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YOUR RESEARCHDIY's for convertible top replacement?
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Replace top
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Read evidence and context
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Suggestion
I also have been researching replacing my top on a MY99 996.
Leading evidence: 'Replace top' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace many tops in the past) do the job' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Suggestion
I would ONLY have an experienced Porsche tech (i.e., one that has replaced many tops in the past) do the job.
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Suggestion
Couple youtube DIY videos of people changing tops on their 986's.
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Suggestion
They claim you have to use your factory headliner.
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Hi all,
Well my convertible top is soon to be getting replaced, and I was wondering if there are any DIY's out there for this sort of job. I am looking at getting an updated top with glass for my 2000 c2.
Thanks in advance!
-Paul
Under no circumstance would I suggest doing this as a DIY. I have seen upholstery shops do it and screw it up. Heck, even some of the Porsche dealers can't get it right. I would ONLY have an experienced Porsche tech (i.e., one that has replaced many tops in the past) do the job.
I recently upgraded my top from the plastic window to the glass window. I watched the Porsche tech do the install every step of the way and I'm here to tell you, this is something you can easily screw up if you don't know all the tricks of the trade.....especially with the aftermarket top which will undoubtably take some minor tweaking to get it right.
If you are going to invest $2K to upgrade to the glass window top assembly, then invest in PROFESSIONAL installation.
My buddy just had his top on a 2000 cab replaced at a local upholstery shop. He bought the top online. They charged $800 for the install and did a great job. My guess is that many upholstery shops have more experience with this than most Porsche techs. Finding the right Porsche tech might be best, but will probably be twice as expensive for the labor and who knows if they will install an aftermarket top.
I also have been researching replacing my top on a MY99 996. Dealer wants $1.5k for the install and $3.5k for a new top ( top=$2.6k + plastic window= $900. They outsource the work locally.
I found a company on Ebay selling the glass window tops for $499 which is very cheap and makes me want to buy one when I am ready to do the job.
So far I have only found a Boxster DIY which is pretty close and gives you an idea of the difficulty. Seems like a meticulous job but doable since you don't need any special tools and I am guessing at worse you may have to recalibrate the top with a durametric or at the dealer.
http://images.wikia.com/boxster/imag...Canvas_R_R.pdf
I am wondering if the glass window has any fitment issues but so far I have found no complaints.
The materials alone to make the top are more than $500. Now way would I trust the fit, quality, or durability of that $499 top. If it's that "Car Tops Plus" company, I checked out their website. They claim you have to use your factory headliner. The problem is that the liner will NOT match up the new top.
GAHH sells the glass window top with the german canvas new headliner for $2K shipped. The fit, quality, and durability is top notch. And a lifetime warranty on the glass bonding.
Dealer install should be no more than $800-1K. $1.5K is overcharging you as is $3.5K for the factory top.
For me, I think a larger size plastic window is better than the much smaller, less attractive glass window. Both for visibility and how the car looks.
I'll be sourcing a plastic window top.
I dont think you can get a large glass window cabrio top. There just isn't the room for such a large glass panel to fit. Plastic window folds, Glass cant
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