Want to replace 1999 convertible top myself
07-08-2017, 10:29 PM
#16
Instructor
Thread Starter
All of which I can fix on my own. Done everything but the top.
Last edited by TNT63Falcon; 07-09-2017 at 11:20 AM.
07-10-2017, 03:04 PM
#17
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I admire your dedication, but I question your judgement.
The top is a $1,000 part, and I expect that it will need to be cut, and in places glued down with adhesive, and a mistake in either area may not be a recoverable error. And you can damage the top mechanism (the bows and cables), or the vehicle itself.
The top manufacturer estimates this is a 10 hour job for professionals, So, you'd be risking a $1K top to save an approximately equivalent amount in labor.
If you're not planning to make replacing tops a career, and this may be a "once in a lifetime" project, then I see far more pitfalls than positives in your future.
In any case, carry on, and let us know how it goes.
The top is a $1,000 part, and I expect that it will need to be cut, and in places glued down with adhesive, and a mistake in either area may not be a recoverable error. And you can damage the top mechanism (the bows and cables), or the vehicle itself.
The top manufacturer estimates this is a 10 hour job for professionals, So, you'd be risking a $1K top to save an approximately equivalent amount in labor.
If you're not planning to make replacing tops a career, and this may be a "once in a lifetime" project, then I see far more pitfalls than positives in your future.
In any case, carry on, and let us know how it goes.
07-10-2017, 06:23 PM
#18
Instructor
Thread Starter
I admire your dedication, but I question your judgement.
The top is a $1,000 part, and I expect that it will need to be cut, and in places glued down with adhesive, and a mistake in either area may not be a recoverable error. And you can damage the top mechanism (the bows and cables), or the vehicle itself.
The top manufacturer estimates this is a 10 hour job for professionals, So, you'd be risking a $1K top to save an approximately equivalent amount in labor.
If you're not planning to make replacing tops a career, and this may be a "once in a lifetime" project, then I see far more pitfalls than positives in your future.
In any case, carry on, and let us know how it goes.
The top is a $1,000 part, and I expect that it will need to be cut, and in places glued down with adhesive, and a mistake in either area may not be a recoverable error. And you can damage the top mechanism (the bows and cables), or the vehicle itself.
The top manufacturer estimates this is a 10 hour job for professionals, So, you'd be risking a $1K top to save an approximately equivalent amount in labor.
If you're not planning to make replacing tops a career, and this may be a "once in a lifetime" project, then I see far more pitfalls than positives in your future.
In any case, carry on, and let us know how it goes.
Although I appreciate everyone's thoughts on potential downfalls and potential problems, most of what has been said are assumptions, because they haven't researched it or done it themselves. That is why I am looking for input From people with first hand knowledge.
As far as $1,000 top. No way. You can get a good top for half that. Worst case, I toss in the towel and pay a "pro" to do it. I've seen Boxsters done. Read the install instructions, it isn't smoke and magic. Just like most things in life, research, ask questions, take your time, and don't force things. Take lots of pictures, bag and label the parts, and take notes.
I rebuilt an engine that way, removed a 3.6 and tiptronic, and replaced all the parts and reinstalled ( all in my garage), amongst a dozen other things people would be intimidated to do. If I screw it up, I will pay to have it fixed. To date, that hasn't happened.
Now, is there any feedback from anyone that HAS DONE IT?
BTW, more than happy to document every step of the way and post a "How To". Life is all about experiences and trying new things. Can't be scared to screw up.
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gorogergo (07-26-2022)
07-02-2018, 09:17 AM
#19
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Yes, it is stated to be a 10 hour job. I really don't care if it takes 30 hours. It's not about the money. As I stated above, "I like working on my Porsche". It costs $8k, has 140k moles on it, and isn't going up in value dramatically, even with a new top.
Although I appreciate everyone's thoughts on potential downfalls and potential problems, most of what has been said are assumptions, because they haven't researched it or done it themselves. That is why I am looking for input From people with first hand knowledge.
As far as $1,000 top. No way. You can get a good top for half that. Worst case, I toss in the towel and pay a "pro" to do it. I've seen Boxsters done. Read the install instructions, it isn't smoke and magic. Just like most things in life, research, ask questions, take your time, and don't force things. Take lots of pictures, bag and label the parts, and take notes.
I rebuilt an engine that way, removed a 3.6 and tiptronic, and replaced all the parts and reinstalled ( all in my garage), amongst a dozen other things people would be intimidated to do. If I screw it up, I will pay to have it fixed. To date, that hasn't happened.
Now, is there any feedback from anyone that HAS DONE IT?
BTW, more than happy to document every step of the way and post a "How To". Life is all about experiences and trying new things. Can't be scared to screw up.
Although I appreciate everyone's thoughts on potential downfalls and potential problems, most of what has been said are assumptions, because they haven't researched it or done it themselves. That is why I am looking for input From people with first hand knowledge.
As far as $1,000 top. No way. You can get a good top for half that. Worst case, I toss in the towel and pay a "pro" to do it. I've seen Boxsters done. Read the install instructions, it isn't smoke and magic. Just like most things in life, research, ask questions, take your time, and don't force things. Take lots of pictures, bag and label the parts, and take notes.
I rebuilt an engine that way, removed a 3.6 and tiptronic, and replaced all the parts and reinstalled ( all in my garage), amongst a dozen other things people would be intimidated to do. If I screw it up, I will pay to have it fixed. To date, that hasn't happened.
Now, is there any feedback from anyone that HAS DONE IT?
BTW, more than happy to document every step of the way and post a "How To". Life is all about experiences and trying new things. Can't be scared to screw up.
It looks like this thread went "silent" and I'm wondering if you ever completed the project on your own. If you did, are there any lessons learned or reasons that I shouldn't try this myself? You mentioned you might document each step and produce a "How To". Do you have anything that you can share about your experience?
Thanks!
07-02-2018, 01:58 PM
#22
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Very curious myself, hope OP responds.
07-02-2018, 02:13 PM
#23
I think the OP sold his car earlier this year.
07-02-2018, 02:54 PM
#24
Rennlist Member
07-02-2018, 03:14 PM
#25
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Lol,loved his confidence, but he showed his lack of experience.
Have watched my brother( a 23 yr master tech) do these many times,and it is not easy job!
Have watched my brother( a 23 yr master tech) do these many times,and it is not easy job!
07-03-2018, 12:42 PM
#26
I had my 2000 cabby done by Rod's Customs in Huntsville. This was somewhere around 2012 or so, and its still going strong. Rod's is actually used for all convertible top repairs by the local Porsche dealer. They charged me $1700 out the door for a new top with flexible window, installed. Before they installed the top, they sewed the zipper on the rear window. The zipper apparently is what usually fails first (it had failed on mine, the rear window was flappin in the breeze), and sewing it together with kevlar thread will prevent the usual failure mode. 5-6 years later, I have no complaints.
07-03-2018, 12:48 PM
#27
07-03-2018, 02:35 PM
#29
Adding my .02 for this, if anyone is in SoCal, North Hollywood Upholstery can do this job with their eyes closed, they charged me 250 for removal/install and 120 for a new plastic window..... in hindsight i should have bought a new top and just brought it to them to install had i known they had to remove the top to sew in the new rear plastic window.
07-04-2018, 12:42 AM
#30
Rennlist Member
