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.
Table of Contents
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.
- 6 Year Warranty
- Haartz Stayfast Cloth
- Window: 50 Gauge Heavey Plastic window like the original
- This top comes completely assembled and ready to install. No sewing is required
- Haartz Stayfast 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
- 6 Year Warranty
- Haartz Stayfast Cloth
- Window: 50 Gauge Heavey Plastic window like the original
- This top comes completely assembled and ready to install. No sewing is required
- Heavy Duty Replacement Part
- Brand New Like OEM
- Fast and Free Shipping w/ Friendly Customer Service | 1 Year Warranty
- Teeth Angle Left to Right
- If you own a Porsche 986 Boxster, more than likely your convertible top will suffer from the infamous broken plastic push rod end. Porsche used a plastic end on the push rod used to operate the convertible top. These plastic ends are notorious for breaking and unfortunately can set you back $150 if you have to buy 2 new push rods since the dealer does not sell the plastic end piece separately.
- The Plastic used is the mixture of glass fiber which i heat resistance and durable.
- Porsche Applications: Boxster (1997-2012)
- Porsche Boxster 97, Boxster 97, Boxster 98, Boxster 98, Boxster 99, Boxster 99, Boxster 00, Boxster 00, Boxster 01, Boxster 01, Boxster 02, Boxster 02, Boxster 03, Boxster 03, Boxster 04, Boxster 04
- Porsche; Left and Right
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
- Oem equivalent part number: 98656119101
- Haartz Stayfast 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- A high quality, Direct Fit OE Replacement Convertible Top Rod from Evan-Fischer
- push rod
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
Also, be sure to check out our “Best Of” Series:
- Best Battery for your Porsche Boxster
- Best Porsche Boxster Car Covers
- Best Radar Detector for Your Porsche Boxster
- Best Porsche Boxster & Cayman Books
- Best Battery Charger for Your Boxster
- Best Porsche Boxster Wiper Blades
Last update on 2021-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
