New Replacement Top w/glass
 

Ok the time is coming to drive our Boxsters again and for me to replace my top. I bought my car in September with a torn rear plastic glass, and I've decided to go with a glass rear window. I'm finding two companies out there with a $300 difference in price, they both seem to be offering the same material (German acoustic A5 material ) with heated rear glass. Any advice as to which one to buy? The two companies are Sierra and GAHH and appear to offer similar tops.

Thanks

I went with GAAH and have been very happy with it for almost three years. I keep it treated with Raggtopp conditioner and it is parked under an overhang with a car cover.
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1426968102.jpg

Top Choice
 

Thanks for the reply "Luv2box", one question did you install it? And if so, how easy or difficult was it?

Take a look at Auto Tops Direct Boxster Glass Window Upgrades
They are the same top as GAHH and also sell on eBay. I had mine installed and use 303 protectant on mine.

Geez, you would at least expect them to use a 986 in the pictures advertising a 986 product.

http://i60.tinypic.com/3029s3l.jpg

I just installed my auto top direct top two weeks ago. Can't complain wit quality of the top.

No I don't have the tools or space to work on cars anymore. I found a local upholsterer that did the job for $400 and it took him eight hours.

New Top
 

I appreciate all the info guys, I've found an installer locally but he's asking for $750 to install it. Seems high to me, I'll check with some other shops even if they are a little farther. I think $400-500 is the range I want to be. I'll continue searching for an installer and keep u updated.

Yep, call some more shops. If I remember right, mine was around $450 for installation.

Bruce I'm curious whether you know if the replacement glass tops have a bigger back window then the stock Porsche glass window?

AFAIK, the aftermarket tops have a smaller glass window. Definitely smaller than the plastic but to be honest, the roll bars block more of the view than the smaller window. It is not an issue for me.

Where are you located? Might be a forum member in your area that could help with the install. Plenty have done it at this point.

Location for top install
 

New York City

That would be so awesome, if I could find someone that could help with the install.

I bought a complete top from a 2004 for $800 and installed it myself in about an hour, which included removal of the old top.

Replacement of the top yourself is a possibility
 

if you have some basic tools (torx bits for one) and ideally a helping hand. There are various places on the internet where the install process is documented. It took me the better part of a full weekend to get my top replaced but the cost savings was worth it to me. Most places seems to be in the 600-800 dollar range to replace the top based on what little research I have done.

I just had the Sierra top installed on my '02S about 6 months ago. Looks great, no issues, love the glass window.

Last summer I was able source genuine Porsche glass top (2003 S) from junkyard for 350$, and it took me 1-2 hour to remove (2001 S) original top and drop a new one in place.http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/...ps53b9828c.jpg

Glass Window Top
 

Looks awesome ArmenT

I have decided to order the Sierra top w/glass in the German material. I don't know if spending the extra $300 is worth it? I hope I don't kick myself. As for the install I am handy and have a decent tool set I think I'll give it a shot.

Thanks guys, I'll post pics once it happens.

Think positive!

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qztuEucrNBc?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Lol...
 

:) I love the vibe on this forum, thanks Kram36. It's schedule to arrive on Wednesday, I got and email with tracking number. I was wondering should I begin to remove the old top now so that when it arrives I will be half way done? Or should I just wait and do it all over the weekend?

When I did my top I took off the old top the night before just so the next day was easy. All about how much time you want to spend doing it in one day. I have new pins and sliders if you haven't ordered them yet. I didn't even open the box.

This may seem like an odd question, but is there an easy way to tell what color my top is? It appears to be indigo, but often looks black.

I just put indigo blue top coming from black and the blue looks blue.

From experience with other somewhat complicated projects on cars, removing the old top and replacing it right away may be better on the memory of the steps you took to remove it and what you did with all the bits and pieces that are re-used.

Just a thought!

I just took many pictures :)

Replacement top w/glass
 

Top is on the car!! I'm going to pick up my car today from the installer. I went with the best top offered by Auto Tops Direct in California, total with shipping $643. The shipping took 5 business UPS ground included in cost, I wasn't in a big rush to pay extra money. I decided after having 6 days to review installation guides online and from Auto Tops Direct that I would much rather pay to have a professional with good reputation put it on. Labor was $750 and took 3 days to get finished. Looks amazing, I'll take pictures and uploaded them when it stops raining here.

One question, I bought the Porsche Autotech Top Protectant from my local dealer in September when I bought the car. The original top needed to be treated because when it rained the top would not bead the water instead it looked soaked in. Should I treat the new top now or not?

Thanks

I would ask Auto Tops Direct about treating the top. Whatever you do follow the break in instructions because typically the top will have to stay closed for a month or more to stretch out. I didn't and broke both control arms because the top was too tight. After they were replaced I left it shut for a month and it opened perfect after it stretched.

Yep, keep the top up for at least a month. Parking it out in the sun will help stretch it. I use the 303 protectant for my ATD Top. There is a rubber membrane beneath the canvas so it is still waterproof even if it soaking into the canvas. The 303 keeps it newer looking and I would imagine what you have will do much the same thing. Glad that it came out well:cheers:

New Top on the Car
 

Thanks guys, it's been raining all day maybe tomorrow I can take some pics