Mike951

is the covering boot necessary on a cab? in the owners manual it specifically states "do not drive with top down without covering boot installed"... do you really need it?

thanks
mike

FRporscheman

My dad constantly drives his 993 cab with the top down, and he doesn't even own a cover boot. There's no damage or harm to anything.

Luis de Prat

Sorry, but what kind of explanation for not using a tonneau are you giving here? Just because he doesn't own one doesn't mean it's not needed. How long has he been driving the 993 like that? The purpose of the tonneau is to extend the life of the top, window, liner and seals, which are very expensive to replace.

More specifically, the main reasons for covering the folded back top with the tonneau or cover in the 944S2/968 cabs are:

#1 Protects the rear window from rubbing against the top of the rear seat backrests and forming the tell tale "white line" across the entire window which will NOT come out without replacing the window.

#2 Protects the headliner from bugs, tar, stains, and the elastic fasteners from pulling away from the convertible top frame and sagging later with the top up.

#3 Protects the convertible top seals from direct air, sun and heat. These are extremely expensive to replace and cannot be reused. If you check prices for new ones from Porsche you'll understand what I mean.

In summary, like the owner's manual says, for quick jaunts around town you can get away with not using the tonneau, but for highway driving or operating the car with the top down for extended periods it's always best to cover the folded top or it will soon deteriorate and replacement parts are very costly. YMMV

Darryl92Cab

+1 ^

I never drive top down without the boot cover.

- Darryl

User 41221

+2... In addition to the reasons listed above, the main reason is that the support member is made out of aluminum and will subjected to stress if the cover isn't in place, and will weaken in time. When it breaks, the part is very expensive.

Regards,