Boxster Rear Plastic Window Cracked

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.

What is the Boxster Chop?!?

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.

Compatible with Porsche Boxster Convertible Top with Plastic Window Black Canvas Cloth(1997-2002)

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

compatible with Porsche Boxster 986 1997-2002 Convertible Top With Heated Glass Window Canvas Cloth (Black)

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

Bestseller No. 1

compatible with Porsche Boxster 986 1997-2002 Convertible Top With Heated Glass Window Canvas Cloth (Black)

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.

Bestseller No. 2

Sierra Auto Tops Convertible Top Replacement for Porsche Boxster 1997-2002, TwillFast RPC Canvas, Black, Heated Glass 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

Bestseller No. 3

PB-3302-2 10-07-BOX-068 POR10025 Convertible Soft Top Heated Glass Window Fits Porsche 986 Boxster 1997-2002 Black

🚗【Compatible with】Fully fits the original model. Compatible with Porsche Boxster 986 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002.Part Number：MBZ1076845, BZ17054651, 0107-BLACK-STF; Manufactured to original quality specifications or better to ensure a perfect fit and long life.
Reliable and durable】Our soft top uses high quality waterproof fabric, which can easily resist outside rain, has certain function of preventing sun damage, and has excellent resistance to long-term exposure to the sun.
🚗【Excellent Visibility】The Convertible Soft Top windows are made of high quality glass with heating wire, easy defogging and excellent visibility; and are resistant to high temperature, wear and tear, and easy to scrub.
🚗【Easy to install】 Convertible Soft Top with Heated Glass Window is fully assembled and ready to install. No sewing is required.
🚗【Buy with confidence】 1 year unlimited mileage warranty - We take your satisfaction very seriously and strive to provide you with an excellent shopping experience. Feel free to contact us with any questions and we will respond within 12 hours.

Bestseller No. 4

HIMARKLIF Upgrade Brass Convertible Top Transmission Left Right Side Gears Compatible with Porsche Boxster 986/987 1997-2012 Replace# 98756118001

【 Upgrade Material 】: HIMARKLIF LH&RH Convertible Top Transmission Gears are made of high-quality brass, replacing plastic accessories.
【Increased Durability】: Brass Convertible Top Transmission Gears have higher strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and are more durable than plastic gears. Withstands electric motor cycling operate and heat for longer lifespan.
【Fitment】：Fit for 1997 - 2012 Porsche Boxster Convertible 986/987
【OEM Design】: Our Brass Convertible Top Transmission Gears Made from original data, Manufactured to match plastic OE gear dimensions for proper fit and operation. Easy to install,Directly installed.
【Replace Part Numbers】 : 98756118001; Interchange Part Number 98656117902, 98656117903, 98656118002, 98656118003; Other Part Number 98756118000, 987561179, 987561180, 9875611780

Bestseller No. 5

A-Premium Blue Convertible Soft Top Compatible with Porsche Boxster 1997-2002, Convertible, with Plastic Window

[Vehicle Fitment]: A-Premium Convertible top is compatible with Porsche Boxster 1997-2002 Convertible---Blue, with Plastic Window
[First Quality Cabrio Vinyl]: This 1 piece soft top design is an economical alternative for your vehicle, retaining the same quality as the original. Made of premium waterproof fabric, it can easily withstand external rain and prevent rainwater leakage, while providing wind and sun resistance.
[Superior Visibility]: The window uses 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
[Reference Number]: The A-Premium Convertible Soft Top's reference number: PR-2291-442-2994, PR22914422994. Before placing an order, verify that the part is compatible with your vehicle using the compatibility system.
[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.

Bestseller No. 6

Sierra Auto Tops Convertible Top Replacement for Porsche Boxster 1997-2002, TwillFast II Canvas, Blue

First quality Twillfast II cloth with a dobby weave lining
Precision cut with Gerber automated computer guided cutting equipment
DOT approved plastic window same as factory original
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

Bestseller No. 7

Sierra Auto Tops Convertible Top Replacement for Porsche Boxster 1997-2002, German Acoustic A5 Canvas, Black

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

Bestseller No. 8

A-Premium Convertible Soft Top Compatible with Porsche Boxster 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002, Convertible, with Glass Window

[Vehicle Fitment]: A-Premium Convertible top is compatible with Porsche Boxster 1997-2002 Convertible---Bordeaux; with Glass Window
[First Quality Cabrio Vinyl]: This 1 piece soft top design is an economical alternative for your vehicle, retaining the same quality as the original. Made of premium waterproof fabric, it can easily withstand external rain and prevent rainwater leakage, while providing wind and sun resistance.
[Superior Visibility]: The window uses 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
[Reference Number]: The A-Premium Convertible Soft Top's reference number: B-2293-29492-3884, PB-2294-8, B2293294923884, PB22948. Before placing an order, verify that the part is compatible with your vehicle using the compatibility system.
[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.

Bestseller No. 9

Sierra Auto Tops Convertible Top Replacement for Porsche Boxster 2003-2004, Stayfast Canvas, Black, Heated Glass 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

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

Neil from Road And Race

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