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.
Table of Contents
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) | 2,445 Reviews | Amazon |
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CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer - The Ultimate Solution for Bringing Rubber, Vinyl and Plastic Back to... | 14,237 Reviews | Amazon |
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303 Products (30308CSR) UV Protectant Spray for Vinyl, Plastic, Rubber, Fiberglass, Leather & More... | 2,387 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 | 7,383 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.
- 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
- 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
- Heavy Duty Replacement Part
- Brand New Like OEM
- Fast and Free Shipping w/ Friendly Customer Service | 1 Year Warranty
- Teeth Angle Left to Right
- 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)
- Porsche Boxster 97, Boxster 97, Boxster 98, Boxster 98, Boxster 99, Boxster 99, Boxster 00, Boxster 00, Boxster 01, Boxster 01, Boxster 02, Boxster 02, Boxster 03, Boxster 03, Boxster 04, Boxster 04
- Porsche; Left and Right
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
- Oem equivalent part number: 98656119101
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- A high quality, Direct Fit OE Replacement Convertible Top Rod from Evan-Fischer
- push rod
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 2021-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
