Cold Weather & Tops
 

A reminder: The plastic rear windows can easily crack in cold weather. Years ago I ruined a perfectly good top by opening it in cold weather. I almost did it again yesterday installing a top on a car.
You can run the car for a while with the heater on and check if the window feels soft and pliable, put the car in a warm garage, or pouring some warm water across the window.

https://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/65864-rear-plastic-window-cracked.html

https://986forum.com/forums/diy-project-guides/60438-what-can-i-do-about-cracked-plastic-window.html

https://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/74500-dont-let-freezing-cold-break-your-back-window-learn-boxster-chop.html

All the more reason to replace with the glass window cloth top....WHEN THE TIME COMES.

Yes, the glass window is a bit smaller than the plastic but By adjusting the rear view mirror a bit the rear view is pretty good. The pluses are defroster wires, clearer view, easier to clean, eliminates the infamous plastic window "chop", and no cold temperature cracking.

Worth considering if your plastic window is cracked or top cloth needs replacing due to general poor condition....

Note:....Depending on the year of the car the new glass replacement tops have larger glass windows than the 98's or 99's....so check it out. (my car is a 98'

Rob175, the question is how much is maintenance access to the top of the engine compromised with an aftermarket glass top in a 3 bow frame.

Since I had the new top w/glass installed I've only replaced the engine air filter a MAP sensor myself......but I can tell you that access to the engine compartment is the same with my glass rear window as it was with my plastic window. when I place the top in the "service" position.

IF you're thinking of getting the top with the rear glass window....I suggest you first get the exact dimensions of the glass from your top's manufacturer of choice, then cut out some cardboard to match those dimensions and place it over your plastic window.

I suggest this because the neg rap on the glass rear window is it reduces driver's rear vision. I can tell you it really doesn't. All you need to do is re-adjust your rear view mirror slightly.

The pluses of the rear glass window exceed the slightly smaller window size...IMHO