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
- 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.
- 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
- [Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with Porsche Boxster 2005-2012 Convertible (Black, with Glass Window)
- [Specification]: ① Reference Number: 98756101500A10, 98756190302A10; ② Color: Black; ③ Window Material: Glass; ④ Installation Hardware Included: No; ⑤ Package Quantity: 1x Convertible Soft Top; ⑥ Packaging Type: Box
- [First Quality]: Made of Superior quality waterproof fabric, it can not only easily resist external rain, but also wind and sun; Windows feature OEM quality laminated plastic for high visibility.
- [Perfect Stitching Technology]: The top deck is made up of deck seams on both sides. All seams are heat sealed and reinforced with double pins. This bonding method adds strength so that it does not leak or separate during use, ensuring an excellent experience.
- [Buy with Confidence]: A-Premium offers a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee on our meticulously crafted Convertible Soft Top. We offer a wide variety of automotive accessory categories, ensuring that you can hit the road with peace of mind.
- [Vehicle Fitment]: Perfectly fit the original model: Compatible with Porsche Boxster 986 1997-2002 Convertible; Reference Number: PBl003; Built to factory original quality specifications or better to ensure a proper fit and longest life
- [First Quality Cabrio Vinyl]: This 1 piece top design is an economical alternative for your vehicle that retains the same quality as the original. Made of high-quality waterproof fabric, it can easily resist external rain, prevent rainwater leakage, and at the same time have the function of wind resistance and sunproof
- [Superior Visibility]: The window use the OEM quality press polish plastic for superior visibility; Strong bonding, no more window seperation; Made of transparent PVC material, high temperature resistance, wear resistance, easy to scrub
- [Perfect Stitching Technology]: The top deck is made with a deck seam down both sides. All seams are heat sealed. To add to the strength, the seams are reinforced with a double stitch for extra support.
- [Buy with Confidence]: A-Premium offers a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee on our meticulously crafted Convertible Soft Top. We offer a wide variety of automotive accessory categories, ensuring that you can hit the road with peace of mind.
- 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
- 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.
- Package Included: Note: Mounting Hardware & Instructions NOT included. Only 1 x Soft Top with Plastic Window.
- Installation Mode: Screw & clip. Professional installation is strongly recommended.
- Porsche OEM original German A5 Singed cloth material with black dobby weave (cross hatch) interior 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
- Flush mounted deck seams like original and unique to these Boxsters
- Includes a new green tinted plastic window
- First quality Stayfast Canvas
- The entire top is cut from the same bolt of cloth for consistent color & pattern
- DOT approved heated glass window with embedded defroster wiring
- Includes new steel side hold down cables already securely installed on this top
- Factory-style retainer attachments are sewn-in for an easy & accurate installation
- 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
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 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
