Converting from Plastic to Glass Top? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

VRsyncro · 09-29-2010, 07:26 AM

Hi guys,

Just wondering if someone could post their experience in converting from a Plastic Top to a Glass Top? Straightforward install?

I am looking at purchasing a GAHH Glass Top this winter with the defrost wiring harness.

http://www.gahh.com/store.php?cPath=57_341_3003

Cheers,
Mike

jmatta · 09-29-2010, 07:35 AM

Lots of information on the subject; anywhere from aftermarket tops, to installing OEM later (2003/2004) tops on earlier cars. The search feature is your friend

Boxsterund914 · 09-30-2010, 11:00 AM

If your question is "How do you like the glass window top?" my answer is that it is much better to live with. The rear window is smaller but I don't mind that at all. The thing I like best is not having to get out and "chop" the window to get it to fold straight.

If your question is "How hard is it to install?" I have no idea, I didn't do it myself.....

Bladecutter · 09-30-2010, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRsyncro

Hi guys,

Just wondering if someone could post their experience in converting from a Plastic Top to a Glass Top? Straightforward install?

I am looking at purchasing a GAHH Glass Top this winter with the defrost wiring harness.

http://www.gahh.com/store.php?cPath=57_341_3003

Cheers,
Mike

I just recently replaced the top on my '98 Boxster, after it's plastic rear window had been destroyed by a hailstorm. I went through the back and forth about shelling out the extra money for a glass top, or saving a few bucks and sticking with the plastic window.

Ultimately, I stuck with the plastic window, but if you want to save yourself a small fortune over buying direct from GAHH, go to this website instead:

http://www.autotopsdirect.com/Boxster-Glass-Windows-s/97.htm

This company sells the same exact product, made in the same exact building as GAHH, but for considerably less money. The UPS info said it was drop shipped from GAHH's address, and the fit and finish on the top was just like OEM.

Price is either $529 if you choose the Twillfast material, or $599 if you choose the German A5 canvas (which is what I chose for my top with the plastic window. That will save you around $325, right off the bat, but you don't sacrifice on quality, one iota.

I installed mine myself, with the help of a friend during the assembly procedures.
It was both challenging, and yet, quite straight forward.

BC.

Dave928 · 10-01-2010, 12:00 AM

is that just the canvas, or the canvas on frame, ready to swap?

Kirk · 10-05-2010, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave928

is that just the canvas, or the canvas on frame, ready to swap?

Just the canvas, you need to install it on the frame yourself. The only way you're going to get a top already on the frame is maybe from a salvage yard or your dealer.

Kirk

97 Boxster · 10-05-2010, 07:01 AM

I agree with BC on the quality. I purchased the glass window top last October and installed it myself. Pretty straight forward but I wont lie it was tough. My wife and I started early one Saturday morning and finished in the evening. Top has been through some rough Houston rain with NO issues to report. Finish/Fit are excellent. The window is considerably smaller, but I like the look and I blacked out my windows anyways so visibility was not a high priority for me.

Good luck with whatever you choose. A new top is a great choice whatever you choose (plastic or glass).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bladecutter

I just recently replaced the top on my '98 Boxster, after it's plastic rear window had been destroyed by a hailstorm. I went through the back and forth about shelling out the extra money for a glass top, or saving a few bucks and sticking with the plastic window.

Ultimately, I stuck with the plastic window, but if you want to save yourself a small fortune over buying direct from GAHH, go to this website instead:

http://www.autotopsdirect.com/Boxster-Glass-Windows-s/97.htm

This company sells the same exact product, made in the same exact building as GAHH, but for considerably less money. The UPS info said it was drop shipped from GAHH's address, and the fit and finish on the top was just like OEM.

Price is either $529 if you choose the Twillfast material, or $599 if you choose the German A5 canvas (which is what I chose for my top with the plastic window. That will save you around $325, right off the bat, but you don't sacrifice on quality, one iota.

I installed mine myself, with the help of a friend during the assembly procedures.
It was both challenging, and yet, quite straight forward.

BC.

CVstarBoxster · 10-05-2010, 10:18 AM

Found this on my local craiglist: http://providence.craigslist.org/pts/1964572385.html Looks like it might be a better and cheaper option.

cheese · 03-27-2011, 04:44 PM

I just installed a glass window top on my 1997 Boxster (986). As you already know, the 1997 Boxster originally had a plastic back window. I have had Mass Air Meter trouble so I have had a few chances before and after the new glass window top to access the engine compartment. I am certain that I do not know what I am doing with this car yet, (but someday I WILL be an expert..), however it seems more difficult to enter the engine compartment with a glass rear window than with a plastic one. Also, I am very curious as to what the trick is to keeping the interior of the car dry. I have severe electrical trouble every time I get caught in the rain until the car dries out. The floor carpet is also wet behind the drivers seat. I need to learn the fine points of cleaning and verification of the body / water drains as well as how to adjust and troubleshoot mechanical issues with the soft top. Anyone who can post links to point us in the right direction would be very appreciated.

schoir · 03-27-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheese

I just installed a glass window top on my 1997 Boxster (986). As you already know, the 1997 Boxster originally had a plastic back window. I have had Mass Air Meter trouble so I have had a few chances before and after the new glass window top to access the engine compartment. I am certain that I do not know what I am doing with this car yet, (but someday I WILL be an expert..), however it seems more difficult to enter the engine compartment with a glass rear window than with a plastic one. Also, I am very curious as to what the trick is to keeping the interior of the car dry. I have severe electrical trouble every time I get caught in the rain until the car dries out. The floor carpet is also wet behind the drivers seat. I need to learn the fine points of cleaning and verification of the body / water drains as well as how to adjust and troubleshoot mechanical issues with the soft top. Anyone who can post links to point us in the right direction would be very appreciated.

Cheese:

Here is the info on the drains: http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/drainsdiagram

Also, be sure to check your foam drain pans in the convertible top well for any rips or tears. This type of damage happens frequently when one of the plastic ball cups on the end of the front pushrods breaks and the pushrod ends up dangling and then digging into the foam drain tray when the V-levers are rotated.

Regards, Maurice.

tuanle16 · 03-28-2011, 02:34 PM

"blacked out windows". does that mean tint? if so, any problems with it getting scratched up when folded down. my local tint guy said that might be an issue with aftermarket glass tops.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 Boxster

I agree with BC on the quality. I purchased the glass window top last October and installed it myself. Pretty straight forward but I wont lie it was tough. My wife and I started early one Saturday morning and finished in the evening. Top has been through some rough Houston rain with NO issues to report. Finish/Fit are excellent. The window is considerably smaller, but I like the look and I blacked out my windows anyways so visibility was not a high priority for me.

Good luck with whatever you choose. A new top is a great choice whatever you choose (plastic or glass).

986soski · 03-28-2011, 08:12 PM

Is it possible to simply replace the old plastic window in a 2000-2002 986 with a glass kit? anyone tried it? Or something similar?

schoir · 03-28-2011, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 986soski

Is it possible to simply replace the old plastic window in a 2000-2002 986 with a glass kit? anyone tried it? Or something similar?

IMO this cannot be done as a glass window that is the size of the original plastic window cannot fit and fold safely in a three-bow (i.e., 1997-2002) convertible top frame. A window that is one section plastic and one section glass would probably not look too good.

Regards, Maurice.