Conversion to glass window

biloxiboxster

biloxiboxster

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My apologies if this question is redundant but I am new and did not find it in old posts. I have a 2000 Boxster. My questions: Are modifications required to the top frame if converting from a plastic window to a new top with glass window? Newer models have a different bow configuration from what I can tell. Has anyone had experience making this conversion? Are you happy with results? Any drawbacks (I have heard reduced visability, engine compartment access, etc.)? I have also seen the recommendation to purchase used top and frame from a later model... is this a bolt-on option or are modifications required? What late model top /frame will fit my 2000? What is the best source for a used top / frame? I do not see these on eBay. Many thanks!!!!!
 
use "GAHH" as your search term and you will find plenty of information
 
One can also look at the "Similar Threads" listed at the bottom of this page... ;)
 
You may find this useful

Link

It will tell you what is available and even how to do several of the replacement options.
 
Thanks all! The links are very helpful. I am planning to go with the GAHH retrofit glass option in a few months (waiting on bonus money, fingers crossed).

Still would like to hear from anyone with personal experience in having done this to make sure decision is a good one. I know the window will be smaller with less visability but more curious about top function - the plastic window folds in half, how does the glass window tuck away, do you have to "chop" like with the plastic window to keep from binding? How much is engine compartment access impaired? Again, anyone that has personally converted an early model 97-02 from plastic to glass, I'd love to hear from you. I know much has been posted...I've read them all but not seen this questions answered specifically just comments like "visability is impaired" and "engine access impaired." Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I am very interested in this as well, specifically about the engine access. I was told by a Porsche dealer, that the aftermarket tops do restrict access. That to get to the engine they have to be removed. I don't know if this is true or not, they certainly wanted to sell me their more expensive top.
 
Had the GAHH top installed three months ago with no problems and love it. The plastic window cracked (top to bottom) and was cloudy (was that way when I got the car). Wife was in it when I tried backing down my driveway and couldn't see. She said to get it replaced before I hit something.

I asked the service manager at my dealer about replacements. He suggested the GAHH and a local shop to do the work after I balked at the OEM replacement (plastic window) cost. I've had one service since then with no problems or comments from the service guys.
 
So I am clear, you had the GAHH top with glass window installed and it presents no difficulty accessing the engine compartment from the top? Will you share what the replacement cost was? I was quoted $1700.00 for a Robbins glass replacement top, I have not priced the GAHH yet.
 
Cribfiller said:
So I am clear, you had the GAHH top with glass window installed and it presents no difficulty accessing the engine compartment from the top? Will you share what the replacement cost was? I was quoted $1700.00 for a Robbins glass replacement top, I have not priced the GAHH yet.
Click to expand...

So far access is OK. I've only had the car for 10 months and didn't access the engine compartment before the GAHH top was installed so I don't know the difference (ignorance is bliss?). Cost was $1,739. The shop that did it does a lot of work on Porsches and other restoration projects and has been around forever in Santa Barbara. They did the install in less than a day while I was at work.

On the advice of our PCA chapter president that I replace the top with a glass one, I checked with 5 shops, and two Porsche dealers for reccomendations before selecting the shop.
 
Engine compartment access is significantly limited! You can still do everything you need to do but it makes things very tight.
 
I'm saving for a complete 03 or 04 top from a wrecker. It's a bolt-on for 2000-2002. And no compromised engine area access.
 
I am doing the research and have not found 03-04 OEM tops for my 2002, any suggestions for where to look? Also, with the glass window, does the defroster wire up to a switch on the dash?
 
Cribfiller said:
I am doing the research and have not found 03-04 OEM tops for my 2002, any suggestions for where to look? Also, with the glass window, does the defroster wire up to a switch on the dash?
Click to expand...

I can't speak from experience, but if the dash switch works for the hard top, I would assume the glass window defrost connector is the same.
 
I realized I was not clear, I have a 2002 and currently no defroster switch.
 
Thanks to all. I have decided to bite the bullet and blow my 2009 bonus check on a new GAHH top with glass window next week. The plastic in my old window is OK with a permanent streak through the middle that I have repeatedly polished but my main reason is my botched re-stitch job where the plastic pulled loose. What started as a couple of popped stitches turned into about a 6" gap in no time. I hand stitched using an awl and it held great but cretated an ugly wrinkle (see photo if I am able to post). Considering the top on my 2000 is original, stained in a few places and thin in a couple of more, I've decided to treat myself. The price installed including hook-up of the rear window heater is $1600 out the door and the glass is guaranteed for life against separation. My installer in Raleigh, NC has a photo of a replacement on his site of an identical car www.autointeriorsandtops.com in his gallery. I like the nostalgic look of the smaller oval glass window even though I know it will reduce rear visability slightly. Now this summer I can leave the top down for extended periods without fear of creating a permanent crease, crack or haze through the middle of the window. I am a little concerned about engine access but hope its not too bad. Will post the after picture after the install. Thanks for all the advice!!!
 

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Very interested in seeing the after photo and hearing about the access. I want to replace mine this spring. I have checked here in central Ind. and the dollars are about the same.
 
If it's not one thing, it's another

The good news... the top looks great. The bad news... while in the shop the car rolled forward hitting a yellow tool box and putting a nice crease in the front bumper. They are paying for the bumper to be repainted but arghhhh! Will post photo of the top when it returns from the body shop.
 
So far, the top on my 2000 looks fairly new. It's been garaged except for, perhaps, two or three dozen days in the sun & weather when commuting to work or on trips. Periodic use of window cleaner keeps the plastic rear window reasonably clear of haze.

Knock on wood it will be a long time before I need to replace the window or top...
 
It's back!

Well, here is the finished product. The window is appreciably smaller but I like the nostalgic speedster look. The black color makes it look like a new car. I am extremely pleased and no more chopping the plastic window on the way down... effortless.
 

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