Who to believe about Top Fixing/Replacement?

[dazacarlos]

I'm enjoying a 2001 986, in South Florida's West Palm Beach..you all understand that part.......

and now the Vinil (plastic?) rear window is breaking, in the part where is stitched to the top (only 4 stitches but it looks like a "Tear-Out"in process)

So what did I do?..... I asked the masters, in other words I asked about it in this forum, and received wonderful advice about changing the vinil maybe two times for around $200 every two or three years, and then replacing the whole top for much more.

With this information I found this shop who specializes in convertible tops (And has experience in Boxsters) and.....

They say that you can not change the vinil,,,No way!!! ???? that tops wear out and the material beneath the canvas desintegrates???? and only a whole top replacement is possible!!!!! and that happens because the torrid sun in Florida.

So.... I believe you guys in the forum........

Please enlight my path..... Does anyone knows a place in South Florida where I can change the vinil of the top?

Can anyone explain a little more about the process? because I think the top has to be removed to tear out the damaged vinil window and then stitch the new vinil in place?

Please enlight my path, thank you guys.

[1schoir]

I'm enjoying a 2001 986, in South Florida's West Palm Beach..you all understand that part.......

and now the Vinil (plastic?) rear window is breaking, in the part where is stitched to the top (only 4 stitches but it looks like a "Tear-Out"in process)

So what did I do?..... I asked the masters, in other words I asked about it in this forum, and received wonderful advice about changing the vinil maybe two times for around $200 every two or three years, and then replacing the whole top for much more.

With this information I found this shop who specializes in convertible tops (And has experience in Boxsters) and.....

They say that you can not change the vinil,,,No way!!! ???? that tops wear out and the material beneath the canvas desintegrates???? and only a whole top replacement is possible!!!!! and that happens because the torrid sun in Florida.

So.... I believe you guys in the forum........

Please enlight my path..... Does anyone knows a place in South Florida where I can change the vinil of the top?

Can anyone explain a little more about the process? because I think the top has to be removed to tear out the damaged vinil window and then stitch the new vinil in place?

Please enlight my path, thank you guys.

Carlos:

Search for a post here by "Juniinc" where he actually replaced the vinyl window with the top still on the car. He subsequently developed a kit which he says contains everything you need to do the replacement.

Most of the tops that are replaced by the DIY'ers on this board and others are replaced because of the vinyl window and the consensus is that there is generally no signs of appreciable wear on the rest of the top. So...if a place is telling you that the tops "wear out" and "the material beneath the canvas disintegrates" find another shop. They are not looking out for your best interests. If you have the occasion, ask that installer to show you precisely where your canvas has "disintegrated." I am sure you will get some double talk and another story then.

Replacement of the vinyl window without replacing the entire top has been done successfully numerous times (with the top removed and with the top on the car).

You can also contact Pedro on PPBB.com for a good recommendation. He has a website: "pedrosgarage.com"

Regards, Maurice.

[juniinc]

Thanks for mentioning my work, Maurice

Edited January 11, 2008 by juniinc