Replacement rear window

[Scoobydidler]

Hi, Scoob here, new UK member.
I bought my 2000 S last year and loving it. It does need the rear screen replacing despite careful use and knowledge of "the chop" it is 24 years old to be fair.
There are a couple of adds on ebay for folk saying they'll replace the screen for about £300 using the same bonding process used in the factory. Does anyone know what that process is? When i look closely there is heavy duty stitching round the plastic screen. Is this purely aesthetic or part of the factory fit plus some sort of waterproofing bond?
Is a glass replacement an option on a 986 as an alternative?
All info gratefully received.
Thanks all.

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[997_986]

The Boxster PVC windscreen is sewn in. To replace this in professional manner, the top must be removed, the windscreen cut out and a new one sewn in, then refitted. Compared to the price of a new (aftermarket) top, this procedure is generally uneconomical. All other promises are dubious and the result is not sustainable.

I would opt for a new one with glass.

[Scoobydidler]

Thanks for that. I suspected claims of following factory practices were probably rubbish. It clearly does look sewn in.
Any idea what a replacement top with glass may cost? Doesn't sound a cheap fix.
Thanks.

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[997_986]

Originally Posted by Scoobydidler

[...]
Any idea what a replacement top with glass may cost? Doesn't sound a cheap fix.
Thanks.

[..]

Pretty accurate actually, because I'm considering it myself.

Soft top with PVC windscreen: ~€600,--
Soft top with glass windscreen (heated): ~€1.300,--
Assembly: ~€600,--

However, other part that are needed for it's function must still be in order otherwise it adds up...

You may be able to sell the old top at a reasonable price, but I wouldn't bet on it.

[Rob175]

Just install a ALL brand new top w/glass rear window. Just make sure you have it installed by someone with experience. I strongly suggest that you let the installer order the top. Here in the US there are a couple of different manufactures to choose from but let the installer tell you which is best, from his experience.

[Scoobydidler]

Thanks lads.

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[alexc0814]

Originally Posted by Scoobydidler

Thanks for that. I suspected claims of following factory practices were probably rubbish. It clearly does look sewn in.
Any idea what a replacement top with glass may cost? Doesn't sound a cheap fix.
Thanks.

Sent from my SM-A546B using Tapatalk

When my plastic finally was degraded beyond repair, I found a new top + frame from a 2003 model on ebay and picked it up locally for $400. Removing and replacing the frame is easy (relatively; I still found a way to make it take an hour or two somehow).

[elgyqc]

A couple of comments that come from a different point of view. A lot of people claim that the glass window is a no-brainer... personally I find it too small, so will stay with the larger plastic one. If you are handy the plastic window can be replaced at home. It's not all that easy and takes time but in the interest of saving money and having the larger window that is what I did.
https://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/82464-diy-rear-window-my-new-top.html

[Rob175]

IF the glass window is felt to be "too small" I suppose one could replace the whole top with one that's made with the plastic window. There are still new tops made that way, if you want.

Personally, IF your Boxster is 20+ years old AND you love the car AND you plan on keeping it longer .....THEN......replace the entire top, don't "cheap out". It's only cloth! How longer do you think it should last? If you want to save some $$ there are plenty of videos that you could watch if you feel like tackling yourself.

Replace the top w/ a glass or plastic window, but do it right!!! Then detail the car inside and out either yourself or professionally and THEN....drive that beautiful car with pride....

my 2 cents

[997_986]

Take a look at the glass in the link I posted in #2. It is very wide and only slightly lower than the plastic version. No disadvantages at all. Unfortunately only one supplier.....