First Post - Best 2001 Cabriolet Replacement Soft Top?

[Hamfighter]

Hey y'all,

I've perused Renntech for a number of years, but this is my first post.

I flew four hours each way yesterday to go see a 2001 996 Cabriolet with 51,000 miles and Tiptronic.

While it is in great shape, the plastic window appears to have separated from the cloth on the upper left corner an some point, and a bad repair job was attempted.

There's another spot on the canvas that looks like it has a couple inch "snag" in it.

Overall, I think I would want to replace the top. Glass window is a thought too, although it may be cost-prohibitive.

Has anyone done this, what's the best brand to use, and do I dare attempt it myself?

Thanks!

Edit: Anything else in particular to be cautious of on an '01 Tiptronic? Is the $240 pre-buy at the dealer a real good idea?

Edited September 24, 2009 by Hamfighter

[Doug996InKC]

Hey y'all,

I've perused Renntech for a number of years, but this is my first post.

I flew four hours each way yesterday to go see a 2001 996 Cabriolet with 51,000 miles and Tiptronic.

While it is in great shape, the plastic window appears to have separated from the cloth on the upper left corner an some point, and a bad repair job was attempted.

There's another spot on the canvas that looks like it has a couple inch "snag" in it.

Overall, I think I would want to replace the top. Glass window is a thought too, although it may be cost-prohibitive.

Has anyone done this, what's the best brand to use, and do I dare attempt it myself?

Thanks!

Edit: Anything else in particular to be cautious of on an '01 Tiptronic? Is the $240 pre-buy at the dealer a real good idea?

A local shop in Kansas City replaced my worn-out canvas top with an aftermarket GAHH top that has the rear glass window. The top is very high quality. Total cost parts & labor $2300. I do a lot of work on my car, but the canvas top is not one I would want to attempt. The shop does ALL of the convertible top work for dealers in the KC area... and it still took them 1 1/2 days to complete.

[kristian]

I bought an GAHH top from Ebay. I paid 1299 +50$ shipping for and glass window with the defroster ($100 extra)

I took it to a convertible top specialist in Houston and I paid them $500 to put it on. I was referred to that specialist through an Porsche indie shop.

It good quality and it looks better than the original.

KL

Hey y'all,

I've perused Renntech for a number of years, but this is my first post.

I flew four hours each way yesterday to go see a 2001 996 Cabriolet with 51,000 miles and Tiptronic.

While it is in great shape, the plastic window appears to have separated from the cloth on the upper left corner an some point, and a bad repair job was attempted.

There's another spot on the canvas that looks like it has a couple inch "snag" in it.

Overall, I think I would want to replace the top. Glass window is a thought too, although it may be cost-prohibitive.

Has anyone done this, what's the best brand to use, and do I dare attempt it myself?

Thanks!

Edit: Anything else in particular to be cautious of on an '01 Tiptronic? Is the $240 pre-buy at the dealer a real good idea?

A local shop in Kansas City replaced my worn-out canvas top with an aftermarket GAHH top that has the rear glass window. The top is very high quality. Total cost parts & labor $2300. I do a lot of work on my car, but the canvas top is not one I would want to attempt. The shop does ALL of the convertible top work for dealers in the KC area... and it still took them 1 1/2 days to complete.

[JeTexas]

I did the top on a non-Porsche a few years back. It took me two full days, and despite measuring, remeasuring, and taking the utmost care, when I finished I had weird corners in the front and wrinkles on the back quarters. Considering the price of a Porsche replacement top, I think it's worth the cost to have it installed professionally, so that it's properly stretched and fit. You don't want to spend the money to replace the old one just to be unhappy with the new one.

What was the name of the shop you used in Houston? Mine's about due.

[jgriffin56]

In my opinion, not a DIY. There are cables to run, and certain pads and parts have to installed in sequence. ALso look into having the motors and levers serviced and oiled. I think anything under $2500 for a quality top would be worth it. I would also greatly suggest a glass rear window (with defroster), since most of the problems I have heard of, start at the plastic window seams and the plastic window cracking. Good luck!