Plastic Rear Window

[wpwalsh]

I've purchased an 01 Boxster and the plastic rear window has a deformation in it. It's as if someone had taken a screwdriver to it and stretched it to the breaking point, that is, there's no puncture.

I was thinking of taking a hairdryer to it to soften it up and maybe smooth it out to its original condition. Is this a good idea, or no? Any other suggestions.

P Walsh

[Perfectlap]

I had something similar in my Miata plastic window after I lowered it incorrectly and let it sit for a while. It took several weeks in the up position for the deformation to go away but not completely. Very annoying, luckily I found a new top for $300 (with glass) and avoided the whole issue. I would take it to an expert who installs tops to see what he suggests. Perhaps you can replace just the plastic.

[tomatjs]

Unless you are driving the car even during the winter season, why don't you wait 'til the weather gets a little warmer to allow things like plastic window would be more softened up a bit. Then I would let it sit in the sun a while and apply some pressure in the affected area with a pad of soft cloth to see if it would go back down. Many plastics have "memories" to return to its original shape provided that the temperature is ideal.

[JonnyBGood]

Just wait for the summer, leave the top up for a while in the 80 degrees sun, and I bet it gets better after a while

[Ronzi]

The previous owner was probably in the habit of lowering the top without executing the "chop" maneuver, i.e. lowering the top part way, then getting out of the car and pressing down the little peak in the plastic that invariably forms pretty much right in the middle of the window.
Big pain in the tailfeathers to be sure, but it is about the only way to prevent long term damage to the window, and ultimately a split in the plastic.

[wpwalsh]

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll wait until the warm weather hits and try JohnnyBGood's idea.

Beautiful car, Ronzi!