996 convertible top unglued

[tino23]

About a 1/2 inch of fabric is starting to lift off the rear plastic window of my 2000 996 convertible top. The top was entirely replaced under warranty in 2003 due to a defect from manufacturing which caused water to leak into the fabric and rot out the fabric and window. Is there any product I can use to reglue the fabric to the top and have it resealed? The Porsche dealer that did the replacement top is in Boston and I am now in Charlotte, NC so it is hard for me to take it back. And at the moment, it is just a small issue. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Edited October 31, 2005 by tino23

[Loren]

There was a new TSB on this in April 2005 (TSB 4/05 6128 Convertible Rear Window Bonding Loose). Seems like a problem they are aware of. It explains repair/replacement options.

[Kim]

I can tell you from exeperience that the small area will become large, and quickly, if your loose area is at the bottom of the window. The airflow over the top constantly inflates the loose area like an air scoop, widening the damage rapidly, Mine went from a few inches ... when first noticed .... to the entire lower seam in a matter of days. This did not open the interior of my car to the weather, as the window was still attached about 2 inches in from the edge. It did constantly collect leaves, rain, etc.

The TSB specifes that an area of less than 10mm may be rebonded, requiring that the top be removed. Otherwise, it calls for a plastic window replacement. I believe that was guidance for the dealer facing an warranty issue.

My 2000 Cab went through this in May. The dealer confirmed that my car was out of warranty, then referred me to a third party top/interior shop he uses regularly. That shop was familiar with the issue and stated he could not rebond the loose area. He offered a new OEM top for $3500 installed, or a German manufactured top "of equal quality" (but with stitched vice glued back window) for $1900. I took the latter, and have been very happy with it. It appears to be every bit the equal of the original top in quality and fit.

I did speak with another shop that would remove the top, stitch around the perimeter of the window, and reinstall for approximately $600 labor. No guarantees on leaking or lasting.

Good luck,

Kim

[tino23]

Thanks for the reply. The crazy thing is this was already fixed once under warranty! The lifting is at the top portion of the rear window, so maybe it won't need a top replacement.

[Eric (Plug Guy)]

Sounds like a warranty replacement top to me. If it was fixed once, and it came loose again, they should put a new top on. Typically factory parts have a 2-year warranty. Best of luck.

Had my '99 separate 3 months out of warranty and PCNA basically told me to stick it. Cost a bundle. Fixed it. Glad to have sold it and got into a glass-back '04 C4S Cab for now. :)

[djantlive]

I was told by dealer that the 2 yr warranty only applies if the repair is paid out of pocket. If under warranty, there is no coverage once your warrranty expires.

Your best bet is to contact the dealer who did the fix originally. If they can fix it for you, take the car there even if it's far. Send them pictures if needed to get it done. Maybe they can settle the fix cost at a local dealer but that's a long shot. Also get estimate from local upholstery shops that are used by dealers.

Bottom line, don't wait to fix this.