I'm thinking about buying a hardtop and was curious if anyone has any knowledge of damage or faster wear of the convertible top when a hardtop is installed for 5 months or so every year.

I like the idea of having a hardtop in the winter and also a different look, but I don't want to sacrifice my cab top that's in near perfect condition.

 

I have had no issues from several years of use.

 

No issues for me either. Should not be an issue whatsoever. Just be careful when taking off the round caps. The pins break pretty easily.

I don't use my hard top that often. I'll probably use even less now that I'm in Texas. It's currently hoisted to the top of my garage.

 

If you have the plastic window then care must be taken that the window is folding flat and that you are not folding the plastic. If you do, eventually you will have a crease mark across the plastic window (very annoying!).
When you open the top, stop halfway and have someone prepared to fold the fabric as you continue opening to make sure the plastic window section is fully flat and not bent over itself.
You should be fine after that for extended periods with the hard top on!
Pete

 

I was thinking about the same question specificaly does the plastic rear window show creases from being folded for a long time at low temperature?

 

I think the manual says not to operate the soft top if temperature <40°F

 

When I put my hard top on for the winter, I place a soft towel (partially rolled up) inside the fold of the plastic window. This prevents the window from creasing, and prevents it rubbing on itself.

I've had no issues so far.

 

+1 on use of a towel. i also treated the window right before I put my hardtop on last friday.

the previous owner never took the hardtop off, my 13 yr old top looks brand new! (window was replaced 4 yrs ago so it look new)

 

I actually like the look of the hard top on better!

 

hooray for hardtops (and glass windows on cabriolets )

 

Yes, Its since the manual say's do not operate at low temps I was concerned about the plastic being folded (even if static) when cold.

 

What year did Porsche abandon the plastic windows in the cabs? 02?

 

Correct!

I can't believe Porsche was still using a plastic window in 2001 on an $80k+ car.

I had one on my old 944 cabrio and it was the thing that bothered me most about the car. Plus the fact that putting the top down required folding the window was a design flaw too as it means you'll eventually have a crease in that window no matter how careful you are.

I know the plastic window offers greater visibility but I'm really glad that glass found it's way to the back of my car.

 

the GLASS window on 02-up cabs was a "big deal" when I decided to narrow my search (plus other goodies that arrived in 02 like the bump to 3.6l/320 hp, glove box and drink holder )

 

I just put my hard top on this afternoon. It will stay on till about april 2012 same as last year. I dont see anything differant in the plastic back window of this 1999 cab since last year.