BradleyD

I own an '83 911 Cabriolet and am in the process of doing some refreshing. Thanks for all of your posts, I'm learning a lot. Quick question...I'm looking into replacing the top on my car, and one of the recommended shops suggested replacing the stock german top with a 993 one-piece top. Has anyone done this? Thoughts? Will it affect value? Any good shops in the stockton/Sacramento/Foothills area?

Also...I'm looking for a good detailer to fix some of the road rash in the front. Any recommendations in the Stockton/Sacramento/Foothills area?

whalebird

I am not 100% clear what you mean by a 993 one-piece top. Are you refering to the 993 Targa section? or another type/pattern of fabric?
Either way, I would be reluctant to try anything other than the original German fabric made for your car but I have never heard of this, so maybe someone else will chime in here.

BradleyD

I found what appears it appears to be on:

http://www.worlduph.com/porsche5.htm
CONVERTIBLE TOP: 1983-94 Cabriolet; 993 Style, 1 piece top, non zippered window #911 3011 STF canvas

Anyone ever had it installed. How does it look? Is it easier to put up and down since there is no rear zipper?

Damien Lewis

Its quite common actually and looks pretty good...I had the choice to do the same with my '89 Cab but in the end opted for the original look vs. the updated 993 look. I'm glad I went with the original...however its a matter of personal choice - do what you like best - both tops are of the same quality material and will provide a very fresh look for your 911.

Good Luck!

whalebird

OK, now i get it. I think that is pretty cool. I don't think I would have any objections as an owner/buyer.
I will say that I have had to replace the rear window(soft plastic) in a 996 on a couple of occasions and it's no fun as it is glued in and you have to melt the glue with electric current blah blah blah. But the sewn-in looks cool.
I like the updated look myself.

BradleyD

Cool! Does anyone have any pictures of how theres turned out? I'd love to see it what it looks like with the updated look.

bxtech

The 993 top will definitely work on an older frame. I installed one on a 1985 frame which came out decent. I'm not sure how this will affect value........but I would imagine that some would consider it a negative since it's not original.

However, it really comes down to self preference and what YOU like. If resale of your car is your "top" thing, you might re-consider. I personally like the 993 top style, but the opening rear window of the earlier tops is a nice feature too!

BradleyD

I just would hate to turn my car into some of the 911's I've seen that have body kits that look like a junior high kid took it to mechanic shop class.

I'm also going to add bilstein hd's, 930 turbo tie rod ends, and maybe have it lowered a little. Any other suggestions?

BradleyD

Here are a few pictures of my '83 sc cab.

JBrown

I did it and it is very nice. I like it alot better than the original style. I can probably dig up some pics tomorrow and post them.

JBrown

Mine also the German canvas and I have had it on for about 8 yrs and is still looks perfect.

BradleyD

I would love to see your pictures.

fat cab

one piece top on an 88

JBrown

scary how similiar.

BradleyD

Thanks for the pictures.

As far as fabric...what about twill? Has anyone used it? There seems to be a general consensus that German is better than the Stayfast, but as I've been doing research it seems a lot of the convertible top shops prefer the twill. Thoughts?