are doing it.
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Old 04-15-2021, 07:40 AM   #3
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I'm really hoping for the second option if I can find one available.

And I've not yet been able to find a shop around here that would be willing to work on it unless the price was obscene and I removed and reinstalled the top frame myself for them.

The general response has been "not interested", so I would be doing the work myself.
Again. Would love to simply drop in a new OEM top and frame but have not been able to find one yet.
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Old 04-15-2021, 07:49 AM   #4
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Good luck finding one. In a year it might be better once people start driving more and having more accidents but the past year there hasn't been much out there
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Old 04-15-2021, 08:47 AM   #5
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Another possible option: are there marina's near you ? Generally any good marina has a vinyl guy . They sew vinyl windows all the time . This assumes the top is worth saving .
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Old 04-15-2021, 08:53 AM   #6
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Almost all will require the top to be removed from the frame. If you are going to do that you might as well just replace the top anyway cause the effort is the same.

Now, if you can find one that is willing to sew it by hand, then it may be worth it. There is a guy who did it himself, video is on youtube.
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Old 04-15-2021, 09:00 AM   #7
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Everybody referred me to the same guy.

His response was "Nah man. If you buy all the parts and take the top off and disassemble it for me I might do it for a grand or two". And that was for sowing in a new vinyl window. Not replacing the top.

Somehow nobody is willing to do it for a reasonable amount.
And if I'm paying a grand plus to have the work done then I might as well replace it with the GAHH glass top.

It just doesn't make sense to have to pay stupid money for the worst repair option while doing 90% of the work myself.
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Old 04-15-2021, 09:16 AM   #8
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That is his way of saying he doesnt want to do it.

Quickest option is 1
Cheaper option is 2 but you could be waiting a while to find a used top
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Old 04-15-2021, 09:25 AM   #9
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LOL that is what I took it as as well.
And yes. Done that myself to jobs that were not worth the hassle so I get it.

Just kinda blown away that nobody is willing to do it.

Would it be completely idiotic to replace the current top with the GAHH while continuing to look for an 03-04 and then sell the GAHH top and 00 frame once an 03-04 could be acquired ?

I need to do something. We're entering monsoon season here and the flex seal/ flex tape just aint cutting it.

And it's not possible to keep it out of the rain.
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Old 04-15-2021, 09:55 AM   #10
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Tops are like wheels & seats. No one wants to pay to ship them. Just isn't worth the price usually. If the window is shot, then so is the whole top. Been there, feel the pain. I have 2 tops in my shed that are in great shape...except the window is crap. I keep them if I get a car that doesn't have a frame or the frame is bad, otherwise they would be in the trash.
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Old 04-15-2021, 12:00 PM   #11
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Keep in mind most non-OE tops reduce engine access from above!
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Old 04-15-2021, 12:11 PM   #12
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That is true for glass top ones, but there are ways to adjust for that. Same thing with putting an 03/04 top on, still limits access to a degree.
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Old 04-15-2021, 12:36 PM   #13
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Just finished stitching in a new rear window on my 99. It turned out reasonably good, no ripples, and it was less than $50 with all the stuff needed. But I wouldn`t do it again, it took forever... If it cracks again, I`ll just buy a new top.

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Old 04-15-2021, 12:58 PM   #14
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Man that looks really good.
But there's no way in hell I would ever have the patience, temper or skill to do that.

I already know that. If I'm doing anything it'll be putting a new top on if I can't find an 03-04 frame and top somewhere.

Have an alert set up for Pull-a-part nationwide.

Any recommendation besides the GAHH top ?
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Old 04-15-2021, 07:40 PM   #15
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Auto tops direct. Get the good one with the sound reduction fabric. They can suggest a certified installer. Guy did mine for 500 I have no problem with engine access. I think the car looks way better with the small glass window. I think I’m going to have him rebuild and recover the seats next
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Old 04-15-2021, 07:57 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BYprodriver View Post
Keep in mind most non-OE tops reduce engine access from above!
True but...
Any Boxster has limited access to the top of the engine, by design.

How often do you have to access the top of your engine and for how long?
The glass window top , even on a 3 bow frame, has more than enough access for routine maintenance (air filter , PS fluid etc.).
If I'd had a job that required extended access to the top of the motor, I'd spend a half hour and remove the entire top and frame. I never had a reason to do such but honestly, it wouldn't (and didn't) deter me from the benefit of having a new top with a nice clear rear window.
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Old 04-15-2021, 07:59 PM   #17
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BTW, this is not a tough DYI if you are so inclined.

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