2 convertible top questions

[londoner06]

Hi, I have a couple of questions regarding the convertible top on a 2000 C2 Cabrio.

1. The dealer gave me a speech about NOT operating the convertible when 'it is cold' :unsure: The manual says not to operate the top at temps below O°, that's pretty cold!! Any opinions? When is it safe to use it really temperature wise to avoid cracking the window?

2. Can the plastic window be replaced separately from the top?

As always, many thanks in advance.

Alex

Edited October 8, 2008 by londoner06

[whs]

Hi, I have a couple of questions regarding the convertible top on a 2000 C2 Cabrio.

1. The dealer gave me a speech about NOT operating the convertible when 'it is cold' :unsure: The manual says not to operate the top at temps below O°, that's pretty cold!! Any opinions? When is it safe to use it really temperature wise to avoid cracking the window?

2. Can the plastic window be replaced separately from the top?

As always, many thanks in advance.

Alex

I can't say as to the cold, but to the best of my knowledge, there is no way to replace the window without replacing the top.

Will

[DFW996]

It runs slower when its cold temps....I looked into replacing the plastic window and I was told a 2002 top will fit and that comes with a glass window.

[kristian]

It runs slower when its cold temps....I looked into replacing the plastic window and I was told a 2002 top will fit and that comes with a glass window.

I replaced mine with a glass window that was worth it, but I did some research and found places who would stitch in a plastic window too

KL

[londoner06]

It runs slower when its cold temps....I looked into replacing the plastic window and I was told a 2002 top will fit and that comes with a glass window.

I replaced mine with a glass window that was worth it, but I did some research and found places who would stitch in a plastic window too

KL

Thank you for your replies.

I saw one entry that mentioned that the glass window is smaller. The plastic one has a zipper around it but I couldn't see any way to actually remove it.

I guess unless it cracks that I will stick to the Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Cleaner and Polish.

Alex

[1schoir]

Thank you for your replies.

I saw one entry that mentioned that the glass window is smaller. The plastic one has a zipper around it but I couldn't see any way to actually remove it.

I guess unless it cracks that I will stick to the Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Cleaner and Polish.

Alex

Alex:

If you are going to stick with the plastic window until it cracks, try the 3 step Novus products. They will "rejuvenate" a window that is getting hazy and stiff.

Regards, Maurice.

[londoner06]

Cheers, Maurice, I will check Novus out.

Alex

[seafeye]

Cheers, Maurice, I will check Novus out.

Alex

I operated my top (Boxster) when the temp was 10C or 40F. And it cracked. So maybe 15C or 65F should be the majic number.

[DFC69]

Do not operate the top in too cold of weather, especially with the plastic window, it becomes brittle in extreme cold. Also, the operation is slower (hydraulic fluid) and can put a strain on other components. Following the manual should be sufficient, but (due to a bad experience with a miata) I do not operate the top under 35 deg C.

Regarding the top itself:

• The factory top for US MY 99-01 has a plastic window and is NOT replaceable with a factory US MY 02+ top and glass window.
  
• There are aftermarket tops that have a glass window for 99-01 cars, and yes, the window is significantly smaller (GAHH tops).
  
• The plastic window can be replaced on its own, it is a difficult and complex process, and not always successful (I do not recommend it, long story...). There are some trim shops that will sew in a plastic window.
  
• Porsche also now makes a factory top with a pre sewn in window (due to the difficulty of the window install - there is a bulletin on this).
  
• There are aftermarket tops including windows available.
  

It really depends on what you want, are willing to accept, and want to spend... I have just gone through a long and difficult process getting a top replaced. In essence, dealer tried three times to install a new window in a new top - failed each time, then, without permission, sent the car out to have the window sewn in by a trim shop. I was not happy with the result, esp. since I paid for an OEM top and window ($$$), and there was other damage to my car. I finally had them (at their cost) replace the top with the factory top with sewn in window option and am very happy.

I will now be selling the first top/sewn in window to cover the "other" damage the dealer did to my car... This link has pictures of the stitching so you can get an idea. http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/show...ad.php?t=455129

[whitebadger12]

Good advice. Maybe they're talkin about 0C - Mine shattered (complete w/ loud bang) this am at 24F :censored: ... trying to replace now. Lesson learned (as always the hard way), but it was 10 years old and visibility is much better w/o it.

[juniinc]

My old one cracked around 40F but the new window is fine even in 30F or lower.

I hear U DFC69,,,the quality of the stitching work was terrible. my hand stitching job is better than that :lol:

[JeTexas]

My car had replacement window stitched in & the stitching looks terrible, but that was partially what helped me get a great deal on the car. I've seen replacement tops with a plastic window on eBay for $299, but I can't attest to the quality.