GBG

This will be my first winter with a 996 cab, and I have a few questions about the hard top:

1. Is there any functional reason to put it back on the car? (Do you guys like the look of the hardtop? I don't really like the lines of the car when it's on, but perhaps I'l warm up to it over time).

2. I plan to drive the car in the winter as long as there is no snow on the ground. When not used, the car is garaged, of course. So, will I destroy the rag top if I don't put back the hard top? if so, why?

3. When do you guys in the Northeast typically put it back on-- early November?


Thanks. Gary

LVDell

1. Better insulating properties for wintertime and especially if you have snow, protects the fabric by keeping it stored.
2. See second half of #1.
3. Coming from DC I cannot comment on your NY winters but the top goes one when the weather trends are that there are NO MORE topless days left until spring (even with the windows up and the heater blowing).

FYI, being in Las Vegas right now (temporarily for 4 yrs) I have learned very quickly to put the top on for about 4-6 weeks during the worse part of the summer 115-120 degree heat! Saved the top from taking a pounding as well as lets me run the a/c more efficiently.

Joe2000C4Cab

Hi Gary,

I think the most functional reason to put the hardtop on in winter is to get a glass rear window with a defroster vs the plastic window without. I only say this being a former Right Coast resident, not much use for it here in sunny CA except the look - which I must say, I like. I like having a car that has such a dual look. I believe I remember that the hardtop designer won some award for the 996 hardtop look, can't remember where, maybe it was that Christophorus rag FWIW.

Sorry, can't help you on your other Q's.

Cheers.

LVDell

Joe, I think Gary has a glass window in the 04 softtop. Either way, the glass in the hard top is much larger and has a defroster.

Joe2000C4Cab

LVDell,

Duh, you're right!

Some day I'm going to be a rich man when I create that cottage industry converting the softtop with plastic window to one with glass... All I have to do now is invent fold-able glass or reconstruct the back compartment of older 996 cabs. ;-)

Cheers.

LVDell

foldable glass

Invent it and they will come (I know it sounds cheezy but it popped in my head and I have only had 1 cup of coffee)

Matt H

Are you saying you might have a black hard top for sale?
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GBG

Matt: Hadn't thought about selling it. You're in Illinois, anyway, so it would be quite a drive. (I suspect it's NOT worth shipping given its size and cost). What does a "like new" hardtop sell for, anyway (ball park)?

perrys7342

The 996 Cabrio Hardtops are a $1400 plus delete option on the current models...over the parts counter separately they are much higher. However, one of the dealer advertisers in the current issue of Excellence magazine is selling them (likely takeoffs) for $695...which seems like a terrific bargain for cold weather use.

Perry

Speed

I live in NYC and use my cab year round. Indeed, until this summer. my wife drove the car to work on a daily basis. I put the hardtop on Thanksgiving weekend and take it off first weekend in April. Personally, I think the 996 with the hardtop on is the best looking of the 911's.

GBG

Thanks Speed. Your note was encouraging, and your timetable will give me something to do on Turkey day other than watch the Detroit Lions get shalacked.