Time for a new rear window - and recommendations for the Phoenix area?

[Porsche9]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

for the extra $900 the car looks $20,000 newer.

Plastic window has excellent visibility but it dates the car instantly.

Good arguement for spending the extra $900. If it's top up weather the hardtop goes on. What is interesting is with the hardtop on the positive comments I get from people on the car easily triples compared to when the top is down. I doubt that a glass window is going to elicit the same type of response. I'd rather spend the dollars (unfortunately I'm not Mr. Moneybags) on interior upgrades or respraying the front bumper to get rid of paint chips.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Porsche9

Good arguement for spending the extra $900. If it's top up weather the hardtop goes on. What is interesting is with the hardtop on the positive comments I get from people on the car easily triples compared to when the top is down. I doubt that a glass window is going to elicit the same type of response. I'd rather spend the dollars (unfortunately I'm not Mr. Moneybags) on interior upgrades or respraying the front bumper to get rid of paint chips.

well that's another good reason to go with a new top (with the glass). You may be doing this all over again once something other than the plastic window starts to let go. For instance the canvas on my top right below the plastic window started to fray very quickly after it was re-installed and I suspect it contributed to some wiring under/behind the seat getting water-damaged requiring about $1K in shop time to figure out and repair..
Cosmetic stuff in the interior is nice but the you need a top that's going to keep the interior well guarded.
I would shop around for a better quote. Check Rennlist or Flat6 forums for installers.
$1350 (labor and new top) if I'm reading correctly, seems to be about the right ball park. Under $1200 is considered low. Over $1400 seems steep.

p.s.
I would get that front bumper painted before doing the top. I had a previous car where I did the reverse and noticed that the threading on the replacement top looked a little weird after being in the bake oven.
But you have a hardtop so maybe moot.

[Porsche9]

Thanks Perfectlap.

I'm going to shop around on getting a new top installed and see if I can get the cost down a bit. After reading about itsnotanova's experience with sloppy vinyl windows installs I might just bite the bullet and go with a new top. A sloppy install would irritate the hell out of me long after I've forgotten how much I saved.

The bumper resprayed and baking would be done with the bumper removed.

[Porsche9]

Just found an installer that will do the labor for $475 and put in top of the line GAHH top for $695. Total $1,170. This is the route I'm going and expect the car per Perfectlap to look $20,000 newer. Plus no more Boxster chop!

[clickman]

Just be aware with the aftermarket glass-windowed top that the window will be smaller and the access to the engine will be somewhat compromised.

The best way to go IMHO is a 4-bow OEM glass top in good shape from a 2003 or 04, which will easily retrofit to an earlier year. But they're usually not cheap...

[Joe B]

Originally Posted by clickman

Just be aware with the aftermarket glass-windowed top that the window will be smaller and the access to the engine will be somewhat compromised.

I keep hearing that, but I have no problem with visibility, the seat headrests block rear vision more than the top. Also, I haven't found any issues with engine access with the glass top.