Has anyone bought one of these tops? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

wingboat · 05-04-2006, 04:52 PM

I need a new top (window gone), and saw these on Ebay, sold by softtopguy.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PORSCHE-BOXSTER-97-02-BLACK-TOP-convertible-w-window_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33652QQitemZ8063 127846QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Does anyone have experience with purchase and/or installation with them?

Anyone? Bueller?

RandallNeighbour · 05-04-2006, 07:07 PM

I have no experience with this guy, but I can tell you that I saw one of his tops and they're nice...

But the ones you get from Porsche (six times the cost I think) have more aluminum parts already attached. These replacement tops require the installer to remove some of the parts off the old one and recycle them. Porsche doesn't do it that way.

However, my mechanic did a great job with this top on a forum member's car. I went over to watch him work a little on it. 4-6 hours of work.

dennizxxx · 05-05-2006, 06:19 AM

you are right RN, it is 6 times the cost, dealer quoted me about $2600 installed....unbelievable...

Most people spend about 1000-1200 with professional installation....

Perfectlap · 05-05-2006, 06:26 AM

that's the stealership for you. Just paid $45 for a Porsche license plate frame. The Ebay $10 one was rusting!

Go with the Glass top man, Installation is expensive. Not worth saving $400

wingboat · 05-08-2006, 09:23 AM

I'm installing it myself. I'm stupid that way.

Looked at the glass tops, but figure the plastic one will last the 3-4 more years that I'll be keeping THIS Boxster..

insite · 05-08-2006, 09:43 AM

i bought a top from him. works like a champ. it's identical to the OEM. since you're installing it yourself, i'll offer my input (and condolences) as needed since i installed my own (and learned a lot in the process). if you want some help, PM me.

RandallNeighbour · 05-08-2006, 11:16 AM

Wingboat, I've watched an aftermarket top being installed. You really should reconsider, or at the very least have an installer's number handy to take your car to when you get seriously stuck.

There are a number of aluminum pieces (those that go over the front of the top across the windshield and the side parts above the windows) that has to be removed from your old top and glued oh-so-precisely to the new top.

Hope it works out for you without too many cuss words.

Perfectlap · 05-08-2006, 11:42 AM

whoa double whammy installing it yourself and your skipping glass.

A glass window will make it more attractive for resale, if you are intent on doing this job yourself.

blinkwatt · 05-08-2006, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

whoa double whammy installing it yourself and your skipping glass.

A glass window will make it more attractive for resale, if you are intent on doing this job yourself.

Keep in mind if you have the glass top there are a number of advantages;
No chopping the top when you put the top down
No worries about the plastic cracking in the cold
Glass looks better
You dont have to worry about the "I wonder what it would be like if I had the glass top"

I personally know when my plastic cracks I will be ordering the glass option.

wingboat · 05-08-2006, 11:54 AM

Thanks for your advice guys. All of it very good.

I've done tops before, and am very handy (engine swaps, clutch jobs, installed a/c, etc.). I also have NO problem being overly confident about my abilities. Top installer in Boston will be on standby.

I seriously doubt that a glass window will make or break a sale. The extra $700 doesn't seem worth it, especially given that I'll sell her in a year or two for a newer model.

wingboat · 05-08-2006, 12:42 PM

OK. Ebay guy sell tops with no installation instructions. Auf wiedersehen.

GAHH top. Instructions included, nicht wahr? Might be a glass one, too! The defroster could be handy, and would extend Boston Boxster season by a day or two! ;-) Just a pigtail for that to work?

I'm kinda pissed they jacked up the price by $300+ just a few months ago, though. No luck on the group purchase, as I recall.

QporscheQ · 05-08-2006, 12:47 PM

Quote:

you are right RN, it is 6 times the cost, dealer quoted me about $2600 installed....unbelievable...

Actually, I would say this is low. (Unless it is used parts). My quote was $2600 also, but the total was over $4000. Insurance was paying, but still. I will never go back to that dealer for anything.

larez2 · 05-08-2006, 12:59 PM

don't forget to use the forum discount good thru 5/31 should you decide to go with a Gahh top. it'll save you some dough.

http://986forum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=41893&postcount=50

larez2

Perfectlap · 05-08-2006, 02:19 PM

hmmm wondering if I should buy one and just store it unless the supply starts to bring down the price.

p.s.

There are going to be allot more used Boxsters coming into the 2nd hand market. Having a glass rear window might encourage someone to go with an older vs. newer Boxster. I know if all things were similar to equal the glass window would definitely tip the scales. It really does look 1000% better and more expensive.
Going from a glass window in my cheap Miata to a plastic window in my expensive German was

wingboat · 05-09-2006, 08:36 AM

GAHH now says it *must* be installed by a top shop, and they provide no instructions.

WTF? Is this the end of the semi-competent "do it yourselfer"?

larez2 · 05-09-2006, 08:49 AM

my guess is that they are trying to avoid issues with improper installation and people try to get warranty on them.

I found some instructions. they are not from the factory manual or from gahh, and are not super in depth, but I think they'd help a diy'er. some guy e-mailed them to me. it's too big post, so pm me with your e-mail and i'll forward you what i have if you want to see it.

thanks,
larez2