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Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

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YOUR RESEARCHGetting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Leading reported evidence

Use running lock stitch

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

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Performed · outcome unconfirmed

Also, I used a running lock stitch, with an upper and lower thread.

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..
Frequently discussed work

Clean off the old glue - actually almost no time

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Suggestion

To tell the truth I didn't spend a lot of time cleaning off the old glue - actually almost no time.

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..
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Leading evidence: 'Use running lock stitch' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean off the old glue - actually almost no time' (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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Use those

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

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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

I also bought some heavy-duty sewing machine needles (with the hole in the end), and used those with the sewing awl (although I bought the "handy-stitcher", not the one from harbor freight).

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Clean off the old glue - actually almost no time

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0
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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.

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Suggestion

To tell the truth I didn't spend a lot of time cleaning off the old glue - actually almost no time.

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Repair " needles

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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 contain suggestions
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.

Suggestion

I bought some heavy-duty nylon thread and some "repair" needles.

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Replace plastic window or installing a new top

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No successful repair reported for this finding.

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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 contain suggestions
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.

Suggestion

Two shops in my area charge about $700 to remove/reinstall a 996 cabrio top (10-12 hours), and this process is required whether replacing the plastic window or installing a new top.

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..
Frequently discussed actions (10)

These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.

Clean off the old glue - actually almost no time

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
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.

Suggestion

To tell the truth I didn't spend a lot of time cleaning off the old glue - actually almost no time.

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Repair " needles

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
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.

Suggestion

I bought some heavy-duty nylon thread and some "repair" needles.

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Replace plastic window or installing a new top

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
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.

Suggestion

Two shops in my area charge about $700 to remove/reinstall a 996 cabrio top (10-12 hours), and this process is required whether replacing the plastic window or installing a new top.

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Replace top

No successful repair reported for this finding.

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0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
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Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

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Suggestion

If that's true about $700 in labor whether you fix or replace the top, it seems to make sense to replace it, no?

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Reseal since canvas and window in very good shape

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Suggestion

For reasons of pragmatism, went to a reputable coach works shop in vancouver and they suggested stitching and resealing since canvas and window in very good shape.

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Use gahh

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Suggestion

They are using the GAHH for mine

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Use material more like the factory

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Suggestion

I think the first one uses a material more like the factory which is the German A5 canvas...

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Use running lock stitch

No successful repair reported for this finding.

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Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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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

Also, I used a running lock stitch, with an upper and lower thread.

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Use some super-heavy-duty polyester thread

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
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.

Suggestion

from harborfreight instead, and use some super-heavy-duty polyester thread.

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..

Use those

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

I also bought some heavy-duty sewing machine needles (with the hole in the end), and used those with the sewing awl (although I bought the "handy-stitcher", not the one from harbor freight).

Getting a glass window-ed top... need advice..
Coverage and how to read this overview

Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.

23 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.

  • Rennlist: 1 discussions

0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.

0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.

Generation: 20261027T020439Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources

POST 1 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Hey guys.. well I am now in absolute need of a top for my 2000 c2. I have been holding off forever, and now time has come. I have officially made up my mind on not doing plastic window top, as in my opinion the glass one is tougher and actually looks better. I am looking at these 2 tops... http://www.ebay.com/itm/PORSCHE-911-...d7e140&vxp=mtr and http://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-01-Pors...87f520&vxp=mtr Which one...??? they seem identical! does anyone have these? Thanks! -Paul

POST 2Original post

I think the first one uses a material more like the factory which is the German A5 canvas... I would pick that one. I was going to do this as well but not a fan of the smaller rear window. The blind spot is bad enough with the large plastic window. David

POST 3Original post

You should find out who manufactures those ebay listed tops. I know GAHH makes aftermarket tops, and I think you can buy directly from them. Or, if you have an installer in mind, they may be able to order from GAHH.

POST 4Original post

I'd go for the smaller window. I never really have to worry about what I've left behind - more concerned about what's in front of me.

POST 5Original post

After flipping several coins, I recently had my '99's rear window replaced (the original was breaking away in the upper corners) rather than going all the way with a new top, headliner, etc. Only time will tell if this was a wise economic decision on my part. As you might suspect, the major cost here is the labor. Two shops in my area charge about $700 to remove/reinstall a 996 cabrio top (10-12 hours), and this process is required whether replacing the plastic window or installing a new top. On a positive note, my new sewn-in plastic window looks terrific, and my original top and headliner look even better now. FWIW: these fine OEM German cabrio tops have numerous hidden elastic straps, tensioning cables, various tabs w/weird fasteners, etc. Before buying an aftermarket replacement, talk with an actual customer and experienced installer to get frank feed back. relinuca

POST 6 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

thanks guys, does anyone else have any feedback or thoughts? The Gahh top seems a bit out of my price range, and these German Canvasse'd tops look identical. Anyone else have them? Thanks, Paul

POST 7Original post

Just found myself in the same position. When out for lunch and noticed that the rear window was delaminating on the bottom. If that's true about $700 in labor whether you fix or replace the top, it seems to make sense to replace it, no?

POST 8Original post

Just replaced mine a few weeks ago with Gahh brand. Top quality and same A5 canvas material as original factory unit. I decided to stay with plastic because of size versus glass and am very happy with tight look of canvas. The plastic window has a double row of stitching versus original that was just glued. Car looks newer because of new top!! Total cost incl. labor $2200.00. I would argue that spending 7 to 8 hundred on labor plus window cost to keep old canvas is not the best investment. Pete

POST 9Original post

Does anyone have any experience with AutoMat in Hicksville, NY?

POST 10Original post

The glue holding the plastic to the canvas came away on my 01 cab top as well. For reasons of pragmatism, went to a reputable coach works shop in vancouver and they suggested stitching and resealing since canvas and window in very good shape. Was quoted $700 to $800 for this. Option B was an entirely new factory top (with plastic window again) for $5000 or an aftermarket one for $2800! Would be nice to have a glass replacement for sure.

POST 11 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

I think I will be getting this glass-windowed top. Seems as his feedback is good - and people that write feedback had the actual tops put on 996's... -Paul

POST 12Original post

Quotes source post: 9719147

Which one did you decide on, you listed two links?

POST 13Original post

the photo used in their advertising is my 996. I love the glass window don't have the heating element word. Too much hassle. I did have it installed at the same place i bought it and can't be happier. http://outboundlink.me/ib.php?DR_id=200&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FPORSCHE-911-996-CONVERTIBLE-TOP-GLASS-WINDOW-OEM-A5-GERMAN-CANVAS-1999-2001-%2F270915854656%3Fpt%3DMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories%26hash%3Ditem3 f13d7e140%26vxp%3Dmtr&ibref=m.rennlist.com%2Frennforums%2Fshowthread.php %3Ft%3D698933&outtime=18378 Jan

POST 14Original post

My plastic window has separated at the bottom, about a foot wide near the center. I tried glueing and clamping with Automotive Goop and it mostly worked. To tell the truth I didn't spend a lot of time cleaning off the old glue - actually almost no time. I'm thinking of injecting more glue into the small part that is still loose. I was wondering if some black plastic rivets might hold it together a little better. The top is in pretty good shape despite being 12 years old. I'd like to get another couple of years out of it if I can. Has anyone had any experience with rivet guns like this one from Harbour Freight? http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-to...ets-97757.html If i have to bite the bullet and get a new top I will, but I'd prefer to defer it if I can.

POST 15Original post

Quotes source post: 9718343

So as mentioned, I elected to go with the stitching of the top around the window rather than spring for a new top for $5g. Both the top and the plastic were in really good shape. Here is the result for about $750. I'll see how it holds up over the next little while.

POST 16Original post

Quotes source post: 9739143

I'd go with the stitcher from harborfreight instead, and use some super-heavy-duty polyester thread. I did mine a few years ago, and it's still holding up. Here's my write-up .

POST 17Original post

everytime I buy something off ebay I get screwed. Something is missing, It doesnt fit right. Poor craftmanship.

POST 18Original post

Quotes source post: 9743713

Thanks. Will give that a try. I bought a riveter from H.F. but didn't realize that both sides wouldn't be flush, so I couldn't use it. Definitely good for fender liners though. I bought some heavy-duty nylon thread and some "repair" needles. It's really tough to get through all of the layers. My hands are killing me and I only was able to put in about 10 stitches. The awl you suggest looks like it will do a much better job.

POST 19Original post

Quotes source post: 9744641

I also bought some heavy-duty sewing machine needles (with the hole in the end), and used those with the sewing awl (although I bought the "handy-stitcher", not the one from harbor freight). The sewing machine needles were a better diameter for the application. Also, I used a running lock stitch, with an upper and lower thread. It's a lot of work, but it holds up. Good luck with the repair.

POST 20 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

I am for real ---- about to pull the trigger on this top. I still haven't! Crazy right?! well now that we're done with the winter I need to get this top right. Please advise if anyone has gotten one of these! Thanks, Paul

POST 21Original post

I'm having a new top put on next week but decided to go with the plastic window. $1,200 installed.

POST 22 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

boy oh boy --- now I am not only debating about which one to get off e-bay - but also on maybe staying with the plastic window is a better idea... ugh for the plastic window one - which tops (brands) have you guys selected? can someone post links? Thanks! Paul

POST 23Original post

Quotes source post: 10357696

They are using the GAHH for mine

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