2000 996 Cabriolet rear window separation

[vfrpilot0]

Yesterday I noticed about a 5 inch separation in the lower left corner of my plastic window. Both the glue and stitching are affected. I stopped at a local shop and got a quote of $700.00 to fix the problem. That's not to replace the window, that's just to re-sew it. I've read the article about fixing the window myself, but I don't want to do that. I've looked online and found new replacement canvas tops from five to nine hundred dollars. I have two questions:

1. Has anyone replaced their own top? If so, how difficult was it? I have the manual on how to remove the entire top, but it doesn't go into replacing the canvas.

2. I'm assuming trying to replace my own canvas is a fools errand. Does anyone know a reputable shop in the North Dallas area they'd recommend?

Thanks in advance,

Allan

[butch199]

I also had sepperation of the plastic window on my 1999 996. I was quoted 600. to fix(Tampa, Fl). My top was like new--so I tackled repair myself following the DIY on this site, took a weekend, but endeed up fantastic, only cost 25 in supplies and I will get more useful life out of my top .

Replacing the canvas is a very chalenging job, I know someone who tried

[1schoir]

I don't know of a link to replace a 996 top canvas, but there is a good DIY for replacing a Boxster top canvas. If you want to get a general idea of what is involved, take a look here: http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/replacingthetop-adiy

It is time consuming and detail oriented, but definitely doable.

Regards, Maurice.

[frisbee91]

I did the fix myself. (I wrote the DIY and posted it on this site). Two years later, it's still holding up well. I think next time, I'd skip using the silicone caulk in the gap altogether, and just use a heavy coat of waterproofing spray (like Raggtop, or the Porsche protectant spray)

[NYBUILDER]

Great info and fantastic DIY instruction from frisbee91. Just curious if frisbee91 can tell us how long his repair lasted.

I had done a simple re-glue with a hot air soldering gun along my seem which looked fantastic for all of 10 minutes, until the seem failed in a loud popping sound. It took hours and lightly burnt all my finger tips. I think frisbee91 has a great solution just curious how long it lasted

Please reply at your convenience Thanks

[butch199]

3 years later and my top repair still looks great, give it a shot before replacing top

Good Luck

[wyovino]

I did the fix with glue and heavy duty stitching.  Looked like crap and killed my fingers.  Eventually had the top replaced.  The labor is the same whether you have them repair or replace the top.  It has to come off to do it properly.  I opted to get a new top made of German A5 canvas (like oem) and stayed with the plastic window rather than going with the much smaller glass window.  The plastic windows are now double-stitched and won't de-laminate like the original did.