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)
- 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
- 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.
- Fitment: Compatible with Porsche 1997-2002 Boxster & Boxster S 986 Convertible 2 Door. Please confirm your car model before purchasing to avoid that the purchased product is not suitable for your car.
- Package included: 1 x Soft Top with Plastic Window. This product is made of reinforced Canvas + Plastic Window, waterproof and dust proof, excellent performance, can provide long service life.
- Trustworthy Quality: Every component is strictly screened and analyzed during manufacturing. The top does not require sewing and is fully assembled and ready to be installed.
- Color: Black | Material: Canvas + Plastic Window. Excellent durability and impact resistance, can adapt to any weather and environment.
- Installation: Mounting Hardware NOT Included. Instructions NOT included. Screw, clip mounting mode. Professional installation is strongly recommended.
- 【Vehicle Fitment】Compatible with Porsche Boxster 986 1997-2002 Convertible
- 【Reference Number】Replacement for: PBl003
- 【Product Description】Color: Black; Plastic Window Include: Yes; Package Quantity: 1; Fitment Type: Direct Replacement
- 【Note】It Comes with Clear Plastic Window
- 【Buy with Confidence】1 Year Unlimited-mileage Quality Guarantee---We extremely value your satisfaction and strive to provide you good shopping experience. Any further question, please feel free to contact us at any time
- 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
- 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 Haartz 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
- Heavy Duty Replacement Part
- Brand New Like OEM
- Teeth Angle Left to Right
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 2022-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
