Convertable plastic top replacement??? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

99 Boxcutter · 06-27-2011, 03:11 PM

I need to replace my plastic and I'm wondering if I have to go to the Porsche dealer, or if this is something for any general mechanic or auto upholsterer? Is it easy enough to do myself? Also heard of people replacing it with glass.

What would you pay to replace it? Does the whole top need to be replaced?

cuz3003 · 06-28-2011, 05:52 AM

Lots of auto trimmers will be able to replace the plastic rear window for you but its best to go to someone who has already done it and you can check the results of how they do it to see if you are happy with it.
You can replace your whole roof and frame with one from an 03-04 Boxster or you can get an aftermarket roof with a glass rear window and fit that.
Do a search on here and have a look at http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/thetop-itsmaintaince%26replacement

Jake D · 06-28-2011, 04:13 PM

You can take the canvas off and have a new one sewn in like I did. I did all the work and had just under $200 in it by the time it was done. Turned out good though. Didn't take nearly as long as I've read, but I have a mechanical background so maybe that helps me also.

You can get a GAHH or Autotopdirect top that has a glass rear window but that'll run you $650-$1000 for the top then labor if you cant put it on yourself. Laber can be $750. The conversion glass top gives less access to the top of the engine which could be an issue but many on here say its not that big of a deal

You can buy a whole new top assembly from 03-04 as previously mentioned and swap that over in about an hour which will then give you a glass window and still full access to the engine, but I've read those go for $1200-$2400..