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YOUR RESEARCHWant to replace 1999 convertible top myself
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Clean off all the old glue and double sided tape
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I bought a $400 top off of EBay (looks almost exactly like the one that came off), and have removed the old top and just yesterday, cleaned off all the old glue and double sided tape.
Leading evidence: 'Clean off all the old glue and double sided tape' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Adjust re-staple, and reinstall' (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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Before they installed the top, they sewed the zipper on the rear window.
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I replaced the cloth Cobra top on a Mustang GT not long ago and it was a pain in the a$$.
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I've replaced convertible tops on a 73 Triumph TR6, and a 69 Mercedes 280SL.
Use convertible top repairs by the local porsche dealer
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Rod's is actually used for all convertible top repairs by the local Porsche dealer.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I bought a $400 top off of EBay (looks almost exactly like the one that came off), and have removed the old top and just yesterday, cleaned off all the old glue and double sided tape.
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Suggestion
Seems like you and I have similar mentality about trying things - as crazy as they might be - and replacing a convertible top seems to be relatively simple compared to some insane things I've done in the past.
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I purchased a VERY nice, 1999 996 Tiptronic Cabriolet , with about 139k miles, as a DD, for $8,000. .Car is pretty much perfect, with the exception of the (you guessed it), REAR VINYL WINDOW. The PO removed the window, because it was faded and cracking. The rest of the top is not bad, but not great. Shows signs of wear and slightly fading. I thought about trying one of those zip in windows that you can got on EBAY, but I haven't heard or seen a post of ANYONE being successful at doing it. The rest of the top is ok...not great. Shows some signs of wear, but for a DD, it is perfectly acceptable. However, I figured for a few hundred dollars more, I can buy a new top. I am pretty handy with the tool kit and have no issues with taking out a transmission and engine, and doing work on them. and those types of projects.
Instead of plopping down a couple of grand for a new top and install at a shop, I thought I would tackle the replacement of the top myself. Not that I have an issue with installers making the $1,000 or more to install the top, but I rather enjoy working on my Porsches and learning new things Here are the questions, for those of you that have done such a thing, or have experience in such tasks.
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO DO?
How long did it take you?
Any TIPS or Tricks to successfully doing the job?
Any special tools required?
Any write-ups that you are aware of or videos? (I did see the one for the Boxster, but that doesn't have the headliner and slightly different than 911)
If there aren't any write-ups for a 996.1, I might create one, with lots of pictures and explaination.
Thanks for any feedback or advice.
First of all, beautiful hood ornament.
I'm in the same boat. My 99 convertible top has seen better days, too. It is faded and worn. The plastic rear window is sun beaten to beyond any remedy that I've tried to make it decent again. I've considered attempting dyeing the blue top black and somehow replacing the rear window. Both are temporary answers.
Or...
As another option, I've read somewhere that later model 996 tops with the glass rear window will work if you also swap in the newer bow mechanism/hardware. Plastic Windows that I've had in other convertibles have always been an exercise in futility by chasing constant degradation. I'm thinking that this may be the way to go in order to never deal with the rear window again and also avoid the tiny glass rear window option in the aftermarket tops for early models.
But either way, please share your progress through this.
I replaced the cloth Cobra top on a Mustang GT not long ago and it was a pain in the a$$. It was difficult to get the length exactly right when it was secured to the bow in the back. You are mounting it to a bow that is curved in two dimensions. I had to secure the fabric to the bow, install the fasteners to the car and put it up to check the fit. When it wasn't quite right, I had to uninstall it, remove the staples, adjust, re-staple, and reinstall. Had to do it three time total, and that was after initially using the old top as a template. It took almost all day to do it.
Four years ago I took the top off and had a new window sewn in .Lessons learned : Should have bought a new top , you absolutely need the shop manual which is a hard read , the trickiest part is the headliner and the zipper .If you have a lot of patience and carefully follow the shop manual steps you can do it
As an aside I first tried the zip in window -unfortunately as I was zippering the tension delaminated the zipper .
So you tried the zip in window that you can find online, and it came apart? Or the zipper on the headliner came apart? I have yet to find any record of anyone successfully using the replacement zip in window.
Where did you get the shop manual? I am guessing you don't mean the Bentley manual?
The zipper that is laminated to the top .I got the shop manuals on line from a forum member .Suggest you start a thread that you need a copy of the manuals Good chance someone will help..
Reading many DIY attempts at replacing the convertible tops on these cars and most end in heartbreak or divorce. Save your marriage and pay a professional shop to install it.
Thanks for the advice, but gonna charge head first into the project. Unless the 996 top is significantly different than a 986 (Boxster), I think I stand a 50/50 chance of success. Worst case, I drop the whole shabang off to a shop if I give up in frustration. I am all into learning and exploring.
One piece of advise is that you clearly communicate with your helper if you have to lift the top mechanism off the car. My helper let his end of the mechanism lay on the paint before we had completely lifted it off and it put a 3 inch gouge in the clear coat that was too deep to buff out. The top assembly is heavier than it looks.
I purchased the rear window replacement from
http://www.emiata.com/996Window
. $80 cheaper to buy from his online store than his ebay store for some reason. I plan on documenting the job and will post pics. The window with the zipper installed is a very nice quality. The only thing I plan on not using is the glue that he includes. I'm ordering a 3M adhesive with a primer.
Great! I did the same thing, Hoping to avoid replacing the top for a year or two. The PO had purchased a window, but never could get the zippers to start. I called them and they told me that if I couldn't get it to work, they would refund my money.
Also said, that there was a BMW YouTube video showing the procedure, but no Porsche.
Don't feel the pain. Every car is different and has a reason for selling at the price it does. This one had a missing rear window, top tension cables were messed up because of broken studs, has an RMS leak, and the driver's seat has a small hole in it from too many years of wear. Oh, and a higher mileage car.
All of which I can fix on my own. Done everything but the top.
I admire your dedication, but I question your judgement.
The top is a $1,000 part, and I expect that it will need to be cut, and in places glued down with adhesive, and a mistake in either area may not be a recoverable error. And you can damage the top mechanism (the bows and cables), or the vehicle itself.
The top manufacturer estimates this is a 10 hour job for professionals, So, you'd be risking a $1K top to save an approximately equivalent amount in labor.
If you're not planning to make replacing tops a career, and this may be a "once in a lifetime" project, then I see far more pitfalls than positives in your future.
In any case, carry on, and let us know how it goes.
Yes, it is stated to be a 10 hour job. I really don't care if it takes 30 hours. It's not about the money. As I stated above, "I like working on my Porsche". It costs $8k, has 140k moles on it, and isn't going up in value dramatically, even with a new top.
Although I appreciate everyone's thoughts on potential downfalls and potential problems, most of what has been said are assumptions, because they haven't researched it or done it themselves. That is why I am looking for input From people with first hand knowledge.
As far as $1,000 top. No way. You can get a good top for half that. Worst case, I toss in the towel and pay a "pro" to do it. I've seen Boxsters done. Read the install instructions, it isn't smoke and magic. Just like most things in life, research, ask questions, take your time, and don't force things. Take lots of pictures, bag and label the parts, and take notes.
I rebuilt an engine that way, removed a 3.6 and tiptronic, and replaced all the parts and reinstalled ( all in my garage), amongst a dozen other things people would be intimidated to do. If I screw it up, I will pay to have it fixed. To date, that hasn't happened.
Now, is there any feedback from anyone that HAS DONE IT?
BTW, more than happy to document every step of the way and post a "How To". Life is all about experiences and trying new things. Can't be scared to screw up.
I'm considering tackling this project as well. Seems like you and I have similar mentality about trying things - as crazy as they might be - and replacing a convertible top seems to be relatively simple compared to some insane things I've done in the past.
It looks like this thread went "silent" and I'm wondering if you ever completed the project on your own. If you did, are there any lessons learned or reasons that I shouldn't try this myself? You mentioned you might document each step and produce a "How To". Do you have anything that you can share about your experience?
Thanks!
I've replaced convertible tops on a 73 Triumph TR6, and a 69 Mercedes 280SL. Not as hard as you may think. Take lots of pictures inside and out, and have fun.
Lol,loved his confidence, but he showed his lack of experience.
Have watched my brother( a 23 yr master tech) do these many times,and it is not easy job!
I had my 2000 cabby done by
Rod's Customs
in Huntsville. This was somewhere around 2012 or so, and its still going strong. Rod's is actually used for all convertible top repairs by the local Porsche dealer. They charged me $1700 out the door for a new top with flexible window, installed. Before they installed the top, they sewed the zipper on the rear window. The zipper apparently is what usually fails first (it had failed on mine, the rear window was flappin in the breeze), and sewing it together with kevlar thread will prevent the usual failure mode. 5-6 years later, I have no complaints.
Adding my .02 for this, if anyone is in SoCal, North Hollywood Upholstery can do this job with their eyes closed, they charged me 250 for removal/install and 120 for a new plastic window..... in hindsight i should have bought a new top and just brought it to them to install had i known they had to remove the top to sew in the new rear plastic window.
Hey, I haven�t been getting updates on this thread. Didn�t realize it was �alive�. I have mothballed the �99 996 project (rebuilding the engine) and am currently doing the top on my �$700 Boxster Project�. Yep...got a Boxster for $700 and it is now my DD. Saving the miles on my �02 996 Cab.
I bought a $400 top off of EBay (looks almost exactly like the one that came off), and have removed the old top and just yesterday, cleaned off all the old glue and double sided tape. That was a pain in the A$$.
I plan on doing the top a little at a time, taking my time and not rushing anything. I have test fitted everything, and think it should be straight forward from here on out.
Here are are some pictures.
The edges were frayed and the rear window was missing
This is the adhesive from the front edge
The ONLY way I could get this off was by scrubbing the area with cotton ***** soaked in Goof Off from a bottle. It eventually softens and ***** up and falls off.
Took me about an hour to get this part done. I wanted to do it right and take my time. After this, I wiped down with iso alcohol.
This is the back rail, by the window. It looked just like the first. Again, cotton ***** soaked in Goof Off. I shoved them in the channel to soak, while I worked on other areas.
would not dream of tackling this myself.
for my 2004 Turbo Cab, anyone know of a place in eastern Long Island that could do the top for a lot less than the dealer the price of $4.5K?
I have a top that has everything attached to it for sale in marketplace. It is really not that hard to pull out as a whole and replace with frame and hydraulics all attached.
