New Member, Z-Art Question - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

morbidelli17 · 04-06-2021, 09:57 AM

It was a bit nerve-wracking. The Aliexpress store that I used shut down immediately after I placed the order, and allegedly moved all of its listings to a different site. Then they uploaded the wrong tracking info. I'm a former investigative journalist, so I was able to actually figure out what my tracking number was linked to - and it turned out to be a bumper that was shipped to some dude in Texas.

Several tense messages ensued.

But in the end, all is absolutely as promised and on schedule.

Next step is to decide whether to install myself or take it to my body shop. My wife is willing to pitch in for the body shop route, as it involves her NOT helping ...

Qingdao · 04-06-2021, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morbidelli17

It was a bit nerve-wracking. The Aliexpress store that I used shut down immediately after I placed the order, and allegedly moved all of its listings to a different site. Then they uploaded the wrong tracking info. I'm a former investigative journalist, so I was able to actually figure out what my tracking number was linked to - and it turned out to be a bumper that was shipped to some dude in Texas.

Several tense messages ensued.

But in the end, all is absolutely as promised and on schedule.

Next step is to decide whether to install myself or take it to my body shop. My wife is willing to pitch in for the body shop route, as it involves her NOT helping ...

Damn, so its not on Aliexpress anymore?

Its probably for the best. I know a guy who does carbon fiber bagging (like he makes boats). And I might be able to convince him to make a CF version of this top.

Any interests on here for a CF z top? No glass or seals, but the solid parts would be there.

JBauer · 04-06-2021, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morbidelli17

It was a bit nerve-wracking. The Aliexpress store that I used shut down immediately after I placed the order, and allegedly moved all of its listings to a different site.

Hows it fit out of the box? I heard they fit better now.

morbidelli17 · 04-06-2021, 07:53 PM

Quindao, I honestly don't know. The link JBauer posted still seems to work:

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32848970530.html?trace=wwwdetail2mobilesitedetail

... but I think it would be cool if your friend made at least the molds for the hard parts. I'm afraid that this is an artifact that has a potential client base that is getting smaller with each passing year, and once it is gone, it likely never will be re-created. I honestly wonder if I got the very last one - the seller wanted to be sure of the year of my car before shipping.

JB, don't know yet. Will order some hinges and a latch tonight, so I don't have to re-align panels every time I switch. I plan to test-fit next week. I can tell you it's a lot more solid than I had hoped for. And I see what you meant about the gap between the double layers of fiberglass. Will have to talk to my fiberglass guy about options for a moonroof, to see if it's even possible.

Will keep you updated!

JBauer · 04-07-2021, 04:13 AM

Man, you have patience. I was so excited I immediately had mine sitting on just to see what I was up against. 😁

CharlesE · 04-07-2021, 07:08 AM

These threads make me want to order one. Just trying to justify the cost of everything

morbidelli17 · 04-07-2021, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBauer

Man, you have patience. I was so excited I immediately had mine sitting on just to see what I was up against. ��]

It helps if you're totally swamped at work. I'm busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest. :ah:

But believe me, I can't wait to hook this up. I love the convertible, but damn, this car with this hardtop is one of the prettiest things I've ever seen on four wheels.

BTW, my local Porsche indie is a longtime Porsche racer. He bought one of these tops when they were being made in South Africa. Stuck it on his Boxster racer. First thing he did was cut out the entire lower layer of fiberglass, leaving only the outer shell, to reduce weight. No problems with rigidity.

Qingdao · 04-09-2021, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morbidelli17

I'm busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest. :ah:

DUDE I'm dying here. I'm totally stealing this saying. LOL

JBauer · 04-14-2021, 02:50 PM

Well dont leave us hanging. Hows it fit?

Joeyutts · 04-09-2021, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morbidelli17

It was a bit nerve-wracking. The Aliexpress store that I used shut down immediately after I placed the order, and allegedly moved all of its listings to a different site. Then they uploaded the wrong tracking info. I'm a former investigative journalist, so I was able to actually figure out what my tracking number was linked to - and it turned out to be a bumper that was shipped to some dude in Texas.

Several tense messages ensued.

But in the end, all is absolutely as promised and on schedule.

Next step is to decide whether to install myself or take it to my body shop. My wife is willing to pitch in for the body shop route, as it involves her NOT helping ...

Would you order from them again? Because I am about to order one from them but I am extremely nervous for obvious reasons! Would it be best if I pay through PayPal?