Replacement top 2000 boxster s - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Hi has anyone replaced there own soft top? Is it straight forward? I'm pretty handy, just wondering if it's something that's worth doing yourself? Reason why I ask is i am from Newfoundland, Canada, and i can't seem to get any shop, and i mean ANY to want to do it. That's including body shops etc. There isn't a Porsche dealer her at all. Frustrated is an understatement! I am 61 years of age. I have severe arthritis. When I was younger, no problem, I'd tackle that without a second thought. I, of course would have an extra hand helping me. Any comments who has done this would be super helpful. Thanks

There are several DIY videos on the internet if you search for "replace convertible boxster". This is what I can contribute, I did not do it myself (yet) ;-)

Mike Focke has a good guide in his Boxster pages: https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/replacingthetop-adiy I have not done it, but have taken a good complete top and frame from one car and swapped it onto another car many times.

I've replaced the soft top on my Boxster a couple of times, as well as on a previous car two or three times. Overall, I found the Boxster to be a bit easier to work on. There’s a wealth of online guides and videos available—many of them are quite detailed and helpful. If you follow those closely, you should be able to complete the job over a weekend with some patience and the right tools.

https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/thetop-itsmaintaincereplacement

I've mentioned this on a few threads but if you find an 03/04 glass top *and* frame its much simpler to replace that then to reupholster a top. With the roof in manual operation its 3 bolts on either side and it lifts out. If your roof is still electrically powered there are a few more connections to undo and redo but it could be an economical way to go. I found my top and frame for $400 which is less than the cost of a new top and its far far easier than reupholstering yourself. And plus, you get a glass window too.

I have a 2001 Boxster S and replaced my top with a 2003 top with the glass window. Its pretty easy and I managed doing it alone without help. I'd say it was an easy job since you are replacing the roof as a whole top with frame included. It just gets bolted into place and adjusted/jiggled a bit till its a perfect fit.

I agree with the recommendation to install an 03/04 top and frame. I did this a few years ago and it was a relatively easy job. My base Boxster started life with a plastic rear window top that didn't have a headliner. The glass window and headliner gave the car a more refined look and feel. I think the challenge for this option will be to find an 03/04 top in good condition. I searched for about a year before I located mine, and I doubt that they are becoming more abundant.

Will that 03/04 fit on a 98? Thank you.

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Yes, but I think it may need a minor modification. I think Mike Focke's article explains the modification you will need to make: https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/installinga03-04glasstopandframeona97

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I agree. When I noticed my plastic window start to split I happened to check out glass tops on eBay and found that one. Crazy timing and great luck but I’ve been keeping an eye on the top market ever since just out of curiosity and I haven’t seen a deal quite as good as that since then. Might be worth searching for a junked car. Anyway seems like nobody wants to buy a plastic window top and frame since I’ve been trying to sell mine ever since lol.

I will piggy back here - any good source of the top replacement? Mine, 2003, has top in not the best shape - some worn spots (no leaks yet, but holes), a few cracks - basically could be replaced. So which supplier is decent? Finding a used one may not be feasible due to age. I doubt I can find a nice top which is over 20 years old to begin with.