Convertible Top replacement

[Lapister]

Consider looking for a 03/04 top complete with frame for a easy swap out. The oem on those years have the bigger glass window than the aftermarket ones.

[BusterB]

The one from autotopsdirect seemed pretty good. Anyone had experience with them?

[DaveNW]

Originally Posted by BusterB

The one from autotopsdirect seemed pretty good. Anyone had experience with them?

My experience: I replaced the plastic window top on my 02 S with a glass window top from Autotopsdirect. It fits like a glove and has served me well. I had it installed by a local auto upholstery shop, because I knew they'd have the tools and expertise I don't have. I am NOT a mechanically-inclined guy. They did a great job.

I paid about $600 for the top, and another $600 to the shop to install. I don't recall if I paid shipping to get the top delivered. It may have been free. I felt $1200 for a new top with glass window was a fair price. The heated rear window was plug-ready to go to the heated mirror wiring, and it came with the wiring. It all looks seamless.

I'd do the same thing again.

Dave

(This image was taken under fluorescent light, so the top color looks weird. Outdoors, it looks right.)

[BusterB]

Originally Posted by Lapister

Consider looking for a 03/04 top complete with frame for a easy swap out. The oem on those years have the bigger glass window than the aftermarket ones.

Are these easy to come by??

[dghii]

Originally Posted by BusterB

Are these easy to come by??

No. These tops are not easy to come by and shipping can kill it even when you do find a deal.

I've replaced top and frame a couple of times on different Boxsters I've owned. The procedure is well documented and straight forward.

I've also replaced the original top on my 2000S with an ebay glass window to from Auto tops Direct. I took my time and it came out great. Again, lots of great instructions available online. You need a Phillips head screw drivers, double sided tape and (maybe) some 3M adhesive. I don't know how one could put the top on and have it come out 'bad' if they'll follow directions. I took a day (4 hours) to take my old top off and a day (~6 hours) to put the new one on. I know I could do it much faster if I did another, maybe half the time.

BTW: I love the glass window top and have no issues with visibility or access to my engine for routine maintenance.

[BusterB]

Originally Posted by dghii

No. These tops are not easy to come by and shipping can kill it even when you do find a deal.

I've replaced top and frame a couple of times on different Boxsters I've owned. The procedure is well documented and straight forward.

I've also replaced the original top on my 2000S with an ebay glass window to from Auto tops Direct. I took my time and it came out great. Again, lots of great instructions available online. You need a Phillips head screw drivers, double sided tape and (maybe) some 3M adhesive. I don't know how one could put the top on and have it come out 'bad' if they'll follow directions. I took a day (4 hours) to take my old top off and a day (~6 hours) to put the new one on. I know I could do it much faster if I did another, maybe half the time.

BTW: I love the glass window top and have no issues with visibility or access to my engine for routine maintenance.

Thanks, that sounds like a realistic time frame. I have seen posts where folks can get it done in a day but I was thinking it might be a weekend project if I had everything I needed ready to go and I just took my time and tried to do it right. Having never tackled it before and figuring in a couple of beers, I'm thinking doing it myself would give a cool sense of accomplishment.

[Brian in Tucson]

Originally Posted by Lapister

Consider looking for a 03/04 top complete with frame for a easy swap out. The oem on those years have the bigger glass window than the aftermarket ones.

I bought a complete top with the glass window for about $750, getting installed took a bit more than an hour, including taking off the old 01 top. I do love the glass window!

Easy Peasy!

I also replaced the carpeting on my 01, not so easy peasy. In fact a bit of a female dog (forum software censors B. I . T. C. H.) Stupid forum software. Oh well, you live & learn. Newer carpeting is nice. tho.