[Kaj Hallstrom]

I am getting close to replacing the the rear vinyl window on my Cabriolet. I went to a highly recommended shop and the owner told me that the book said 12 hours labor for the whole top. He would probably do it (the rear) under 6 hours. The problem is that the whole quarter of the back needs to come off in order to lay it back flat. We are looking at about $800 labor plus material. The Owner seemed very honest and explained the whole process.

Any comments guys?

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[flash]

replace the entire top.  the problem with doing only the window, is that the top has to come apart anyway, and the new canvas never looks right against the old canvas.  they don't just change the plastic, but rather the rear section.  at that price, you would have a new complete top anyway.  it is only about $1200 for a complete install at any other shop i have found.  

 

hey - for another few hundred, you can have the rear window zip out.

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[lbpesq]

As I recall, replacing my top was about $2K, parts and labor. That was several years ago. I now need to replace the rear window. Why Porsche designed these with plastic instead of glass, and didn't design it to lay more flush with the body is beyond me! I've read some DIY instructions for an MG, as I recall, that suggest cutting out the window, leaving about an inch or so of window material around the circumference, then gluing in new plastic sheeting, cut to size. It's tempting until I'm ready for a whole new top. Also thinking about a license plate back-up camera that can be turned on at any time. Just thinkin'.


Bill

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[tejon007]

Bill,

 

I put a backup camera in when I installed the navigation system/receiver in-dash.  I like it because it's hard to see when backing up the cabriolet...it comes on automatically when I put it in reverse (I got a 944 wiring harness section from pick n' pull to use the wiring connectors, so I didn't hack up the wiring on the 968 & if I ever wanted to return it to stock).

 

But, I like the idea of being able to turn it on at anytime...it's easy enough if you're installing the system anyway.  Send us a photo or two if/when you do it because I'm interested in seeing how it turns out & your thoughts on how it works...

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[flash]

re: backup cameras - very easy to do.  there are mirrors you can get for a screen too.  many nav decks will allow you to select the camera at any time.

 

re: top - $2k is pretty high.  for that much money you should get a zip out rear window to boot.  shop around.  

 

FYI - gluing in a new window is a bad idea.  it will almost certainly leak, and it definitely will not go up and down well.  the glue will be stiff, and it won't be long before it cracks.  unlike the mgb top, this one folds in the middle.

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[blue968]

Hi Guys

 

 

Who sells the complete top? I was thinking of having my top replaced as well but I would like to buy it to make sure its a good quality

 

Thank you

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[Kaj Hallstrom]

Very conflicting stories how to fix the vinyl. I was told that my top is in such good shape it does not need to be replaced. The rear part has to be taken off so the vinyl can be laid (glued) on flat. Keep in mind this info comes from a pro upholster and not from a fly by night fixer. I am going to take the issue to another highly recommended shop to see that they say. Will keep you posted.

 

Replacing the whole top is a very expensive operation. Labor call for 12 hours and then on top the material.

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[Ernie]

I would be interested in what you find out. My top is in very good condition ( no fading or broken stitching), but some splitting of the plastic window around the corners. Hate to drop 2 grand if it can be remedied cheaper. Just sayin!

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[flash]

i hear about this stuff all the time, and it makes me crazy.  shops tell you it will work, charge you for nearly as much as a new top, and then blame failure on everything else, including "the car sitting outside", so that they don't have to fix it for free, and end up selling you a new top anyway.  

 

glue will not work.  make him give you a guarantee in writing, with free warranty repair when it fails.  i'm betting he won't.  this is NOT an mg top.  those tops go down easily and do not fold in the middle like this one does.  the glue will not be elastic enough.

 

a complete top replacement should be about $1500.  if you can't find a place, i can send you to a couple of them in socal.  for $2k you can get a complete new top, including a zip out rear window (excellent upgrade).

 

GAHH is the better top, and is the OEM replacement now.  you can get the mercedes canvas, which is a bit nicer, or the german weave, which is original.  robbins is ok.  stay away from stayfast.  you have a choice on finish.  

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[Ryan]

I am guessing that in California there are a lot more top shops than in most parts of the US. I guess that would make for more competition as well. Wish I could get a top change-out here for $1500.

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[flash]

the top itself is only about $600.  labor, even at 12 hours, at $100/hr (which is the book rate, but generally high), still puts the top installed complete at under $1600.

 

https://www.convertibletopguys.com/convertible/772/1990-95-Porsche-968-Cabriolet

 

https://www.topsonline.com/model/Convert...iolet.html

 

http://wahx3.tkt3o.servertrust.com/Porsc...s/7894.htm

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[Kaj Hallstrom]

Looks like this project need some more homework on my part. Noticed the head liner is &139 extra. I can go through a rainy winter here in Norcal while I investigate. I will just make a patch. My goal is to make the "Amethyst Dazzler" a Concourse Queen.

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[flash]

they almost always reuse the headliner.  most owners won't pop for it, just like they won't pop for a zip out rear window (which is the best thing i ever did).  that being said, unless you have been failing to use the boot cover (very bad idea), the headliner almost never needs replacement.  if, however, you are one of those who fails to use the boot cover, you can expect that the headliner will be faded, worn, dirty, and likely smelly.

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[94SilverCab]

Looks like this project need some more homework on my part. Noticed the head liner is &139 extra. I can go through a rainy winter here in Norcal while I investigate. I will just make a patch. My goal is to make the "Amethyst Dazzler" a Concourse Queen.

 

This does not compute. Why would you let $139 stand in the way of a concourse queen?

 

Mine's a dirty driver and I would spend the $$$.

 

JMHO,

 

Jay

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[MCL968]

Does anyone else remember a thread related to this about using a Novus product to buff out the rear window? I think Kaj may want to try that to get through the winter before replacing the top next year.

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[lbpesq]

I tried. Not much improvement.

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[Kaj Hallstrom]

OK, let's get some thing straight here. I always use the boot cover when the top is down. That's why it is so soft and smooth. Yes, I could probably use my headliner, it's like new..The  original Porsche vinyl window IS GLUED on to the fabric, how otherwise would you get it to stick? ( keep in mind it lasted 23 years) The real question is how do you sew back the rear fabric, with the vinyl window, back to front half of the top?

 

Many questions to get answered.....in the mean time.... duct tape...here we come

...and yes Jay...the headliner cost will not stand in the way....my concern is only to have the job done right, and why throw away a perfectly good top if I don't have to.

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[flash]

the window is sewn onto the fabric.  again, if your guy will guarantee that the glue won't pop loose, go for it.  in 40 years of dealing with convertible tops, i have never had anyone have any real success with gluing.  the first time the top goes down, the glue starts to pop loose.

 

the rear half and front half are not sealed.  in fact, you can stick your hand in the side.  they are not sewn together either.  they wrap around the bows.

 

if the concern is getting the job done right, then abandon any "patchwork" ideas.  get a new top.  i posted links to sources.

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[flash]

by the way - this is what the zip out rear window looks like.  extremely cool to be able to have the top up and keep the sun from frying you, yet have the cabin wide open with the windows down and the rear window down.

 

http://www.968forums.com/topic/10915-bab...ntry107918

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[lbpesq]

I would imagine that with the zip out window mod, it would also be much cheaper to replace the window in the future.

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