'03 convertible top upgrade

[touringmandan]

Has anyone retrofitted a convertible top with a glass rear window to an early 986?
I have an '03 986S and the soft rear window is failing. Can I install a complete top from a later 986 with the glass rear window? What years will work? Is there a year or years that works better?
Thank you, Dan in NC 704-993-8335 cell

[Jim & Kim 986]

The plastic rear window in my factory 2001 986 soft top is brown and split. When winter ended a couple of years ago I just left the hardtop on the car. There are many sources for aftermarket soft tops with glass windows.

While I like having the hardtop and it's rear window defroster, I do miss the convertible, except on really hot days. The hardtop seals very well and there is no wind noise and I actually think it looks better than the soft top.

The car is 19 years old and needs a paint job, which is planned for this spring. After the paint job (with a color change) is complete, I'll replace the soft top, with a glass window/defroster to compliment the new color.

There are lots of articles and videos on the subject.

[lkchris]

Original post is confusing, as 2003 and 2004 986 came from factory with glass window soft top.

In any event, it's easy to install a factory glass window soft top on earlier models, but you do need the frame as well as the canvas, as the later style has one more rib.

There are aftermarket tops for the earlier cars as well, but should check to see if you can get the top in service position.

The factory top with the extra rib looks much better than the original soft window style.

[mikefocke]

Yes you can

https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/installinga%2703-%2704glasstopandframeona%2797


but follow the links at the bottom of the page for instructions.