A Critical Issue on Porsche Boxster 986 cars, made before 2003, is when their Boxster Rear Plastic Window becomes CRACKED.
Porsche produced the original Boxster with a plastic rear window. The limitations for the use of the rear plastic window are quite high because of “cold crack”, scratching problems, and the oxidation of the plastic (yellowing).
In 2003 Porsche upgraded the Boxster to a glass rear screen, however, Porsche changed the pattern at the same time making it impossible to upgrade the old cars with the new convertible top from Porsche.
Although it is possible to both retrofit a new convertible top with a rear glass window or even a glass rear window in place of the rear plastic window on the pre-2003 Porsche Boxster 986. We have multiple articles on this at Boxstertips.
1.0 Not recommended to lower the 986 top in real cold weather
Be very careful when opening your convertible top in cold weather. The colder the weather the more prone your plastic rear window is apt to crack.
Newer windows are very pliable but age sees the rear plastic windows get brittle and inflexible.
Never use your convertible top below 40°F or 5°C!
2.0 Boxster Chop
All owners of a 986 with a rear plastic window need to learn the “Boxster Chop”. You need to get your black belt in this critical defensive maneuver.
When you do lower the top, open the top enough to start the rear window folding then get out of the car and do a ‘chop’ with your arm/hand and make a nice even crease/fold in the window so when you open the top all the way the window doesn’t develop a compound fold/crease.
The “Boxster Chop” is recommended in all weather conditions as a defensive measure.
Many 986 owners opt to get a new canvas top, complete with a new glass window. If you’re looking to buy an early Boxster 986, please keep in mind this upgrade and the costs involved.
- 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty
- Canvas Cloth
- Window: 50 Gauge Heavey Plastic window like the original
- This top comes completely assembled and ready to install. No sewing is required
- Canvas Cloth
- DOT Approved Heated Glass Window.
- This top comes completely assembled and ready to install. No sewing is required.
- Our tops are Brand new in the original box.
All Boxster Forum Sites will have multiple dedicated threads on this issue and offer many solutions for resolution.
Please note that Replacing the Convertible Roof is Project 70 in the 101 Projects for Your Porsche Boxster.
3.0 From Amazon
- Upgraded German A5B/DS Acoustic Cloth / Canvas for superior sound dampening
- Entire top is cut from the same bolt of cloth for consistent color and pattern
- New DOT rated heated glass window with embedded defroster wiring
- Includes the wiring harness to connect the defroster window to electrical system
- Flush mounted deck seams like original and unique to these Boxsters
- Canvas Cloth
- DOT Approved Heated Glass Window.
- This top comes completely assembled and ready to install. No sewing is required.
- Our tops are Brand new in the original box.
- Non original Haartz Stayfast cloth material with a plain black cotton inner lining
- Entire top is cut from the same bolt of cloth for consistent color and pattern
- Slightly tinted heavy gauge press-polish plastic window for superior visibility
- Includes the wiring harness to connect the defroster window to electrical system
- Flush mounted deck seams like original and unique to these Boxsters
- Haartz TwillFast RPC acoustic canvas
- Provides up to 2dB (noticeable) noise reduction
- Defroster, tinted glass window upgrade
- No Stitching or Piping around window
- 5 year warranty to original owner
- Fitment: The Convertible Soft Top Compatible with 1997-2002 Porsche Boxster & Boxster S 986 Convertible 2 Door
- High Performance: Clear visibility of the windows will not obstruct your view and ensure safe driving. No sewing required on top, fully assembled and ready to install
- Premium Quality: The Soft Top is made of Sailcloth Vinyl & Plastic with high temperature resistance and not easy to deform. The strict splicing process provides effective protection against rain, wind and sun
- Installation Mode: Screw & clip. Professional installation is strongly recommended
- Package Included: Note: Mounting Hardware & Instructions NOT included. Only 1 x Soft Top with Plastic Window
- Upgraded German A5B/DS Acoustic Cloth / Canvas for superior sound dampening
- Entire top is cut from the same bolt of cloth for consistent color and pattern
- Slightly tinted heavy gauge press-polish plastic window for superior visibility
- Includes the wiring harness to connect the defroster window to electrical system
- Flush mounted deck seams like original and unique to these Boxsters
- 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty
- Canvas Cloth
- Window: 50 Gauge Heavey Plastic window like the original
- This top comes completely assembled and ready to install. No sewing is required
- Product Adaptation: This soft top replacement is compatible with 1997-2002 Porsche Boxster & Boxster S 986 Convertible 2 Door. Upgrade your vehicle with our convertible tops replacement
- Superior Build: Our soft tops are made of high-quality sailcloth vinyl to provide durability and resilience in all weather conditions. Clear plastic windows add a touch of sophistication, providing visibility and protection from inclement weather, making your driving experience more enjoyable
- Improves Versatility: A soft top is a versatile solution that provides shelter and an open-air driving experience, whether you're braving inclement weather or cruising in the sun. Upgrade your vehicle's functionality with a roof that matches your lifestyle, blending utility with style
- Visual Upgrade: Transform the look of your vehicle with our classic black soft roof. The sleek color adds a touch of sophistication that complements the rugged nature of your vehicle. The convertible top blends well with your vehicle's exterior design and makes a statement on the road
- Package Contents: You will receive 1 x replacement soft top. Instructions are not included. This soft top is designed to install over your existing factory soft top frame or hardware, simply remove the old one and replace it with our soft top
- 【Upgrade Brass Material】：Your convertible top may affected by the broken of the plastic end on the push rod, so we upgrade the material of push rod end, which is made of brass, It has not only high hardness, but only wear-resistance performance to extend the service life. And we equip it with four clips, which can fix the ball head firmly.
- 【Installation】: Unscrew the cabriolet top pushrod ball joint, then use a marker to locate the threads and direction; reinstall the new convertible top push rod transmission pivot joint head following the marking; Press the ball head to the bottom, hold the spring handle with needle-nose pliers and put it in. Adjust the direction and release it so that it snaps into the groove.
- 【Compatible with】: Porsche Boxster 986 987 1997-2012.
- 【Package Included】: 2* brass cabriolet roof pushbar ball heads; 4* spring handles; 1* grease.
- 【Replace Part Number】: 98756127900, 98756127901, 98756127902.
4.0 From the Internet:
Top 5 Recommended Boxster Web Forums (Excellent Resource for repairs and advice)
6SpeedOnline – Rear window ripped, now what?
PedrosBoard – Rear window replacement question for 986
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Last update on 2025-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
