Cracked Porsche Boxster Rear Plastic Window – Repair Options

A Critical Issue on Porsche Boxster 986 cars, made before 2003, is dealing with a Cracked Porsche Boxster Rear Plastic Window

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.

Boxster 986 Rear Window, replacing a Cracked Porsche Boxster Rear Plastic Window
Boxster 986 Rear Window, replacing a Cracked Porsche Boxster Rear Plastic Window

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.

Boxstertips - PCA Pedro Bonilla
Boxstertips – PCA Pedro Bonilla

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.

What is the Boxster Chop?!?

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 will fog and scratch which is one of the biggest complaints from Boxster owners. Fogging and oxidation happen as the plasticizers evaporate. This is caused by UV Light and the heat from the sun. As a result, the Boxster’s Rear Plastic Window becomes cracked or damaged.

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.

3.2 Polish Your Rear Plastic Window

Rid your read plastic window of minor scuffs, yellowing, and scratches using good plastic polish. Your rear plastic window can be restored using a plastic polishing compound.

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.

Lamin-x Convertible Top Clear Window Repair Universal
211 Reviews
Lamin-x Convertible Top Clear Window Repair Universal
  • 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 solutions for a quick repair or replacement of the plastic window.

Boat Repair can replace the plastic window at a reasonable price.

3.0 Repair Worn, Torn, or Damaged Convertible Canvas

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.

Canvas Repair of Convertible Top

It is critical that you need to get this on quickly to prevent the holes or tears from spreading. Your fastest and 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.

Make sure you get a quote and compare any previous work of the shop.

4.0 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.

5.0 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.

compatible with Porsche Boxster Convertible Top With Plastic Window Black Canvas Cloth(1997-2002)
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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)
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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.

Boxstertips - 101 Projects for your Porsche Boxster
Boxstertips – 101 Projects for your Porsche Boxster
Boxstertips - Porsche Boxster Convertible Top Replacement
Boxstertips – Porsche Boxster Convertible Top Replacement

6.0 From Amazon

Bestseller No. 1
Sierra Auto Tops Convertible Top Replacement for Porsche Boxster 1997-2002, TwillFast RPC Canvas, Black, Heated Glass Window
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Sierra Auto Tops Convertible Top Replacement for Porsche Boxster 1997-2002, TwillFast RPC Canvas, Black, Heated Glass Window
  • Haartz TwillFast RPC acoustic canvas
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SaleBestseller No. 2
Soft Top Push Rod - 986 987 Box-ster Convertible Ball Joint OEM Repair Kit
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Soft Top Push Rod - 986 987 Box-ster Convertible Ball Joint OEM Repair Kit
  • 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.
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Convertible Soft Top Push Rod Ball Joint OEM Repair kit for 986 987 Boxster
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Convertible Soft Top Push Rod Ball Joint OEM Repair kit for 986 987 Boxster
  • 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.
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Bestseller No. 4
compatible with Porsche Boxster 986 1997-2002 Convertible Top With Heated Glass Window Canvas Cloth (Black)
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compatible with Porsche Boxster 986 1997-2002 Convertible Top With Heated Glass Window Canvas Cloth (Black)
  • Canvas Cloth
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  • This top comes completely assembled and ready to install. No sewing is required.
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SaleBestseller No. 5
Rldym 98656127902 Convertible Top Rod Compatible with Porsche Boxster 1997-2012 2Pcs
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Bestseller No. 6
Top Transmission Gears L+R Side Compatible With Porsche Boxster Convertible 1997-2012 98756118001
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Top Transmission Gears L+R Side Compatible With Porsche Boxster Convertible 1997-2012 98756118001
  • Top Transmission Gears L+R Side Compatible With Porsche Boxster Convertible 1997 to 2012 98756118001
  • OEM Numbers (Only for Comparison): 98756118001
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Bestseller No. 7
Sierra Auto Tops Convertible Top Replacement for Porsche Boxster 1997-2002, Acoustic A5 Canvas, Black
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Bestseller No. 8
Garage-Pro Driver or Passenger Side Convertible Top Rod Compatible with 1997-2004 Porsche Boxster
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Garage-Pro Driver or Passenger Side Convertible Top Rod Compatible with 1997-2004 Porsche Boxster
  • Garage-Pro Aftermarket Replacement Compatible with 1997-2004 Porsche Boxster
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Bestseller No. 9
Sierra Auto Tops Convertible Top Replacement for Porsche Boxster 1997-2002, TwillFast II Canvas, Blue
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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
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  • Factory-style retainer attachments are sewn-in for an easy & accurate installation

7.0 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

8.0 Be Sure To Join Our FaceBook Group

Boxstertips - When Boxsters Dream
Boxstertips – When Boxsters Dream. Join our FaceBook Group

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Last update on 2023-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API