A Critical Issue on Porsche Boxster 986 cars, made before 2003, is when the Boxster Rear Plastic Window becomes cracked or damaged.
Porsche produced the original Boxster with a plastic rear window,. The lifespan of the plastic window can be quite low. You need to be careful of both “cold crack” and scratching problems.
In 2003 Porsche upgraded the Boxster to a glass rear screen, however, they changed the pattern at the same time making it impossible to upgrade the old cars with the new convertible top. The new OEM convertible top with a rear glass window, can not be retrofitted onto pre-2003 Boxsters.
Care for Your Rear Plastic Window
If you own a Porsche Boxster 986 with a rear plastic window, you need to be extra careful. Here are some tips for increasing the lifespan of your rear plastic window.
Pedro has had his 1998 Boxster rear plastic window last over well over 20 years.
1.0 Do Not Lower the 986 Convertible Top in 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. Never operate the convertible top under 55ºF (or 12°C) without a thorough warm-up.
Newer plastic rear 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.
3.0 Yearly Maintenance of Rear Place Window
If you have a rear plastic window on your Porsche Boxster you need to take extra special care of it. You need to clean and polish it yearly to prevent oxidation (or yellowing and pitting.)
3.1 Clean and Protection of the Rear Plastic Window
The plastic rear window wil fog and scratch and is one of the biggest complaints from Boxster owners. Fogging and oxidation happens as the plasticizes evaporate. This is caused by UV Light and the heat from the sun.
The best way to maintain your plastic rear window is to keep the sun off the plastic rear window as much as possible. Use a good plastic cleaner and UV protectant.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant and Polish (13-Ounce) | 5,507 Reviews | Amazon |
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CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer - The Ultimate Solution for Bringing Rubber, Vinyl and Plastic Back to... | 22,380 Reviews | Amazon |
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303 Aerospace Protectant - Provides Superior UV Protection, Helps Prevent Fading and Cracking,... | 23,196 Reviews | Amazon |
3.2 Polish Your Rear Plastic Window
Rid your read plastic window of minor scuffs, yellowing, and scratches using a good plastic polish. Your rear plastic window can be restored using a plastic polishing compound.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Meguiar's G12310 PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish, 10 Fluid Ounces | 34,360 Reviews | Amazon |
Repair Options for your Porsche Boxster Rear Cracked Plastic Window
1.0 Seal the Crack ASAP on Your Plastic Window
Once you notice that your rear plastic window is cracked, you need to act immediately to prevent further damage. Minimize all use of your convertible top until you choose an option to repair the issue.
1.1 Quick Fix for Cracked Rear Window
It is important to seal your cracked window ASAP. You do not want the crack to spread or cause more damage. Lamin-X has a dedicated Convertible Plastic Window Repair solution. Very durable and will stand up to time. It comes with a 5-year warranty.
- Clear 2" x 24" Universal Adhesive Film
- Glossy finish for high-quality look
- Made in USA, 5-year warranty, industry-leading product
- Transparent film that adheres directly onto your soft window
2.0 Replace the Rear Plastic Window
Many forum Porsche Boxster members have reported excellent service for the rear plastic window from Boat Canvas Repair service shops. All boats make use of canvas covers with plastic windows. Many drivers have received cost efficient solution for a quick repair or replacement of the plastic window.
Boat Repair can replace the plastic window at a reasonable price.
This is a preferred option if you get your canvas cut because of theft (or break and enter of your car.) These shops can do a quick waterproof seal to your canvas roof.
It is critical that you need to get this on quickly to prevent the holes or tears from spreading. Your fastest and the best solution would be to use a canvas patch. We recommend that you would use a Gore-Tex canvas patch. You need a 1/2 inch over coverage on the patch and you can cut to size to minimize the size of the patch.
- Repair jackets, pants, bibs and gloves made of GORE-TEX fabric for a truly waterproof, breathable patch; no sewing required
- Peel-and-stick patch to quickly fix rips, tears or holes in GORE-TEX garments; use an iron or hair dryer to increase bond strength
- Apply this patch with an ultra-aggressive adhesive, which bonds instantly; won’t peel even after a wash
- Use patch kit that includes one 3” round patch and one 2” x 4” rectangular patch; both patches are black and can be cut to size
Make sure you get a quote and compare any previous work of the shop.
3.0 Replace the Rear Plastic Window with Glass
For this option, you will need to investigate using a car service repair shop that specializes in convertible tops. I have to warn you though, that the cost for this repair will almost always exceed the cost of the next and preferred option of replacing the entire top..
When getting this quote, also ask for a complete replacement of the top as well. This will give you a good comparison. Please note that the replacement of the rear window will still be the same size and not larger as seen in the post 2003 Boxsters.
4.0 Replacing Your Porsche Boxster Convertible Top
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 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
- 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)
- Repair Kit Includes: 2 X Pors 986 987 Box-ster Convertible Top Push Rod Ball Joint
- The Plastic used is the mixture of glass fiber which i heat resistance and durable.
- Pors che Applications: Box-ster (1997-2012)
- 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.
- Features: The Soft Top is made of reinforced canvas + plastic, which is resistant to high temperatures and will not turn yellow. Strict stitching technology can prevent rain, wind and sun. In addition, the visibility of the windows is particularly good.
- 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.
- 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.
- Installation: Mounting Hardware NOT Included. Instructions NOT included. Screw, clip mounting mode. Professional installation is strongly recommended.
- Heavy Duty Replacement Part
- Brand New Like OEM
- Fast and Free Shipping w/ Friendly Customer Service | 1 Year Warranty
- Teeth Angle Left to Right
- 1 Year 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
- Heavy Duty Replacement Parts
- Brand New Like OEM
- 987-561-179-01G / 987-561-180-01G
- 98756117901G / 98756118001G
- Fast and Free Shipping w/ Friendly Customer Service
- Repair Kit Includes: 2 X Porsche 986 987 Boxster Convertible Top Push Rod Ball Joint
- 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)
- 【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】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.
- Garage-Pro Aftermarket Replacement Compatible with 1997-2004 Porsche Boxster
- Garage-Pro JCWREPP351801GP Features: Sold individually
- Location: Driver or Passenger Side
- Replaces OE Number: 98656127902
- A high quality, Direct Fit OE Replacement Convertible Top Rod with FREE 1-year UNLIMITED mileage warranty coverage on Garage-Pro items.
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 2022-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
