is soft top with vinyl window exchangable with soft top with glass window

[dmitrich08]

I was thinking replacing 02 Boxster soft top with vinyl window with soft top with glass window. Are they interchangeable? Would soft top fold without an issues?
Thank you in advance!

[Starter986]

Welcome.

986 Forum - for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - Search Forums

[78F350]

Originally Posted by Starter986

Welcome.

986 Forum - for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - Search Forums

Does anyone here really use that search still?

I like using the context, "site:986forum.com [search terms]" in regular search engine.
Here's some words plugged into Bing:
https://www.bing.com/search?form=MOZSBR&pc=MOZI&q=site%3A986forum.com+glass+window+top

...and for an '02 the answer is yes and no. It depends on what you really mean by "Are they interchangeable? Would soft top fold without an issues?"
'03 - '04 top including the frame, yes.
Aftermarket glass window top on original '02 frame, pretty much.
'03 - '04 top on '02 frame, no.

[Rob175]

A few years ago I replaced the top on my 98' Boxster with a glass window version and I'm very pleased. Having said that, the glass window is a bit smaller than the plastic window (if that bothers you). The glass window version also slightly reduces the "service position" space for working on the engine but it's only a small amount and doesn't bother me at all. On the plus side, the glass window version has the built in defroster heating wires and since your car is pre-wired for the defroster with a switch on the instrument panel you'll be able to take advantage of that.

Bottom line (for me) I'm very happy with my choice of a glass rear window instead of another plastic window.

(note: make sure you buy the OEM quality top (German I believe) and IF you plan on having a shop do the labor have them buy the top brand they prefer and be sure they've done this work before. There are plenty of YouTube videos for doing it yourself BUT it's a tough job to do correctly and make it look factory)

My top w/labor 3 years ago was about $1600 in the Chicago market.

[78F350]

Rob's mention of the installation reminded me that Mike Focke's Boxster web pages have good detailed instructions on replacement and I think PelicanParts has a guide too.
https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/replacingthetop-adiy

I have some old frames with bad tops and plan to do a couple in October/November this year. ...just because I've never done it.