Replacing convertible top rear window

boyo · 11-04-2002, 02:57 PM

OK, so it appears Porsche recommends replacing the entire top when the rear window goes bad. But can I really justify a $600 (after market) to $2500 (OEM) expense to replace a $25 piece?

[RANT]What the heck Porsche!? Like a $2 zipper would have killed ya!?[/rant]

My '97 window went CRACK last week, after about 6 months of threatening to go. Rain is coming soon, so I need to get this replaced - and after having just spent $800 on other stuff (tires, alignment, etc.) need to get this fixed inexpensively.

I've found a local place that sells the raw material, and will be attempting to sew in a replacement myself. Anyone attempted this, and can provide insights/how-to tips? Thanks!

-Boyo

Zeke · 11-04-2002, 08:53 PM

Hey, your signature never mentioned your Boxster! But now I remember that you had one because we both have old jeeps. Mine is a '44 GPW, but that's another subject.

I would be in agreement that the widow should be replaceable. But not by a DIY'r. Let me know how it goes, mine will need it too before the top gives up.

boyo · 08:37 PM

Yup, unfortunately the Boxster won't be with me much longer... Parenthood dictates a car that sits at least 3 people!

Here's the results so far...picked up the vinyl material at the local Tap Plastics store for $25 a sheet (22"x54"x40 mils). Using some thick thread, and some heavy duty needles... Voila! Quick scan of hand stitching a piece of thick cloth to a scrap of the material.

That's right, I got all the dates in high school home economics class...

Only problem is this took 10 minutes. The whole top is looking like a 4 hour sewing job, plus I'd need to be sitting above the engine to get access... Oh well, it's going to be a long rainy weekend anyway!

Now looking into ways to partially remove the top before sewing...

Still deciding if it needs a backing. Then some sort of seam sealer from REI (tent seam sealer works wonders), and it'll be waterproof. $30 in cost, 4+ hours labor. Wouldn't recommend this job to the average DIYer, but I'm going to attempt it...

-Boyo

s2per · s2per's Garage

We had the same thing happen last year. Fortunately, I found a shop nearby that specialized in P-cars (I pulled in between 2 beautiful 356s undergoing interior restos). $375 later, I had a new window stitched into the existing top. The guy actually left the "welded" seam of the window in the top and sewed the new window over it.
The new window is slightly thicker material and benefits from a helpful gentle "Chop" when the car has been out of the sun and the top's going down. Not a big thing, though.

boyo · 11-09-2002, 08:42 PM

About halfway through now - removing the old window and the welded seam was easy. Getting the new window lined up and ready to sew in was harder than it looked! Took about 3 hours, and some duct tape.

Got the entire bottom seam sewed, and it looks great. Finish up tomorrow... $30 and 6 hours work total cost.

-Boyo

Tool Pants · 11-12-2002, 04:40 PM

I think this is great and would like to see pictures of the window when it is in progress and done. Please post them here or email them to me - please. You will have to figure a way to seal the window to the top so that water does not seep in. Jeff

58cab · 10-24-2003, 01:23 AM

I take the top off the frame, and sew in new plastic. I even use the green tinted stuff. The only way you can tell it's been replaced is there are 2 stitch lines around it. I Have done probably over a hundred of these jobs, and there are some plastic parts that may need to be replaced as well, I keep those on hand just in case. I'll post a picture if you want.
If you want to keep your rear plastic window nice, stop the top from collapsing about 1/4 to 1/2 way down, and get out of the car and give the window a little help by pressing the wrinkle, and never attempt to operate the top in cold weather! (below 60 deg)

ettsn · 10-24-2003, 12:01 PM

Any shop that specializes in custom marine canvas can replace a rear window too. A convertible top is very similar to yacht canvas, and I imagine replacing a window could be done for less than a couple hundred (for those of us not so home-ec inclined).

-Paul

58cab · 10-24-2003, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ettsn
Any shop that specializes in custom marine canvas can replace a rear window too. A convertible top is very similar to yacht canvas, and I imagine replacing a window could be done for less than a couple hundred (for those of us not so home-ec inclined).

-Paul

Paul. If you could find a canvas shop who is familiar with porsches, that might be true. We get $700.00.

cintoboxster · 12-13-2003, 08:27 AM

Hi there,

I guess we're all cursed with the back window issue....
My back window just cracked and I'm looking for a shop that could replace the back window. My car is in Stow, MA, but I could ship out the whole top to whichever shop that has experience doing this.
Thanks!

58cab · 05-11-2004, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tool Pants
I think this is great and would like to see pictures of the window when it is in progress and done. Please post them here or email them to me - please. You will have to figure a way to seal the window to the top so that water does not seep in. Jeff

Here's some before and after shots.

I left the stain there so you can tell it's the same car! As you can see, the only difference is that there are 2 stitch lines instead of one.