scottwelker

was wondering what the differences were between the cap replacement materials, ie:

- german canvas ($460)
- sonnendecke ($400)
- american canvas ($400)
- stayfast ($350)

was originally looking at just replacing my rear plexi-glass window (which will run o/a $400) with a respected local company that specializes in Mercedes and Porsche tops.

or getting a whole new canvas top with (new rear window of course) for around the same money...

thoughts on these?

can one get better longevity, durability, better wear from the more expensive top replacements vs the cheaper ones?

thanks,

john thompson

Hi,

That is exactly the question I would like answered also. I have been to websites that expalin the differences in these, but I would like an opinion of what real people have found to wear better/look better, etc.

Sorry if you thought this was the "answer" you were seeking. Hopefully some people have actually done this upgrade.

Thanks,
John

Doug H

Just an idea, I have a 993 top on mine and it looks much cleaner and sleeker.

scottwelker

why did you decide to go with a 993? vs standard 964 top?

and was it a straight forward conversion? or did some tweeking ($$$) have to be done for the fit?

Doug H

I wish I could answer the questions for you, but it was done to the car just before I bought it. I have the receipt and will pull it tonight. I also had an 88 cabriolet and the internals appear to be the same, so I am thinking the 993 top fits over the 3.2 and 964 frame.

Here is a close up of the top.

America

I think the 993 top is only the style not the actual top itself. The material for the top is cheap but the labor is not. You will problay pay around $1500 for a new top installed.

Doug H

It was $ 2,164.85. The top was about $ 990 and the labor was around $ 900. There was a small charge for reglueing rear quarter panel or something to that effect and a small shop fee. So it does not appear that there was a bunch of custom parts ordered and etc.

Doug H

BTW, it seems pretty obvious to me that the $ 990 did not include the rear window. Mine is not is bad shape, but it definitely is not new.

scottwelker

cool...thanks for the pix and prices.

i agree that the 993 style looks pretty fresh!

but for $1800 to $2100 for a new top, i'll probably just stick to getting the rear window replaced since the top itself is still in pretty good condition.

pretty slick looking 964 you got there!

Doug H

Thanks. Top was a bit pricey I guess.

Kahdmus

Doug, I know its OT...but the cab does look awsome in that pic!!!

Doug H

Why thank you. That is always nice to hear.

Doug H

BTW, I was really digging you cool steering wheel in your carpet thread. That wheel looks sweet.

C4 Flash

Hi guys, i am new to the group and was about to post the same question...I have a 1990 c4 cab that badly needs a new top and the rear plastic window is kind of foggy too. I was thinking about the 993 top especially since i u/g'd the mirrors and added the rear basket handle wing/brake light. What material is the window made of and does it still fold in ok just like what i have now? and will my cover still fit over it when its down? Anyone from Toronto area have a reference for a good shop to do this? Great site!!

C4 Flash

Hey another thing...Doug H you have a really nice looking fleet there, and love the pics...always helpful. Look forwrd to lots of good info here.