Convertible Top Replacement

[Wret]

WillyT, to be clear, there are two types of glass window conversions available for pre-2003 boxsters: buy a fabric top with a small glass window instead of the larger plastic window, or buy a top frame from a 2003-2004 boxster that incorporates a larger glass window.

Mine came with plastic and it was the first thing to wear our. I have replaced the top a couple of times with the smaller glass. I don't really have a problem with the reduced viz but that may be a factor for you. It also lessens the space you have for engine service but I have not found that to be a game changer either. I would never go back to plastic. If you are reasonbly patient and have basic mechanical aptitude, you could change your top in a weekend. Good, thorough instructions abound.

If you can find a 2003-2004 frame with a good top, the swap is not difficult and easier than replacing just the fabric, though I have not done this swap. I would consider this myself for my next top replacement but the frames are hard to find.

[clickman]

Given the number of Boxsters looking to upgrade from the early 3-bow tops with plastic window to the unobtainium 4-bow later glass versions, isn’t there an opportunity for someone to make and market an aftermarket 4-bow frame? I would certainly buy one that’s reasonably priced, taking into account I’d have buy a new top as well…

[Rob175]

Probably not a big enough "potential customer base demand " to make it worthwhile. Especially since there are replacements for both depending on the choice of rear window material.

In my case, I wanted the glass version since I typically keep the top down (and leave it down) 99% of the summer when mine is out of winter storage and didn't want to deal with creases in the plastic window.

[mikefocke]

Maintain the rear window with the proper stuff (Novus 1, 2 and 3 ) and the plastic window doesn't crease. Puts the oils back into the plastic. And store it down the right way (clean felt or clothin between the plastic folds and it lasts for 10 years.

[clickman]

Originally Posted by Rob175

Probably not a big enough "potential customer base demand " to make it worthwhile. Especially since there are replacements for both depending on the choice of rear window material.

I’ve been looking for years for a 4-bow top to bolt onto my ‘01, with no luck. If you could direct me to a source of these replacements you refer to, I’d be grateful.

[mikefocke]

While this is quite dated ...

Salvage Yards that Advertised in Panorama and/or Excellence
Part Works of Chicago 1-800-366-9147
Silver Star Recycling Rancho Cordova CA 1-800-783-4911 www.silverstarrecycling.com
Dart 1-303-296-1188 Denver CO www.dartauto.com
Oklahoma Foreign seems closed
20th Street Auto Parts Phoenix AZ 1-800-999-4911 www.20thstreetauto.com
PartsHeaven Hayward CA 1-800-767-7250 www.partsheaven.com
Easy Emeryville CA 1-510-633-EASY www.easypor.com
dC Automotive Rocky Mount NC 1-800-579-2410 http://www.dcauto.com

Others known to specialize in Wrecked Porsches
LA Dismantlers 1-818-PORSCHE www.911pcar.com
http://www.986online.com/ Pompano Beach FL
Autobahn Parts - Autobahn BMW & Porsche Parts Dismantler San Diego
stores.ebay.com/Quality-Porsche-Parts
https://www.partssociety.com/
A link to a multi-source part finder
www.car-parts.com
UK Parts Sources
https://www.9apart.co.uk/ in the UK
www.douglasvalley.co.uk Lancashire in the UK steve strange on eBay
boxsterbits on eBay
https://www.jasmine-porschalink.co.uk/ and on eBay
porscheheaven@yahoo.com or https://

[Bill Ladd]

Just searched and found a bunch on https://www.car-part.com