Has anyone replaced the convertible top on their '97-99 Boxster? What top did you purchase, where did you purchase it, how much did it cost and how much did it cost to have it installed if you didn't DIY? Did you go with plastic or glass window and if you replaced plastic with glass what do you think of the glass over the plastic? Did you have any issues after it was installed? Any other observations about the top are welcome. Thanks in advance!
Try
PedrosBoard
if you haven't found your answer here. That board has owners from when Porsche 1st launched the car in 98 (or was it 97?). A few folks have done replacements using OEM and aftermarket manufacturers. G'luck!
It doesn't appear that very many early Boxster owners have replaced their tops as I've struck out on four different web sites. Most appear to have just replaced the plastic window which is an option as the rest of my top appears to be ok. I was offered a lot of used tops from spec Boxster owners but I can't see replacing a 12 year old top with another 12+ year old top.
I have a 2001S. The top was in good condition, as was the plastic window. Then someone stuck a key through the vinyl, and it needed repair. A local company quoted on replacing the vinyl, but in the end it was actually the same cost to have a complete top replaced as the insurance company were picking up the tab. In the end I had a Robbins top with glass rear window installed. This was 2 1/2 weeks ago.
The Robbins looks good and the only addition was the headliner from my original top. The advantage of a glass window (no more keying!), and which is also heated, made this a no-brainer. The window is smaller to compensate for the folding vinyl original.
The top was installed by a local pro, and I was advised to leave it up for 2 weeks. The material needs to stretch. Well, it needs longer than 2 weeks as there is a gap of about 1/2" when the roof goes up, and clamping needs a firm hand to secure the hook. I am a little anxious about the extra force on the hook at this stage, so am not using it a lot for a further week or two. Anyone here with experience or advice?
In summary, the Robbins looks exactly the same with the exception of the glass window being smaller than the original vinyl one. In driving this makes no difference at all, and in looks I really cannot say that I would have noticed if I did not know about the difference.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Thanks Derek for responding. I've gotten two bids from local shops and although they are a bit higher than the Bay area I've decided to go with one of them just so I don't have to drive for an hour or more to get a problem fixed. Both have indicated they prefer the GAAH top and I've also decided to go with a window. Both are at $1650 installed so I'll be moving ahead with this in a few weeks.
The balls that hold the rear of the top down which you unhook for service mode are adjustable. If you are really worried about how hard the top is to close then you can loosen the tension on the top easily.
