83 Cabriolet top replacement

Platiporsch · 09-25-2003, 06:37 PM

Im ready to replace my top,ive had a new german happich top laying around for a year now. I removed the old one taking notes and photos, im confident that i can do this as i have replaced tops on other cars before, just looking for any helpful tips from those experienced at Porsche tops .thanks

Platiporsch · 09-25-2003, 07:56 PM

Bump

Platiporsch · 09-26-2003, 08:07 AM

bump

cab83_750 · 09-26-2003, 11:35 AM

I have an '83 and was attempted to perform a DIY. However, I believe 3 have tried and seem to have problems with 'wrinking'. One was finally successful after trashing 2 sets.

Search the archives. I am still waiting for one successful one. Note that another person mentioned that he had been successful replacing a VW top and wanted to know if his skills can be applied on a Porsche. John Walker said that "if you could replace a VW top, you could replace a Porsche top."

I finally had mine professionally done and opted for the 993 top. Much, much better looking and more streamlined. The minus was the blind-spot inherent with the 993 top.

Good luck!

cab83_750 · 09-26-2003, 11:39 AM

Here is mine:

Platiporsch · 09-26-2003, 11:57 AM

Who did your top?

caliber60 · 09-26-2003, 12:45 PM

87 cab needs new top

vesnyder · vesnyder's Garage

Is teh difference between the 993 and other tops that the rear window wraps around on the SC and Carrera top and not on the others? I guess the 993 tops fit fine?

cab83_750 · 09-26-2003, 01:23 PM

The standard one has the zipper-thingy, and yes, it wraps around. It was amazing how I took for granted the extra 'wrap clear' section. With this being gone on the 993 top, I was forced to buy the 'panoramic' mirror just to be 'somewhat safe' in cicumventing the 'blind spot.'

Forfi did my top and I think he is in El Segundo area. I saw his shop, full of Porsche seats, tops, etc. He 'rents' a shop somewhat-inside a Porsche body shop. I understand he is 'mobile.'

cab83_750 · 09-26-2003, 01:26 PM

the SC top has the wrap around. Pay attention to this type of top and you will note that even though the fit is good, there would always be 'wrinkles' around the main piece (non-window piece).

Would I go for the standard version? No. Only when, and if, my son takes over the car. And for safety reasons only.

Thomas Owen · 09-26-2003, 01:37 PM

I did mine as well. Results were perfect, no wrinkles. It can take much more work than you imagine.

Platiporsch · 09-26-2003, 01:50 PM

Thomas do you have any tips.

yelcab1 · 09-26-2003, 02:12 PM

I have 1 tip and 1 observation.

Tip: fit the top 1" shorter, with the top slightly open and unlatched, so that when you finally latch it, it stretches tight.

Observation: on wet day, rain or when the top is wet, the fabric stretches. So, my guess is if you fit the top when fabric is wet, after it dries out, it is very tight, No wrinkles.