Replacement rear window - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

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. Sent from my SM-A546B using Tapatalk

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.

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

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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.

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.

Thanks lads. Sent from my SM-A546B using Tapatalk

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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).

That's acceptable financially, guess you need a bit of luck to drop on one. I'd struggle to justify £1000+ on a car of this value as much as i'd like to throw money at it Sent from my SM-A546B using Tapatalk

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

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

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.....

I believe there may be more suppliers to choose from in the U.S....but not 100% sure.

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Grant, I checked out your DIY-window thread and I admire your ingenuity. Adapt, improvise, overcome. Ooorah!

If considering replacing fabric/vinyl with fabric/glass on the 3-bow frame that’s stock on the pre-2003 cars, take into account that there is apparently a compromise in the maintenance accessibility when trying to get to the engine compartment.

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Blush

I've had my 98' in the shop a couple of times since I replaced the original top with a new one with a glass rear window. They never complained about reduced "engine access". I even asked them IF it was an issue, and the reply was always a "NO". The fact of the matter is there is really little to no reduction of access to the engine caused by the rear glass window......BUT I really love the defroster wires in my glass window! (the car was fully wired for the defroster circuit including the factory on/off button on the panel now actually does something!

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Can confirm. The rigid glass reduces the amount of raising the rear bow because the glass starts to point down closer to the engine cover. It's a compromise either way.

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I'm considering doing the same since my plastic window is so hazy I can't see a thing through it. Was it an ease unbolt and bolt on swap?

should have been, although I've found a way to make every process I've ever done take 5x longer than it needed to. But yes especially if your roof is already manual its 3 bolts on either side. If not I don't know for sure but its still a lot easier than redoing the fabric top itself

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Thank you. Mine is not manual, and I'd like to keep it motorized if I can.