How important is a glass rear window?

[Finnegan]

Hi all,

I'm hoping to join the ranks of Boxster owners sometime in the next few months. It will be my daily driver. I have been limiting my search to the later models with a glass rear window, but maybe that's not necessary? How would you rate the importance of better visibility out the back, and the added convenience of not having to do the Boxster Karate Chop when putting the top down?

Thanks!

[oc-boxster]

The glass rear windows actually reduce visibility because it's not as large as the plastic windows-also be advised aftermarket glass window tops are available for the pre 2003 cars, they cost 500-600 dollars plus installation. That being said I wouldn't pass up an otherwise clean well documented car just because it has a plastic rear window. I'm about to change the top on my 02 to the glass replacement top.

[CraigM]

I don't mind the plastic rear window. Never done the chop, although window was replaced a couple years before I got it, so maybe it's still soft enough to not be an issue.
As far as visibility - not much room between the roll hoops anyways.
Only drawback to me is that I've heard lowering it in very cold weather is bad for it. I don't lower it when it's in the 30s, but haven't had any issues yet dropping it in the 40s.

But, the glass cars have other features that may also be important to you (cup holders, glovebox, non-amber headlights -- not sure on specific years for all those), so those may all add up.

[kk2002s]

My 02 has a very clear, excellent condition plastic window
When I replace top it will most likely be Glass
My top will need replacement before my Plastic Window
-- Because I do the Chop and it's a pain in the Arse to have to get out to put top down. But it keeps those really ugly and possibly damaging diagonal crease out of the window so its paid of so far
Also you really take a chance on cold temp folding and unfolding of the plastic.

Top engine service:
How much work do you intend to do your self?
I do all my own and go through the top only a few time a year

As said, don't dismiss a good boxster just because of Plastic window

[jacabean]

if you can avoid the plastic rear window you will be much happier . The plastic gets dirty , scratches easy and one wrong fold it will get wrinkled . i have had 3 plastic window porsches and will never buy one with plastic again , still own one ( 996 cab ) . plus the 03 , 04 cars are of much better quality . the motors are much smoother with less chain noise an deliver power better . The interior is a step up and they also have a glove box .

[mavis.d]

I had a plastic rear screen that cracked and recently changed it for a 2003/4 glass screen. Straight swap took about 3 hrs and is much better. Looked at aftermarket replacement roofs but went oem

[Finnegan]

Thanks for all the responses! First-hand experience was exactly what I was looking for.

[DG Boxster]

Originally Posted by mavis.d

I had a plastic rear screen that cracked and recently changed it for a 2003/4 glass screen. Straight swap took about 3 hrs and is much better. Looked at aftermarket replacement roofs but went oem

Wow 3 hours is great. I read the chapter in the 100 projects website and it looked like a bigger job than that. Did you replace the top and frame or just the top. Can you share the cost?

[Deserion]

Originally Posted by DG Boxster

Wow 3 hours is great. I read the chapter in the 100 projects website and it looked like a bigger job than that. Did you replace the top and frame or just the top. Can you share the cost?

The 1997-2002 and 2003-2004 frames are different. The late frame has an extra bow in the rear.

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by DG Boxster

Wow 3 hours is great. I read the chapter in the 100 projects website and it looked like a bigger job than that. Did you replace the top and frame or just the top. Can you share the cost?

I paid $1100 for my 04 top and frame from Oklahoma Foreign. Fortunately, I was able to re-sell my top and frame for $500 so the net cost wasn't too bad.

As noted in the previous posts, you can buy a replacement glass top only and put in on a 97-02 frame. The window is smaller and some people state that this arrangement restricts access to the engine compartment.

The swap is a relatively quick and easy job. The hard part of the 03-04 swap is finding a good donor top. Only the 03 and 04 cars are potential donors so you are talking about a relatively small pool. I think you can also buy the top and frame from Porsche, but I think I read somewhere that the frame alone would set you back $3-4 thousand.

The other downside is that the fabric on an 03 or 04 donor tops is now 11-12 years old. Mine is starting to develop holes in the area behind the doors. (The glass on the other hand looks like new.)

If you can find a nice 03 or 04 top and frame locally at a good price, you will be happy with the results.

[thstone]

My original Boxster had a plastic window. When I replaced the top, I got the slightly smaller glass window. Didn't make much difference - view directly out the rear is fine but the 3/4 view is blocked by the top with both types of window.

I never did the chop with my plastic window and never had any problems but it is relatively warm here in LA most of the time.

What made a difference to me was clarity; if the plastic window is yellow, clouded, or scratched, you will appreciate a clear window when you get one.

[KRAM36]

Go with a glass top, they come with a rear window defroster.

[Swhitcomb]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

Go with a glass top, they come with a rear window defroster.

My 02 has a glass window, and this alone makes it worth it to me.

[Giller]

No experience with glass...but no issues with my plastic. The car is meant to be driven with the top down, so most of the time the issue is moot.
If you are going to drive it in the snow, I would think glass would be the better option, although overall, if you find a nice ride with a plastic top, don't let it scare you away.

[Gelbster]

There is an important qualifier missing in the discussion of plastic rear windows. All clear vinyl is NOT the same. Cheap, Asian clear vinyl is often lacking the expensive u.v. inhibitors that prevent yellowing and cracking. It may be both too soft(scratches) and too stiff(splitting when cold).
There is much better quality clear vinyl available. The incremental cost of the best is trivial in the total cost of a window replacement.
If you 'search' you'll find a lengthy catalog I wrote of the various brands available. The short cut is to ensure you get marine vinyl from a reputable boat upholstery shop.
Beware ,it is very difficult for the untrained eye to discern the difference between the junk clear vinyl that many auto upholstery shops use and the best quality marine product.Do it once, do it right?
start here;
Strataglass | The Clear Choice Alternative Solution to Vinyl

[mgfranz]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

Go with a glass top, they come with a rear window defroster.

+1 :dance:

[Joe B]

I find that the roll bars/seat headrests block rear visibility, not the glass rear window.

[Topless]

Glass window is much nicer. You can add it to any car for less than $1500 so an otherwise perfect car could have a glass window top easily. I would never go back to plastic again.

[antny]

Originally Posted by Joe B

I find that the roll bars/seat headrests block rear visibility, not the glass rear window.

I totally agree with this. I just replaced my top today with a glass top and I think I can see just as much with the glass window because I could not see much anyways with the roll bar like you said. I am more excited about being able to get the car tinted now since I have a glass window now.

[Muzzle of Bees]

Originally Posted by antny

I totally agree with this. I just replaced my top today with a glass top and I think I can see just as much with the glass window because I could not see much anyways with the roll bar like you said. I am more excited about being able to get the car tinted now since I have a glass window now.

Which top did you purchase?