[KensCab]

Has anyone here actually replaced the top themselves?

I'm talking about the outside canvas...

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[flash]

i haven't on this car, though i have had it half apart already for the paint job - it's a pretty involved setup - getting it dead straight is really critical to the tension being equal - it's one of the more complicated designs i've ever seen



having somebody else do it is pretty cheap - you can get the whole thing done with a brand new robbins top (the original top manufacturer) for a little over a grand



personally, i don't think i would want to risk popping a bow on my dime, just to potentially save a couple hundred bucks

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[Jason Judd]

Has anyone here actually replaced the top themselves?

_______________________



I thought you were talking about the sunroof...Sorry!



Jason

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[edsteve]

Currently my rear section of my top is in the shop having the window replaced. Cost 150.

I only removed the headliner and rear portion of the top containing the window.

I did all the labor and just took the rear section with the frame still intact to the top shop. They will remove the two frame pieces, sew new window in and stretch to the two frame pieces. I will then reinstall. The removal was rather easy took around two hours. Reinstall planned for this weekend.



Ed

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[WYLDCTZ]

EdSteve - Was there a DIY document you used to remove the rear piece? I also have a hole in the rear window and need to get it fixed.



Can you tell me how you found someone to replace it? (I don't even know who to call for something like that) And also, would you mind doing a write up about how to pull it off if there isn't anything else out there?



Thanks!

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[Anchorman]

I'm also interested in this. My rear window has a split about 1-1/2" long that eventually will require me to replace the window. The rest of the top is in pretty good shape. So, doing what Ed has done could be the best route. Your audience awaits, Ed.

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[earossi]

[quote name='Anchorman' date='Mar 17 2005, 01:06 PM']I'm also interested in this.  My rear window has a split about 1-1/2" long that eventually will require me to replace the window.  The rest of the top is in pretty good shape.  So, doing what Ed has done could be the best route.  Your audience awaits, Ed.

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Ed,



I left a similar note for you on 968.net. There are apparently a number of us, who might consider taking on a full or partial top replacement, if we had some guidance.



The quoted labor to install a new top is in the $500 - $600 range plus the cost of the top. After reviewing the convertible top manual put out by Porsche, I agree and understand that the design is very complicated; however, with the proper guidance, I would probably attempt an install or a repair.



Any guidance you could provide would be appreciated.



Regards,



Ernie

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[edsteve]

Will be happy to help anyone. I took pictures when removing and I will try and doccument when re-installing. I also had my passenger side of the main bow welded since it was also broke. Total for the bow repair $30, (be careful welder MUST be experienced in cast aluminum) much better than a new one! Total for new rear window and main bow replacement $180. Gonna do the job this weekend. I will let all know.



Also, when I noticed the hole I used a product called VLP that I purchased from the shop that is doing my work. It is a flexible type of glue. If you currently have a hole, check out this stuff it will mend the hole and buy you some additional time.



http://www.plastidip.com/industrial/vlp.html



WYLDCTZ- No DIY article, I have the top manual from Anchorman and just tackled it. As for how to find a quality shop, I have a hot rodding friend and he recommended the shop, word of mouth is great if you can get it!

Check out the VLP stuff you will be pleasantly surprised.



-Ed

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