Cracked Plastic - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Hansaplastique · 06-01-2008, 07:38 AM

My rear window has a little crack, and I'm considering fixing this ... now Porsche charges me $500 to exchange the rear window only and claims I cannot install a glass window (I suppose I would have to exchange the entire top right?).

GAHH offers a few options, but (since I just purchase my Boxster - woohoo!) I'd rather keep some money on the side for possible repairs/maintenance (it's a used Boxster).

I did find these guys http://www.emiata.com/BoxsterWindow.htm offering a replacement window for $89 ... anyone out there having experience with that.
I know it's a cheap fix and it might crack eventually as well, but like I said before; the first few months I'd rather keep some money for possible issues first. Later I might replace the window for a glass one (unless a more affordable option is out there).

Anyone any tips/suggestions?

Cloudsurfer · 06-01-2008, 09:29 AM

I think the whole problem with replacing the plastic is that the factory plastic is pulled taut, glued, AND stitched. When you replace the window, with the top on the car, all you can do is stitch it. It also can't be as taut as when the top was manufactured.

My understanding is that you can certainly do this, and it should be a durable repair, but that it will never quite fit the way the factory plastic did.

I'm planning a glass top for mine sooner or later, although that comes with its own set of compromises.

Patrick

Hansaplastique · 06-01-2008, 09:45 AM

Thanks for your quick response bmwm750 ...

I can see your point ... I'll see how long I can stand having a little crack in my rear window and save up for glass.

"I'm planning a glass top for mine sooner or later, although that comes with its own set of compromises."

Since I'm all new to this; what compromises (beside an empty wallet

) are you referring to?

kabel · 06-01-2008, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hansaplastique

replacement window for $89 ... anyone out there having experience with that.

.
.
I have, not that exact kit but a similar one... previous discussion and my experience on it here:
Replacing plastic back window '01 Boxster's Top

Hansaplastique · 06-01-2008, 11:58 AM

Wow, sounds like a major headache to do this yourself.

Does anyone have any experience with the GAHH glass top (for an older Boxster - mine is a 2000)? What's the difference between German canvas and Sonnendeck canvas (besides $100 price difference)?

I'm a little surprised to hear that my local Porsche dealer only charges $500 ...?
(I expected more)

Hansaplastique · 06-01-2008, 12:02 PM

Already found one of the answers I was looking for;

"German canvas is made of a polyester blend, and the American canvas is made of a cotton blend. That is the biggest difference. As far as quality, BMW tested the American canvas for years for fading and quality, and determined that the American canvas held up to the German canvas the same. They started to use the American canvas in 1994, and continue to do so."

Also the glass window is smaller;

"The glass window is smaller than the original plastic window, so that it will fold properly."

Oh and the do not support DIY installation - it will void warranty ...

ddb · 06-01-2008, 01:34 PM

I've had a glass GAHH on my 2000 for some years now, and love it!

Some of the early versions, including mine, had defective seams that sealed the glass which caused separation. GAHH has great customer service and replaced the tops.

Yea, the glass is smaller than the plastic window so it takes a while to get used to a more limited view out of the rearview mirror. For me after a few drives I forgot all about the larger view from the OE window.

There's limited access to the engine compartment because the glass window won't fold. Thus far I've been able to do everything needed on top of the engine rather easily with my glass top.

The other benefit is you will have an electric defroster with the glass top.

Best of luck,

ddb

Hansaplastique · 06-01-2008, 02:08 PM

Thanks ddb for the good info!
Did you have to have it installed by a "specialist"?

ddb · 06-01-2008, 02:43 PM

Hansaplastique:

Yes, my tops were installed by Upholstery/Convertible Top specialist. I believe the GAHH website lists recommended installers in most major cities. If not, they may be able to do so by phone. In my case GAHH knew and recommended a couple of installers they had been doing business with for years (long before they started producing glass-window Boxster replacement tops).

For a couple of reasons I switched installers for my second top (replacement for the defective top) which was blessed and paid for by GAHH.

ddb

Peter Serbanica · 06-12-2008, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hansaplastique

Already found one of the answers I was looking for;

"German canvas is made of a polyester blend, and the American canvas is made of a cotton blend. That is the biggest difference. As far as quality, BMW tested the American canvas for years for fading and quality, and determined that the American canvas held up to the German canvas the same. They started to use the American canvas in 1994, and continue to do so."

Also the glass window is smaller;

"The glass window is smaller than the original plastic window, so that it will fold properly."

Oh and the do not support DIY installation - it will void warranty ...

German canvas is cotton American is polyester!!!!!