HEATED GLASS REAR WINDOW for the 2000 BOXTER S

[MAJOR JIM]

Last year I had to have my convertible top replaced after Mother Nature decided it was time to blow a 4 inch tree limb through it.

Well, I was tired of trying to keep the plastic window polished so I could see through it. So, I ordered the Porsche dealer to obtain a new top with a heated glass.

Only when I picked up the car after the repair, did I find out the Glass window was much smaller in heighth and width than the plastic original. I'm still fuming about not being warned that a full-sized glass window could not be used. I still DO NOT believe it ! It looks like I was taken for a ride or just taken .

Now, I am unable to see very well out the rear window with the top up, which is dangerous. I want to install a REAR- VIEW Camera and monitor.

QUESTION : Can any one help me find a high quality system and installation instructions?

Sincerely,

MAJOR JIM

[Magic Imagination]

Hi Major Jim,

Yeah, the should have warned you ahead of time.

It's my understanding that all glass windows will by necessity be smaller because, unlike the plastic, the glass obviously can't be bent as it is tucked away.

For the backup camera, there are many aftermarket GPS units that also offer a backup camera that displays the image on the screen of the GPS. But I can't recommend one specifically as I don't know your tastes and vehicle specifics. But they do exist :-)

Hope this helps.

Cheers!

[1schoir]

You can get a somewhat larger glass rear window by installing the 4 bow top frame from a 2003 or 2004 Boxster.

The easiest and most economical solution is to source a used OEM complete top and frame assembly from an '03 or 04 and install it on your 2000. It's a direct replacement. It does change the profile of the top slightly (from 3-bow to 4-bow) and it is definitely not the size of the plastic window (for the reason cited by Magic Imagination), but it is an improvement over the GAHH or Robbins tops. The two brands of tops are very good quality, but it's the limitation of the 3-bow design that mandates the small window.

Here is a link to more information on advantages and disadvantages of both, with a detailed DIY: https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/installinga'03-'04glasstopandframeona'97

Regards, Maurice.

[cfuller763]

A question:

I have replaced the top on my 2001 with a 2003 complete assembly. The clamshell does not close completely with my storage unit behind the roll bars and the clamp does not clear my wind deflector.

CAn this be adjusted?

[1schoir]

This can be adjusted. Start with taking care of the latch clearing the wind deflector.

Do a search here as I have detailed the steps to achieve the needed clearance in earlier threads.

For the most part, it only involves loosening the three bolts on each side of the base of the B-Pillar of the convertible top frame and pulling back before tightening the bolts again.

Regards, Maurice.

[cfuller763]

So - will I still be able to use my storage unit?

I would prefer to keep it.

BTW thanks for the helpful articles.

Very enjoyable.

[1schoir]

Yes, the storage box can remain in place, as long as it is attached and located properly.

Glad you enjoyed the articles. There is a lot of useful information in them.

Let us know how you make out once you make the adjustments. It will help the next guy.

Regards, Maurice.

[lkchris]

Part number for storage box changes with 2003 production.

[cfuller763]

Well, I figured out the storage problem. My latch was touching the wind deflector on the way down, closing and then it interfered with the box. One problem down.

Next - I tried loosening the bolts on the frame and pulling back to adjust, but it wouldn't move enough to allow the latch to clear the deflector.

How far back would the frame need to go to clear the deflector?

It didn't seem to move very far.