996 cab top replacement

ecraig8 · 09-01-2008, 05:03 PM

Anyone tried to replace the convertable top? (outer sikn with window) How difficult is it? Any recommendation on where to buy a new one?

Thanks!

Mookster · Mookster's Garage

I am no expert in this area...

Based on the April, 2007 Crash Manual, outer top fabric $2140.67 (99-01), $1913.14 (00-04). I think the difference is if you have a glass/plastic rear window. 9 hours to install.

I have been told there are after market tops for the 996s, I have not seen one. Are they any better, l do not know? Maybe some will chime in.

Dealers will normally farm this job out to an upholstery shop.

My suggestion is to take your vehicle to specialty shop that replaces convertible tops and allow them to do this job. This is not a job you want to screw up yourself.

If you do go after market post picks.

Good luck

dwhs · dwhs's Garage

I'm thinking about doing this myself as well. I have lots of free time and I'm handy.

I just need a tutorial or how to somewhere.

Any ideas where to get information on this?

Travis84 · 06-14-2012, 08:57 AM

dwhs,

do you have a plastic window or glass? From porsche the plastic window comes separate and needs to be "glued" in, which i would highly not recommend trying yourself. Porsche has a special tool that clamps the seam for it to seal while it is "hot glued" in place. Either way, if you replace the top fabric yourself, NEVER close the top all the way without the window in place or it will stretch and new window wont seal...

minhnugen · 06-18-2012, 12:05 PM

I just replaced mine with an aftermarket top. It's a Robbins Top. Exact OEM fitment and quality. I highly recommend this if you want to safe some money. I used an auto upholstery shop for installation because it's a very difficult DIY project. I wouldn't recommend doing it yourself unless you have some serious skills in convertible tops. It took the guy a good 9-12 hours to complete.

superglide · 06-29-2012, 10:32 PM

Just did this on my '04 C4S. Went from black (this is summer in Tucson), to a nice medium tan. Hartz cloth in twill, had to reuse the glass window, but fits like a glove... This is my second successful (as far as fit & completeness) top from Auto Top Factory, in the Los Angeles area. Their contact info can be found on ebay. Best top & upholstery shop in Tucson gives their product an A++. $430 to my door and $400 for install. An excellent outcome, again. I'm sure that there's similar suppliers as good, but the drive away price was easy to swallow... Best of Luck,
Andy

MilleChick · 07-01-2012, 12:08 AM

The plastic window on my cab has separated from the top and needs to be replaced/repaired. I was told I have to replace the whole top. There is another option for sewing a new window in, but I don't really want to risk it looking like crap when it's done. Has anyone had experience with or seen such a repair.

This really sucks because my top and rear window are still in amazing shape. I've been so proud of how clear the plastic still looks and I have to replace it.

Another question....it's possible to replace the top and get a glass window. For those of you with the glass.....how is the visibility? It's quite a bit smaller than the plastic window.

djantlive · 07-01-2012, 10:20 AM

an upholstery shop should be able to repair that window. sewing would be a better option than glue alone. i would get it done and it should be a few hundred bucks 2-3 hrs labor

MilleChick · 07-23-2012, 08:52 PM

Thanks. I keep seeing people talking about stitching, but I'm 99% certain mine is only glued from the factory and there is no stitching. I did find a guy that does all the work for a Porsche dealership nearby. So, I will trust (almost completely) that they are reputable and will do a good job. I'm being told it will be $600 ish. He's only seen photos, but it's a 3+ hour drive to get to him. Can't drive there til I get my darn ignition fixed....and it's gone from "2 days" to "4-5 weeks" for the part. UGH! I keep telling myself, "I love the car, I love the car, I love the car."