GAHH top self-install ?

[brian325is]

make sure you have the tape and glue already. I also used Mikes instructions and the 101 projects book. Be very careful removing the plastic sliders and pins especially since you have to have it done this weekend. I had to replace one slider due to broken pins. I would have recommended you just buy new ones in advance, they weren't expensive.

Watch what you are doing when you take it apart and keep all the hardware organized

[Bryan topping]

Like Bar10dah & Brian have advised, take your time, don't cut corners, follow the instructions TO THE LETTER & you will be fine. I found the tape didn't want to stick to the canvas & struggled a bit with that. Contact cement or 3M Weatherstrip adhesive is probably the better solution. I also replaced the sliders, clamps & pins just to be sure.

[papasmurf]

the tape did not work for me. It would not stick to the canvas at all. I used a double sided banner tape that sign shops use to hem the edges of vinyl banners. It is very stick and worked alot better than the recommended tape. The install is not easy or particularly enjoyable but it definately can be done and the money saved can be quite a bit. The only thing I would warn you of is to make sure you get the straps that pull the top inside the side window frame pieces attached properly. The ones on the top I got were somewhat different than the OEM top and I did not get them installed properly and have to make some adjustments to the top to get it to retract properly.

[Spyderman]

I just completed replacing the convertible top on my 2001 Boxster. I ordered a replacement top from www.autotopsdirect.com ... German A5 canvas, tinted soft rear window... manufactured by a California company called Sierra ... $389.00. Very impressed with the quality and workmanship of the new top.

Follow Mike Focke's excellent instructions, take your time, and pay attention to details. I also took a boatload of pictures of the removal of the old top with my digital camera.

I used contact cement versus the 3M double-sided tape. The tape just didn't want to adhere to and hold the new canvas top material very well. Finished the job in a weekend (I took my time and sweated every detail of the new top installation). The new top is wrinkle free and functions flawlessly!

[Tieniber]

I got my top from AutoTopsDirect. Installed it myself in 6-7 hours with the instructions they provided. Here's a link to the install PDF and a picture of the top installed

PDF