why a hard top in the winter? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Chills · 03-08-2007, 06:25 AM

From the pictures I've seen I'm not really into the Porsche top, but I haven't seen one in person so my mind isn't made up yet. I might end up liking the look and buying an OEM one... it sure would save me a bunch of cash.

Has anyone used that hardtop hoist you can find on eBay? It looks like a good way to remove the top and keep it out of the way.

bringer666 · 03-08-2007, 11:40 AM

For people who live in climates where it gets very cold in the winter and you will be driving for months without ever a thought of putting the top down, then I can see a hardtop being a good idea. For me in British Columbia, however, the winter never really gets that bad and there are many times between November and April when it's reasonably warm (50-60°F) and sunny. I just couldn't bear the thought of having a hard top on my car on one of those days and not be able to drop the top. Also, since Halle sleeps in a nice garage every night and I don't take her out when there is actually any snow on the ground (or in the air), I don't think her convertible top gets any more wear than in the summer time.

As for aesthetics, each to his own. I think the convertible top looks pretty good especially compared to other drop tops.

KevinH1990 · 03-08-2007, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chills

Has anyone used that hardtop hoist you can find on eBay? It looks like a good way to remove the top and keep it out of the way.

I have an EZ-Top Hoist. It is a little pricey, but I paid only $610 for my hard top, so I felt like I could splurge a little on the hoist. It makes installation and removal a one-person job. It also keeps the hard top away from careless spouses and children.

I have a one car garage that my wife has claimed. If I had a spacious garage and someone to help me install and remove the top, I would have bought a wall rack and saved a few dollars.

vouvoune · 03-08-2007, 06:29 PM

KEVIN1990, where did you find such a good deal on the hardtop? I am looking for the exact same one as yours actually

so I would love a few tips!!!

KevinH1990 · 03-08-2007, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vouvoune

KEVIN1990, where did you find such a good deal on the hardtop? I am looking for the exact same one as yours actually

so I would love a few tips!!!

I bought it on eBay. The seller lived in South Carolina (about 300 miles away) and wouldn't ship it. The listing ended on July third (not exactly prime hard top weather) and the seller wanted it picked up by July 10th because he was moving.

I think I was lucky that I was looking at the right time and no one else could meet the tight pick up schedule. Also, I doubt too may people living in South Carolina and parts south were in the market.

I also bought hard tops for the two Miatas I owned. I checked eBay, Craigslist and the local paper. If I saw someone selling a car with a hard top, I would make an offer on the hard top alone. I had a few rejections, but eventually found willing sellers.

Before I had found the eBay top, I had located 4 other Arctic Silver hard tops that were possible deals. One was in California, but my college room mate lived nearby and was willing to crate it and ship it. Another was in DC (about 100 miles away from me), but it was damaged. The third was in Philadelphia (my brother was going to hold that one for me until I could get it.) The final one was in Virginia Beach, but it had started life red and had been repainted.

So, the tops are out there. Good luck finding one.

ehD · 03-08-2007, 10:47 PM

if 987's have glass window soft tops.. can these be installed on 986's?

KevinH1990 · 03-09-2007, 08:09 AM

The shape of the windows is different on a 987, so that is at least one point where it won't fit.

Search for threads on GAHH tops and Robbins. They make aftermarket glass window tops for the 986, and there have been quite a few healthy discussions about aftermarket tops.

Starting in 2003, the 986 also had a glass rear window. You could probably retrofit that top, but I believe you would also need the frame and some other components. It might be economically feasible if you could get what you need from a wrecked car.

huzzah ! · 03-13-2007, 11:40 AM

It makes the car:

Quieter. With a significant reduction in wind noise at high speed.

Less likely to be broken in to.

A better place to be when it is hot. A better place to be when it is cold.

Stiffens the chassis to improve general handling.

Gives you the option of turning your cabriolet into a coupe.

And subjectively, some would say it makes the car better looking.

Reasons not for owning a hardtop:

You spend 90% of the time driving with the top down.

Basically, having a hardtop gives you options.

You've got a Cayman when you want one and a Boxster when you don't.

jh