mrbill_fl

Hello, I'm looking at buying a 90K 968 that needs a new (cab) top.


-anything specific to look at before buying?

and recommendations on replacemtent cab top?

-what does it cost to buy, and labor to replace?

-also, the center console glove box (center map pocket) is cracked... will any 944 console fit this car?

it also has cracked rt front fog light... ($350 at paragon parts) will a 993 or 944 fog fit this car?)

Thanks!

adrian_jaye

hi,

uk new top fitted around £400-500
centre console 44 should fit
lights I think are only 968

CurtP

I'm not familiar with whom manufactures replacement tops for these cars, but I'd only buy one made from Haartz cloth. And wash it using an OXO feather-tip wash brush (http://www.autogeek.net/featwasbrus.html). Maintain it with Raggtopp fabric cleaner and Raggtopp fabric protectant.

I'm sure a Haartz cloth top will cost more, but if you plan on keeping and enjoying the car, it's worth it.

josephsc

Just yesterday, someone on a different forum reported spending $2.6k on new Robbins top (ie originial parts supplier), headliner & install. Another person reported buying a German top on eBay ($450) and paid $500 to install.

mrbill_fl

I heard the german cloth could be found in the 750-900 range but labor could run 20 hours.

is top replacement something an average wrench can do? or best left to professionals?



-any other advise on buying a 90k mile 968 ?

PorscheDude1

Check the cam teeth, cam pads and see if it had the pinion bearing serviced.

rickb20

Lookup nickg over on the 968 list. He's the resident cab expert.

Jfrahm

Tops are $400-$500, installation I have heard is about the same money. It's a lot of labor.
I thought about seeing if a Miata top installer could help replace my top sometime for cash, I have heard there are some skilled Miata top installers in most communities.

The top seals can cost a bunch so make sure they are OK and that the installer does not damage them.

968 fog/driving lights are not the same as any 944 part. Used lenses are likely to turn up from time to time.

If the console storage lid has a broken hinge, that is common 85.5+ 944/968 part and it's $25 or so. The cover for it is a lot more, if that is damaged it might cost $100 for a new one. A used one might be cheap if you can find the right color.

At 90K you are heading towards a proper refresh of the variocam system, IMO that should include a cam chain, and that requires that the cams come out. Best to do that before 125k, if you let it go too long the cam teeth can get worn and bad things will happen. The wear on that system is determined by how the car has been driven. My car's variocam system went at 138k after being neglected by the PO.

At 90k you might be out of the woods on the pinion issue, also that depends on the year. If it was going to fail it probably would have by now but research it anyway. Checking it, more than just listening for noise, would cost a fair bit.

-Joel.

mrbill_fl

968 list = 968forums ?

great info!

thanks guys!

soltino

Might be the Rennlist 968 Specific Forum.

tino

PorscheDude1

Then again, it might not.


The potential pinion bearing problem did not effect all cars.

If you are looking for a tiptronic there is nothing to worry about as fas pinion bearing go.

wiseman

I live in Tampa and a reputable top installer here quoted me about $1200 using German original material. Don't know what your looking at or the price, but theres a real nice one over here at C.A.R.S. Inc in Tampa. Very reputable guy. You can see the car on Auto Trader. 94 w/ 50K if I remember right.

PorscheDoc

The shop that does our 930/Boxster/996 cab tops usually charges about 1800 installed. It hasn't seemed to vary too much based on vehicle, maybe 1-200 less on the cheapest one we have done. I would have to believe a 968 would be around there.