Glass window Rag Top to replace one with a plastic window?

I am looking to replace my plastic window cabrio top with a factory glass top. Will it work? Here is the top I want: Will this window retract ok.....not being flexible and all?

A full size window won't work on early 996s. There is a variation with a smaller window. It's more expensive than the plastic window, so you should consider your options. http://www.vertexauto.com/ShowItem/2...ce%20Gray.aspx

You are showing the whole mechanism in your picture. That might work, I think I saw a post on one of the sites where that was done successfully? If you just wanted to replace the fabric part you would need to use the type that Babylonboots references.

Quotes source post: 13697874

I did this with my 99 996 Cab about 7-8 years ago IIRC). Yes, it worked fine. There was some twist, but I forget what it was. If you search the archives, you'll find it. A call to the guy who sells these helped me do it right. Again, I do not remember his name, but check archives (uh, it might have been on Pelican?) If I happen to find it, I'll post the link.

As this is together in one piece might I be able to just unbolt & remove the old top and just bolt this one back in???

Quotes source post: 13699935

GAHH makes a top with a slightly smaller glass window for the early 996's. I've never done the installation, but I understand it can be challenging. http://www.gahh.com/convertible-tops...d-glass-window . A full-sized glass window will not work on the early 996's, as they are designed to have the full-sized window fold during retraction.

Yes....that's probably true if I were just replacing the fabric.........but, seeing as how this top comes with the frame intact couldn't I just install the complete unit........and wouldn't it retract ok then? I'm also wondering about the "bolt hole" compatibility...new to old???

I edited my response above, adding some details about installation See response below.

I looked at your previous post........didn't see the additional info. you posted. (?)

Quotes source post: 13700352

Sorry Lars, I had edited my previous response to include other comments, but "somehow" there must have been a neural shortcircuit in my brain and must not have pressed the "submit" button. Here are my points: 1) I used an aftermarket replacement that uses a smaller glass window insert (it even makes it look a little more Speedster-like). This was for my 1999 996. This was between 6-8 years ago -- well, it feels like that long ago. 2) Unfortunately, it looks like any previous threads before 2012 on Rennlist are no longer accessible, so I could not find all the posts I made several years ago -- maybe you have a way of finding them? 3) The new glass top folds into the well without a problem (in answer to your concerns about this); 4) It zips into the same area as the original plastic one. I had trouble with this and called the maker. The fellow who makes/sells these personally called back. He sent me a zipper puller [which is actually just a long wire (IIRC) that reaches thru the "tunnel" and allows you to pull the zipper]. 5) The new material surrounding the glass is stiff and hard to work with. I let the car and window sit out in the baking 95 degree sun so that it was much more flexible. NOTE: I have minimal experience with working with replacing tops -- I replaced one in 1975 on a 1965 Dodge. 6) I highly recommend the glass replacement -- I have no affiliation with the seller, in fact, I do not remember who it was, but I will try looking thru my records to let you know. I am certain that the price was MUCH LESS than Porsche factory price, while the quality was very good (the blue cloth surround matched my blue top well). The seller's daughter (or granddaughter??) answered the phone (so it must have been a small company). I will immediately look around for other notes I might have from back then, and will send you the info when/if I find anything.

Quotes source post: 13702112

I found an email from back then (turns out that it was AUG 2012, not 6-8 years ago, huh??? passage of time is variable with me). It shows I got the glass window from "autotopfactoryllc" - the girl who was the main communicator was Liza Dekirmendjian. There are many AutoTop companies, but I Googled Auto Top Factory LLC, and there is one in Van Nuys, CA, that might be the one. Auto Top Factory Phone: [phone removed] Web: www.autotopfactory.com hutch dekirmendjian owner: Hratch Dekirmendjian 16154 Valerio Street Van Nuys, CA 91406

Stasha....thanks for the great info. Bought the complete Top. It "should" just bolt right in and replace my entire mechanism/Top. Hopefully I can just do it myself and save a bunch of $'s. I'll let you know. Hoping that the larger glass window will fold away properly!