996 Cab Maintenance & should I buy a hard-top?

Having recently acquired my first ever cabriolet, I'm looking for any advice regards general maintenance and care. Should I be using any specific cleaning products and paying particular attention to anything during a wash/wax etc?, I'm guessing I should avoid a pressure washer! Also the car didn't come with a hard-top which seems a bit unusual for a 996 cab, however the hood is in great condition, no leaks squeaks or creeks, so I don't feel like I need a hard-top, unless it'll save me through the winter months (currently planning to use it as a daily driver). Looking at costs for a cabriolet roof re-fit it looks to be around the £500 mark, so on the basis a hard top would cost similar, do I just run with the soft-top until such time as I need it re-conditioned/covered??

Phil, hi ref cost of hardtop have seen them as low as£250. Biggest issue is storing during summer months mines in a bag hanging from roof of garage. Mines not a daily driver so don't really use during winter. Ref cleaning don't pressure wash roof, best proofer I've used is Fabsil Gold, easy to apply by brush after cleaning. Gives superb results beads like wax on panels and a lot cheaper than the supposed treatments from Autoglym and the like. Have fun with the car??

Depends on how much you like the roof down 2 Problems with Hardtop 1. Where do you keep it when off car 2. During UK winters there are often times when the weather is great and with a hard top you cant put the roof down. The 996 is not the best QUIET open top in the world. BMW 3 series is superb (120 across Glen Coe with no wind in cockpit) but you can drop the roof down when you like an the roves are very good on the water cooled Porsches

Hi Phil, Im on my first 996 Cab too, (Aug 2017) and wanted a hard top. Glad in a way, I dont, 2 reason, as stated above: 1, unless you have the room to store, its a hassle and two person job for on and off 2, my winter use with top down was a bit more than the summer as we had some great sunny, but cold days. Ive kept the wind deflector in the car for this exact reason as it kept it alot warmer when top was down and makes alot of difference. Im also on the lookout for a great sealer, as my hood doesnt repel that well ATM

If you do need hardtop two on gumtree at the moment for around £225. Best to reproof hood is Fabsil Gold, not found anything better. Easy to apply and far cheaper than the specialist products.

Looking on Amazon, there are aerosols and a 1 or 5 litre option for Fabsil Gold. Go for the spray can, or the 1l of liquid (I assume it'd get brushed on, in liquid form?) Thanks

Thanks for the tips guy's I'm going to stick with the soft top I think, but will treat it with Fabsil soon, when I get the chance to give it a good clean. No issues with water ingress so far, save for drips when you open the door! If I buy the Fabsil can, I was planning on using a spray bottle to apply an even coat, any suggestions on how to apply appreciated...

Guys buy the can not aerosol, it's easy to apply by brush and soaks in. The aerosol will get everywhere

Sorry, last query, is it the Waterproofer we need, not the Universal Protector? Ta

No problem I used the universal protector, I think Amazon was the cheapest when I bought it. Don't need a huge amount like applying water. You will be surprised how the water beads on your roof after treating

Hi Phil, Sorry to be a bit late to this party but I've bought three cabs now (987 Boxster, 997 C4S and a 997 PDK turbo) and have had no problems at all with rag tops. For cleaning purposes try the Autoglym soft-top cleaner, which is excellent, and then seal using Fabsil Gold. Definitely use the can version and apply two liberal coats with a brush - one coat in one direction, then another in the opposite direction. You'll need two brushes - a large one for the main areas and a smaller one for the edges. As has already been stated, using the aerosol causes terrible over-spray, which is a right pain to clean up, especially on the glass. A big thanks to the chap at the DW Performance coffee morning a few weeks ago who put me on to Fabsil Gold. It's an amazing product. It not only waterproofs the fabric beautifully but darkens up the fabric leaving it looking like new. I've just got home after a long run in torrential rain today (not like me with my usual garage queen mentality!) and the cab top was completely dry to the touch. As for the hard tops, I'm not a big fan. I think they somehow spoil the overall lines of the car. The cabriolet roof is fine in all weathers, as long as it's maintained a couple of times a year. I tend to avoid directly using a pressure washer on it, unless I'm going through the aforementioned cleaning process. Every few weeks when giving the car a maintenance wash I'll gently wipe the roof down with a soft sponge to remove any light dust or city grime. And enjoy the great weather we've been promised in a few days! Simon

Hi Simon, didn't take you long to try it ?? Glad your pleased with it I can't fault the results. Had a lot of cabs over the years and wish I'd known about this before in my view it's the best waterproofer I've used. if anyone needs a hardtop mount to store against a wall drop me a PM. I have a Porsche one but not enough wall space to use it so put mine in the bag style storage and hung it in the roof ?? Once applied leave the roof up until it's fully dry, enjoy the car ??

Okay, so this was just ordered, correct one? https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002UG8IQK/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mark, yes that's the one. I have reserved the hardtop mount for you, thanks for other enquireys but afraid Mark beat you all to it ??

Hi Geoff, Ah, so it was you that I spoke to at DW. Apologies but I didn't get your name on the day. Yes, as soon as I arrived home I ordered a tin. What brilliant stuff! I tried using the Autoglym stuff on a Boxster I used to own and the stuff was a nightmare to get off the glass. Thanks for the tip! Simon

Okay, so without going too OT, (but it is about Cab Maintenance so, technically still OT) I applied the Fabsil Gold tonight, and despite my Mrs coming home and saying 'Bloody hell, open the garage door man, that f***ing stinks in here, wooooaaaahhh' I seemed to go okay. It did darken the hood slightly too (so far) which I'm pleased about. Should be well dry for the morning to apply the other direction coat, before I want to test the beading, as I may give it a clean before Sunday (despite only doing 20 odd miles yesterday after the battery change) since its last clean, just to test the beading, as the hood will undoubtedly get a little wet. So far, looking good though, thanks for the tip

I'm glad it went relatively okay. I must admit I didn't notice the smell as I did my rag top outside. It can't be any worse, surely, as some of the wheel cleaners currently on the market. Now they do get my girlfriend complaining about the smell. And that's outside too! Anyway, the last week has been perfect cabriolet weather. I'm taking my car out for a blast tomorrow and can't wait. Rain seems a distant memory at the moment, but I'm sure it won't last.

Morning Simon, Its not that it 'smelt', it was more, when she stuck her head inside the side door, it was 'fumes' more like solvents and once Id stepped outside, I should have defo left the main door open, as well as the side door. Its definitely not as bad as a stronger, more solvent based product is, I'm sure, as people wouldn't be able to sleep in a tent with it if it was that potent, I'm sure it'd also be more a fire hazard, but hey, I'm no chemist. Coat two has now been applied this morning, in the 'other direction' going door to door, as opposed to yesterdays back to front. FWIW if anyone is interested, my tips for applying Fabisil Gold: Items needed: 2 or 3 paintbrushes of varying size (defo a large and small for sure). I only used the 1/2 inch and 2 1/2 inch, but a inbetween size, maybe an inch may be better for the sides) Tub/pot to empty Fabisil into (dont fill it too much) Fabisil Gold https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002UG8IQK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Minimum 2 clean cloths (one for immediate splash/over run and should be kept on your person or within reach of the area you are working, the other for finishing and wiping hood down, as per instructions) Space and shade . Even though I did this in a fairly large single garage, I was slightly restricted one side. It doesn't say apply out of direct sunlight, but I would apply in the shade/indoors rather than direct sunlight, as it'll dry too quick and 'may' leave it patchy Application: I started in the centre of the roof (moving towards the windscreen, and drivers door), with strokes bonnet to boot, a small area at a time. I started with the larger brush to cover more area. Once I reached the windscreen, about an inch away, I moved to the smaller 1/2 inch brush. On the edges (especially where the roof curves at the sides and front), this can run if the brush has too much liquid on. This is where you need your first cloth, to wipe any excess off, that is on any glass or bodywork. It doesnt instantly dry on glass/paint, but will be tricky to remove if left, so wipe away asap if you can. A moment or two wont hurt, just don't finish a 'section' before you do. Each time I started a new 'box' using the roof bars inside as my guide to sections, I over ran the previous wet bit, to ensure nothing dried patchy. The seams I used the smaller brush for each time, to minimise splash and also get into the seams easier. Once I'd finished the driver side 'half', I continued around the rear windscreen and then passenger rear quarter, before moving from rear to front down the passenger side. Continuing to do as many of my strokes front to back as possible. On areas around the sills and windows, it may be that both coats are front to back, as its easier to apply (depends on how steady your hands are) Once I'd finished, the instructions say to wipe the surface (second cloth) I'm sure this is so that it spreads it and makes sure its a uniform finish, as well as soaking up excess so that drying times are about 6 hours. Dues to the heat in the garage yesterday, Id say mine was dry after about 4 hours, but I'd leave it overnight before re-applying or using the car, to be safe. Advice: Dont over load the brush. Its too easy to splash Dont rush. Each coat took me about an hour, I will slow it down next time Clean cloths are essential Next time, I'll put newspaper closed into the side windows and close them up, to reduce glaze splash Hope this helps anyone that doesn't use it already. Thanks, Mark

Great write up Mark. I use Fabsil Gold on my wife's Audi cabrio and it's brilliant stuff. I tend to allow an overnight dry in a garage prior to applying the second coat/using the car. Water beads and rolls off nicely once it's all dry. On a related note, when cleaning the soft top. I tend to use the Autoglym cabrio cleaner after vacuuming the roof in both directions to lift the pile and remove any dust/leaves etc. The other thing I found quite good is to use a Milton steriliser mix to kill off any early signs of green, typically in the seams of the roof or in any other nooks and crannies.

Thank you. It's the first time Ive done anything like it. I probably should have mentioned the prep, as I actually used the AutoGlym Cleaner and Protector pack over the winter, and the cleaner worked well, but the protector was next to useless IM, but, I did only do one application and also, did two coats for Fabsil. Good tip on the Milton too, thanks Having got the roof wet when cleaning after Sunday Scramble, I can confirm the water beads off very well. The rear driver quater however, did not seem to bead as well, nor the front of the roof as well as other areas, so I think Im going to try a third quote

Mark Thanks for this, I too have just bought my first cabriolet and have now ordered some Fabsil Gold on yours and the others recommendation. As my car is parked outside most of the time I did buy a simple yet effective roof cover for £50 which just bungees round the front and back underside of the car. It takes seconds to fit and folds up to nothing for easy storage. I put this on every night for a bit of extra protection from the elements and birds and so far so good, it's not blown away in strong wind and even better has not been nicked !! Looking forward to some decent sunshine now

Glad I could help, it's good stuff! Looking at your pic, it looks like it's a cloth/similar hood, so just make sure you read the labels Word of warning with those covers and bungee cords, in case you're not aware, in high winds (sometimes even low) they can rub the paint and/or cause damage(either the hood or cords flapping about), so just be mindful. Depending on the material used and areas they are located, might be worth wrapping the cords in a soft cloth.

OK, Will bear that in mind but they do seem quite soft but I guess any dirt, even on a soft cloth will still scratch.

Hi, I don't have a garage but keep my car stored in a carcoon over the winter to protect it from the elements. I can' recommend the carcoon enough. It trickle charges the battery really efficiently and the car comes out as clean as it was when I put it away. Takes about 10 minutes to remove if you want to use the car. Gerry

Thanks for the 'heads up' on the Fabsil Gold - I ordered some and did my roof over the weekend - it has come up like new. This is the first time in my 11 years of ownership that I have treated the roof, and despite not having any problems, I am sure that I can now look forward to good performance for the future. I have even got enough over to do the tent for the next camping holiday ! Chris

Hi All, not sure if it’s relevant to this section but you all have had experience with convertibles so worth a shot. I purchased a 2004 996 Turbo Cab with hardtop clip (FYI they rattle & make noice so my one will not be going back on) and I now have the joy of putting the up & down with the Porsche or do I? Press the button on Porsche key fob at the bottom right and all windows drop, roof goes down and front windows go back up..... FANTASTIC. Press the button again and sure enough front windows drop roof comes up and then ................... NOTHING, I assume the windows are meant to go up. I have had a look on google and the usual forums and no one seems to have any answers. Does anyone else have this issue of the windows not going up via the keyfob when closing the roof & if so what the fix pretty please?