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YOUR RESEARCHChanging C4Cab canvas softop myself/friends (DIY)?
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Check on 6speed, and even matt
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
After posting I checked on 6speed, and even Matt from VividRacing (a member of trade) wouldn't do it, I guess it must be more difficult than I thought.
Leading evidence: 'Check on 6speed, and even matt' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check on 6speed, and even matt' (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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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I can do basic things myself (I installed the SMARTTop myself, changed my rear lights to LED on my own, etc.) but not done something as big as a canvas soft top.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I can do basic things myself (I installed the SMARTTop myself, changed my rear lights to LED on my own, etc.) but not done something as big as a canvas soft top.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I had mine replaced with an OEM top by a higher end facility that is local to my location.
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Check on 6speed, and even matt
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
After posting I checked on 6speed, and even Matt from VividRacing (a member of trade) wouldn't do it, I guess it must be more difficult than I thought.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I can do basic things myself (I installed the SMARTTop myself, changed my rear lights to LED on my own, etc.) but not done something as big as a canvas soft top.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I can do basic things myself (I installed the SMARTTop myself, changed my rear lights to LED on my own, etc.) but not done something as big as a canvas soft top.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Don't have cab...but previously changed top on honda s2000 which looks a lot easier than 911...and it was def a pain to do and took some time...I would prob do again but looking at Porsche top might be better to pay
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21 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261027T005001Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Hi,
In my 10 years of owning my C4Cab (996 3.4l), the canvas soft top has given up the 2nd time. Getting it done here by Porsche Japan is quite expensive and not to mention since it's the older plastic type, it's not going to last long.
I bought a 3rd party from Convertible Top eBay - basically a Robbins with heated glass and it's getting shipped to me in Japan. Crossing fingers, the glass doesn't get broken along the way.
it seems getting a garage to change the canvas is somewhat expensive and I'm wondering if it's hard to DIY myself with some friends? I can do basic things myself (I installed the SMARTTop myself, changed my rear lights to LED on my own, etc.) but not done something as big as a canvas soft top. Are there any instructions on how one would change the canvas top themselves and how long would it take?
Cheers
Changing tops on our 996s is no job for beginners. The standard "book rate" is something like 12 hours which is why it is expensive to have changed out.
I believe there are threads on this forum where people have claimed to have done it themselves. I haven't ever found any instructions, but you might search online.
If you could find someone who has done these before to get some tips and guidance that would be helpful.
You could end up breaking or bending the operating linkages, cylinders, etc. if you don't get it right.
Cheers for the response. Yes I did some googling and found one but that was merely re-gluing the plastic back on, and another was for a Boxster.
After posting I checked on 6speed, and even Matt from VividRacing (a member of trade) wouldn't do it, I guess it must be more difficult than I thought. Unfortunately Porsche Japan wouldn't touch a non-Porsche product with a 10 foot pole.
#1 - Do as much research (pick peoples/professionals brains, try to pick up tips like which side/end to start from etc.) as possible, and once you get the unit itself get to "know it" as best you can. - i.e. check all the mounting points - are they in the same spots and same type as the stock canvas (they should be)?
#2 - Take measurements - are they the same as the stock canvas (they should be)? If the measurements are the same, and the mounting points are the same, the canvas should mount without modification (to either the canvas or the frame) and if mod's need to be done, map them out BEFORE starting the installation ( If mods need to be done this may be the time that you decide to pay the piper and take it to the pro's...)...
If not, and you've got some mechanical "skills" and a decent understanding of how the top works, and you're feeling pretty comfortable that you can get it done it's only a matter of time (and probably tools) to get the top installed properly.
#3 - Leave yourself plenty of time to get the job done correctly. Leave it open ended in case things don't go exactly as planned - don't give yourself a deadline like "it's 10:00 a.m. and I've got to use the car to take my wife to dinner at 7:00 pm - it's supposed to rain so the top will have to be functioning properly".
You may need some sort of "stretchers", as the top material is pretty tough stuff (you may be able to borrow or rent these from a local upholsterer) make sure you've got any specialty tools you may need BEFORE you start the job. While I'm sure it isn't an "easy" job per se', it's not "rocket science" either. Take your time, and choose which friends you want to "help" you wisely (i.e. - make sure they have the skills/tools you may lack ;-) ...) and don't start drinking until the job is finished! Good Luck
Was stationed in Okinawa and had same situation with my Z3. I ordered off E-bay and first garage was outragous. After hearing nightmare stories about people starting and giving up changing their own tops, I kept searching around the island and found a great shop that did it for about $200. I was very impressed with the job and price. I suggest shopping around versus changing it yourself. Good luck either way !
I have not replaced my top but did take it off to have new window sewn in .The factory shop manual is a must -there are a lot of steps involved to remove and install a new one .Not sure where you get the manual I found mine thru the Renntech librarian .
According to the automotive upholsterer that replaced mine, the Boxster top is similar.
Also, I used a Sierra brand top purchased online and the results are perfect.
Can you find an auto upholstery shop in your area? That's the way most tops are replaced here.
Don't have cab...but previously changed top on honda s2000 which looks a lot easier than 911...and it was def a pain to do and took some time...I would prob do again but looking at Porsche top might be better to pay
Fair tips. Agreed it'll probably be a weekend thing of which I'll need some friends to help after the research. The thing is with what I've read on the net I'm not certain what I should trust. One I read, glue is still needed even for a hood replacement....don't even know why or where it'll be used.
I wonder if the Z3 is easier to work with 'cos $200 is really cheap. Everywhere I've hunted around Tokyo, garages are looking at $1400 -> $4000 for labour charge only!
From what I've read, the one I purchased, Robbins, should be an exact match too. But I have to reuse my old headliner. I'm curious on why an auto upholstery shop? If I have my 3rd party replacement hood, wouldn't it be more of a mechanic with soft top experience?
IN order to make an informed decision -get the shop manual and read it .As said previously there are a lot of steps none of which are that hard but the sequence is very important .
This is especially true on fitting the headliner
Anakchan,
I believe the BMW and Porsche tops are very similar to change, minus the vent windows on the side. My first estimates were above $1,000, and it took many different shop visits to find one for the $200 price range. I suggest you head up north to find some cheaper estimates.
Did you know Anak is Filipino for son ?
Great day,
John
"The thing is with what I've read on the net I'm not certain what I should trust. One I read, glue is still needed even for a hood replacement....don't even know why or where it'll be used."
1) While internet is very useful for "bulk" information, you've got to be careful with what you take as truth or pertaining to your specific situation.
2) If there is glue needed (i.e. if it was used in the previous installation(s) ) it should be pretty obvious once you start to disassemble the existing top.
3) If you can get it done by a professional shop for less than what your time and aggravation is worth (only you can put an accurate value on this), it's really a "no brainer" ... go for it! **Make sure it includes some sort of warrantee on the workmanship** otherwise you could be out your money and be stuck with a crappy looking non-functioning roof. Good Luck
I thought I'd give this a little update. In the end my wife managed to find a someone who could change the roof for me. I bought my top from convertibletop off eBay which I believe is by Robbins.
The installation ended up costing approx USD$1000 + another $1000 for the Robbins top itself.
Here's the results.
Original Top with sagging canvas
And patched
Robbins Top
My experience was this:
I had mine replaced with an OEM top by a higher end facility that is local to my location.
Convertible top = $1,059 USD
Installation = $495 USD
Supplies = $12 USD
Disposal Fee = $5 USD
With tax it was a $1,649.28 USD adventure.
