BrokeAss

<img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" /> I knew this day was coming <img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" />

My cabriolet top has finally torn through and needs to be replaced. The stitchting around one corner of the plastic window began to come apart. Actually, it's been coming apart for over a year now. It's been one of those things that I knew I would have to address soon or later, but was content to put it off as long as possible. Recently the stitching gave way and you could fit your finger through the gap and into the car. That little hole quickly widened. ...so it's time.

While I'm getting the top fixed, I'm going to have the cabriolet motor/clutch/cable assembly repaired. It snapped back in November and I've left the lid shut since then. (Basically, I waited until the top ripped so that I'd do both repairs at the same time)

I'm looking for a little been there, done that advice. What do you think I'll have to pay for the replacement? What things should I consider about the repair that aren't obvious? Advice and discussion welcome!

Andy Roe

I've heard that the 993 tops also fit on the 964 with a little pursuasion. Something to think about anyways!

J-McDonald

Check <a href="http://www.cabrioworld.com" target="_blank">www.cabrioworld.com</a> - they have 993-style one piece tops that are designed to work with the 964 mechanism. I've heard to budget $1,500 - 2,000 for a top fabric replacement (about half parts and half labor). You'll need to add whatever the motors and clutches cost to that.

BrokeAss

Hmmmm - I never really paid attention to the differences between a 964 / 993 cabriolet top. I guess I'm going to have to look for photos of both now.

Thanks for the top on the CabrioWorld site - I wish they showed the differences between the two models.

adsc4s

The 993 top does not have the seam above the rear window going from one side of the car to the other. The rear window is also smaller. IMHO, it looks cleaner and with the aero mirrors, will give your car a more updated look.

Emmett

I had a proce of @$2.4k for a OEM top, the Original factory goes for @4k thats installed. I have also been told its not a do your self job. The shop told me its takes them 3 days to do correctly! I'm holding off till mine rips through......

Rick964

If your are saying the only hole is the seam around the rear window then this can be repaired without replacing the whole top. I had a new windows sewn in to my top for $250 a couple of years ago. It is even a bit cheaper to have the current window resewn but the small extra expense was worth it for a new, perfectly clear window.

BrokeAss

Rick - Interesting feedback! About 5-6 months ago, when I first started to REALLY worry about my top, I was told by a shop that the labor to pull a portion of the canvas up and restitch the window would be near the cost of fitting a new top. I don't remember his exact justification for that claim, but I do remember being convinced by his reasoning at the time.

....I've mentally prepared myself for a $2K bill, plus another grand to cover the clutch/motor assembly. Not a cheap day!

I'll try to dig up a couple of good photos to compare/contrast the 964/993 canvas.

BrokeAss

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by adscab911:
<strong>The 993 top does not have the seam above the rear window going from one side of the car to the other. The rear window is also smaller.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">It's a good thing cops have sirens, or else I might not notice their blue & red lights through the tiny rear window!

You've gotta have a sense of humor when getting ready to spend money like this!

robmug

I'm going to try to show 2 photos...if it doesn't work, then go to <a href="http://www.964porsche.co.uk/roof.htm" target="_blank">http://www.964porsche.co.uk/roof.htm</a> and click each image for a larger version.
993 roof:
<a href="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/993roof.jpg" target="_blank">http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/993roof.jpg</a>
964 roof (mine!)
<a href="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/964roof.jpg" target="_blank">http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/964roof.jpg</a>

robmug

My roof will need changing soon, so I have investigated quite a bit. I much prefer the 993 roof style - it looks more aerodynamic too, so I'm making ther assumption that there would be less wind noise at speed (roof up). Can anyone confirm this?

Also, what is the view regarding changing to the 993 roof - does it offend the purists? Would it negatively or positively affect resale values?

robmug

Ah-ha! Found how to post images...
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/964roof.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/993roof.jpg" alt=" - " />

BrokeAss

Rob - thanks for posting the pics - that's exactly what I wanted to see! I think I like the one-piece design a little better.

Now as to your questions about purists/resale - I'm firmly entrenched in the "I bought the car for me, not the next guy" camp. My advice is do what you like. My car is already 13 years, the big depreciation hit has been taken. It's a car, not a museum piece. As long as the top works and remains watertight - enjoy it!

malc elliott

Terry
I have the 993 style top fitted to my 90 C2.
I spent a lomg time debating whether to go for it especially as my old top was in good condition. I particularly wanted the 993 style and also changed the colour at the same time.
If you want to see the 993 top on a 964 I can email you pics. Total cost was about £1200.
Malc

robmug

Malc
As you are UK based, I too would be interested in pictures of the job. I'd like to know who carried out the work for you too, as I'm sure it's not that easy to get it fully leak free and fitting nicely.