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.
- 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
- Repair Kit Includes: 2 X Pors 986 987 Boxster Convertible Top Push Rod Ball Joint
- The Plastic used is the mixture of glass fiber which i heat resistance and durable.
- Pors che Applications: Boxster (1997-2012)
- 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.
- Fits: 1997-2012 Porsche Boxster
- Upgraded Gears over OEM, will not break again like the original plastic gears.
- Easy installation - Includes both inner and outter gears.
- Includes LEFT+RIGHT SIDE (Sold as a pair)
- LIFETIME WARRANTY
- Custom-fit softtop roof protector designed for the Boxster 986 - 1997 to 2004
- Made from a Poly-Urethane-coated woven polyester ; grey in color
- Fixes to vehicle with padded ribs that are trapped in the closed doors and trunk, and a concealed magnetic fixing system
- Helps protect your soft top from the outside elements
- Haartz Stayfast Cloth
- DOT Approved Heated Glass Window
- This top comes completely assembled and ready to install. No sewing is required
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- Top Transmission Gears L+R Side Compatible With Porsche Boxster Convertible 1997 to 2012 98756118001
- OEM Numbers (Only for Comparison): 98756118001
- Compatibility: Porsche Boxster Convertible 1997 to 2012
- Important: Please compare your parts with the pictures before purchasing an item.
- Package Included: 1x Top Transmission Gear Set (L+R)
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 2021-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
