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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHDetachable hard tops on 996
Leading reported evidence
Replace top
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
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0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I had the top replaced with GAHH A5 German canvas (OEM material) for about $1800.
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 'Clean cabrio water drains' (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
There are several great write-ups on cleaning cabrio water drains.
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Suggestion
I place a clean microfiber cloth on the plastic, then put the top down completely.
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Suggestion
Here in Maine I will use the hardtop in spring and fall, take it off for the summer.
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Suggestion
Some guys hang them and others use a storage cart.
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22 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Outcome without a verified action link
It worked but I wasn't happy with the results and I figured a 16 year old canvas top has had a good run.
Questions about the detachable hard tops.
I know they do not add rigidity to the car like the coupe does but aside from that when it comes to noise, warmth, feel, do they help to make the car more Coupe like. Also I would have no choice but to store outside - are they generally leak proof and weather proof.
Any down side to them
Thanks
I just picked one up last summer. Here is my observations. Definitely a bit quieter. Not sure on warmth, as I haven't used it in the cold, but I would guess it would be warmer as its better insulated. As far as feel, it is definitely significantly different. The first thing you will notice is the HUGE rear window. Much better rearward visibility. Second thing is the headroom. It is taller inside, giving greater headroom. Some have complained about squeaks and rattles, but I haven't had any issues with this. I did experience some rubbing of the paint after a day at the track, but likely down to adjustment...I hope. Next time I think I'll put some PPF under the seal surface.
Overall, I'm quite happy with it. It gives me a different feel to the car, improved headroom and sense of security for track days, and a backup plan should the complex mechanical roof ever fail. Is it a $4000 improvement? Nope. But for under $1000, I personally think its well worth it.
Hope this helps.
Agreed on all of the above. Definitely quieter, and I think a little warmer but our cars have good heaters so not a big deal. They can rattle, but that can be minimized with rubber dressing on all of the rubber seals when you put the top on. I like mine on the car. Also yes, should be completely weather proof - BUT - you still need to make sure that your rear drains are clear. Water still drains under the “lid” that raises even with the hard top on. If your drains are clogged you will potentially still get water in the car. There are several great write-ups on cleaning cabrio water drains. And if you have an early 996 you will now have cloths hangers! (Early cabrio’s don’t have the cloths hooks on the seat backs).
Daryll
+1 Our car is substantially quieter (Road noise) with the hard top vs the soft,
on a really cold day the top of my head feels warmer with the hard top on, mine creaks a bit when going
over a steep curb or slowly over a larger speed hump. Other than that it doesn't creek.
About 4" more headroom. (Wild guess)
Really hard rain can get in if you don't take care of the drains religiously,,
there are several threads about Porsche leaks on here..
All the above is accurate...the headroom, the window, etc. Here in Maine I will use the hardtop in spring and fall, take it off for the summer.
When you say "storing it outside", do you mean the hardtop alone or the car with the hardtop on it? Assuming the latter...
Mine came with a hardtop and it is definitely a nice piece to have. I put mine on during the winter as I usually just leave the top down during nice weather. You might get a few more squeaks and rattles but that is about the biggest drawback I can think of.
I have a hardtop for my cab as well, but really haven�t used it much, I live in SE Texas. Question - do you have concerns about long term wrinkles or issues with your soft top staying folded down for months on end?
My hardtop only comes off a few times a year. My soft top will obviously stay in the closed position for months. Whwn i use it it looks to be in perfect condition. I am more concerned with hyro issues more than the soft tops condition. Just my .02
When you are putting the top down to add the hardtop, stop the process halfway and make sure the top and plastic window are folding properly. I place a clean microfiber cloth on the plastic, then put the top down completely. I've never had any issues with creases or damaged plastic window.
I always put mine on in the winter. Definitely makes it warmer and quieter. The glass window is a nice benefit and I find it impressive that the rear-window defogger works just by mounting it on the car - another nice benefit. I've had no issues with water ingress but it definitely squeaks going over bumps. Will try some rubber treatment next time I install it. It is a bit cumbersome to install by yourself but can be done. I would definitely recommend it if the car needs to be parked outside.
Winter set up with hard top and 17" wheels
Mine delaminated a few years ago and I followed a DIY to reglue it. It worked but I wasn't happy with the results and I figured a 16 year old canvas top has had a good run. I had the top replaced with GAHH A5 German canvas (OEM material) for about $1800. I could have opted for glass (for a couple hundred more) but I stayed with plastic due to the small size of the glass window. The original plastic windows were only glued in. The new ones are glued and double stitched, so they shouldn't delaminate in the future. Putting a new top on made the car look new.
Just my opinion, but I think having a hardtop for a cab is the best of both worlds. I drove about 350 miles each way years ago to get mine in the correct color (Ocean Blue Metallic) for my 99' cab, and couldn't be happier with the decision. It's on it right now and will be for a little longer into the year. And when it's tightened down and the mating surfaces are clean, it's not creaky/noisy at all going down the road. Mine doesn't leak water into the cabin from any of the mating areas, and it's definitely a little quieter inside compared to the soft top.
The only drawback that I can think of is storage when it's off the car. Some guys hang them and others use a storage cart. I've always kept mine in an extra bedroom wrapped in blankets to keep it safe from mishaps and not steal garage space.
Do you have a shot from the rear to see those exhaust tips straight on,
How Is the upkeep on them?
My single outlets look good and take effort to keep clean, but I like that look better.
Thank
Mike
This is my issue. I took my hard top off 3 years ago and it hasn't been put back on since. Just taking up space in the garage, I am leaning towards selling it.
$1800 seems like a good price, I will have to call around and get some quotes. I am fine with the plastic as well, glass is nice but if it is smaller I would prefer the visibility honestly.
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
