Porsche Convertible Top

[JST]

As you may have seen, a giant branch fell on the Porsche during the windstorm several weeks ago.

Since then, I've been trying to get the top fixed. The dealer begged off, saying they don't replace fabric. They sent me to a somewhat sketchy but apparently well-regarded upholstery shop. This place is old-school auto repair--dirty, run by a woman whose standard demeanor is "massively put out," and staffed by guys who may be geniuses at what they do but basically roll their eyes like 12 year olds whenever you ask them to do something.

So far, so good, right?

Well, the top bow is bent, meaning it isn't just a reskin--it needs at least part of a new frame.

This is utterly baffling to the place it's in now. They've got no idea how or where to order the part.

Meanwhile, the insurance guy also has no idea what to do. He's half-heartedly calling around trying to find info on parts.

So, in the tradition of LMGTFY, I go online.

https://www.porscheatlantaperimeterparts.com/products/porsche/2006/boxster/ROOF-STRUT/12515911/98756123703.html

I am not sure which part it needs, but am fairly certain it's one of these.

I may never see this car again.

[FC]

Ugh.

Would it help to email them that assembly drawing and have them point out which number is the damaged part? Maybe print it and bring a crayon so they can circle it?

I vote to just go with a Spyder retrofit since your top will never be the same. :lol:

[wdc330i]

As you may have seen, a giant branch fell on the Porsche during the windstorm several weeks ago.

Since then, I've been trying to get the top fixed. The dealer begged off, saying they don't replace fabric. They sent me to a somewhat sketchy but apparently well-regarded upholstery shop. This place is old-school auto repair--dirty, run by a woman whose standard demeanor is "massively put out," and staffed by guys who may be geniuses at what they do but basically roll their eyes like 12 year olds whenever you ask them to do something.

So far, so good, right?

Well, the top bow is bent, meaning it isn't just a reskin--it needs at least part of a new frame.

This is utterly baffling to the place it's in now. They've got no idea how or where to order the part.

Meanwhile, the insurance guy also has no idea what to do. He's half-heartedly calling around trying to find info on parts.

So, in the tradition of LMGTFY, I go online.

https://www.porscheatlantaperimeterparts.com/products/porsche/2006/boxster/ROOF-STRUT/12515911/98756123703.html

I am not sure which part it needs, but am fairly certain it's one of these.

I may never see this car again.

Ugh. That's our dealership. Drive it down here and stay with us.

Edit: I think you may need a real collision repair shop. What was the one near Dulles?

Edit again: http://www.dandvautobody.com/services/

[Theo]

Ugh. That's our dealership. Drive it down here and stay with us.

Edit: I think you may need a real collision repair shop. What was the one near Dulles?

Edit again: http://www.dandvautobody.com/services/

What! What happened.

And holy shit that blows J!

[clyde]

Meanwhile, the insurance guy also has no idea what to do. He's half-heartedly calling around trying to find info on parts.

If insurance guy has no idea how to do a partial fix, brand new everything.

[rumatt]

Ugh... that sucks.

I have a Cayman R for you to replace it if you want.

[3LOU5]

I've had pretty good luck with junkyards in the past.

Who knows, maybe you can find a totaled Porsche that was driven by an idiot and get lucky with obtaining that part.

:dunno: :dunno:

[John V]

Porsches, like most non-mainstream cars, go to "specialty" junkyards. I don't know what the Porsche specialty junkyards are, but if you can find one willing to sell you just one bow from a top frame (not likely), maybe you'll save money off of new? The dealer really should be fixing this. Find another dealer (Porsche of Silver Spring was where I had the fuel pump fixed on mine, and they were good to deal with, for whatever that is worth).

Annoyingly, I've not found a site comparable to RealOEM for searching Porsche parts.

In the meantime, find another shop that can do the top replacement. It's not worth dealing with bad service. If they do bad work, do you want to deal with that bad service when you're trying to get it fixed?

[Josh (PA)]

Edit: I think you may need a real collision repair shop. What was the one near Dulles?

Edit again: http://www.dandvautobody.com/services/

I agree w/ this. I'd also push for a new top assembly from insurance. Easy for me to type, but I'm sure its a PITA for you. Sucks, especially with the timing -> Mid Atlantic weather is just now turning to convertible season.

[ff]

The dealer really should be fixing this.

That was my reaction too. Even if they don't do fabric, they should at least be able to round up all the needed parts and point you to another shop that's competent.

[JST]

Well, the issue with convertible tops is that it’s a specialized skill to stretch canvas that’s more akin to upholstery than it is to collision repair. This shop is supposed to be good at that—but maybe not anything else.

Will confirm today.

[John V]

Installing convertible tops is challenging. I replaced the canvas on my old car and regretted not taking it somewhere. It turned out great, but it was a bitch.

Having said that, I simply won't do business with people who act like they're doing me a favor taking in my work. I don't need to be coddled, but a little bit of bedside manner goes a long way towards convincing me that you give a fuck :).

[bren]

Well, the issue with convertible tops is that it’s a specialized skill to stretch canvas that’s more akin to upholstery than it is to collision repair. This shop is supposed to be good at that—but maybe not anything else.

Will confirm today.

You can't tell me that a reputable body shop never fixes convertibles. There must be a Porsche certified body shop around you somewhere.

[Josh (PA)]

Well, the issue with convertible tops is that it’s a specialized skill to stretch canvas that’s more akin to upholstery than it is to collision repair. This shop is supposed to be good at that—but maybe not anything else.

Will confirm today.

We have a good convertible top place up here. Might be worth giving them a call just to see what their experience is and if they can give you any recommendations. There are always boxsters there.

301 Pottstown Pike, Exton, PA 19341
futurelineauto.com

(610) 363-7977

[JST]

Spot the difference?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180510/d6ab8abe6109c68a24d80951ebf775b9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180510/12944049707d0ccfb055766d6368e7c6.jpg

[Josh (PA)]

That looks very nice! Perfect convertible weather too.

[wdc330i]

Whew! Looks great.

[rumatt]

Nice!

[zach]

That really looks great

[Josh (PA)]

Where'd you get it done, and what was the outcome on sourcing the frame?

[JST]

Ugh, you guys are really being positive. I'm all kinds of pissed off, though, because the rear window on the new top is noticeably smaller (and, I have to say, cheaper looking) than the one on the old top. It's not an OEM part, which is something they didn't tell me before I went to pick it up.

There's also some cosmetic damage on the new frame that they installed, which they'll have to replace.

[wdc330i]

Well crap. Smaller window, WTF!

[rumatt]

Oh no! Is the cabin smaller inside now? I thought it was just camera angle.

[JST]

Hm, rumatt, good question. I didn’t actually get in the car. Left it there and am now in discussions with insurance company. It’s a mess.

[Josh (PA)]

Oh that sucks, I didn't notice the window. Sorry Josh, that would make me very unhappy too.

[equ]

It looks ok but how can they use a non-OEM or OEM-equivalent (i.e. same supplier as Porsche just not branded) part?

[rumatt]

It’s a mess.
I don't see any scenario where this is going to end well. :ack: :(

[Alan]

I was about to post it looks great but then read about the window which I completely didn't notice.

Argh ... frustrating !!

[clyde]

Ugh, you guys are really being positive. I'm all kinds of pissed off, though, because the rear window on the new top is noticeably smaller (and, I have to say, cheaper looking) than the one on the old top. It's not an OEM part, which is something they didn't tell me before I went to pick it up.

There's also some cosmetic damage on the new frame that they installed, which they'll have to replace.

Is the lack of visible seal the "cheaper looking" part to which you refer?

I'd be pretty pissed about non-OE parts being using without disclosure. And I'd be checking my policy and work authorizations to make sure I'm not pissed at myself for letting it happen.

[bren]

If you can figure out how to force your insurance co. to use OE parts please share.

[John V]

Is the lack of visible seal the "cheaper looking" part to which you refer?

I'd be pretty pissed about non-OE parts being using without disclosure. And I'd be checking my policy and work authorizations to make sure I'm not pissed at myself for letting it happen.

The lack of visible seal around the window actually looks better to me.

Do you know what brand of top they used? On my 986, I put on a Robbins brand top, and while it looked different, it seemed to be very high quality. The fabric was very close in look and feel to stock.

I can understand why you're upset because at the very least it's different, but I' not sure there's anything you can do about it at this point.

[Alan]

The lack of visible seal around the window actually looks better to me.

.

I agree ... overall I think the new top looks a lot better than the old one. In time you’ll get used to the smaller window ... I would think the visibility wasn’t that great to begin with :dunno:

[SARAFIL]

Sorry to hear about your experience... yikes! Tops are tough because they do outsource this to upholstery specialists, most dealers or body shops don’t do that in house. The top itself looks ok but do agree that rear window looks off and definitely smaller. 😞

Your insurance is usually only required to use a “like kind and quality” part but not OEM. Some sell an add-on to provide OEM parts, might want to ask about this if it’s important to you. A few of the high net worth companies (Chubb, AIG) default to OEM only but are also a lot more $$$. As an alternative, you should be able to pay the difference in cost for OEM vs. aftermarket part when they are making the repair.

[equ]

Did they use a 981 compatible window? My rear window looks iike that. Maybe you should just live with it.

[equ]

If you can figure out how to force your insurance co. to use OE parts please share.

I have - in the past - by asking. It was an e90 windshield and I pointed out the rain and light sensor, asked for pilkington or whatever french glass it was.

[wdc330i]

I think the problem was that Josh didn't know they weren't going to use OEM parts. But, of course, now it's a painful lesson learned.

[rumatt]

Hold on a second. There's a difference between non-OEM and not-the-same-shape.

When I get a non-OEM windshield or control arm it still fits perfectly and provides the same functionality.

A smaller rear window (or reduced headroom if that happened too) is changing something fundamental about the vehicle. I feel like there's a valid complaint here, even if they are allowed to use non-OEM parts.

[SARAFIL]

Hold on a second. There's a difference between non-OEM and not-the-same-shape.

When I get a non-OEM windshield or control arm it still fits perfectly and provides the same functionality.

A smaller rear window (or reduced headroom if that happened too) is changing something fundamental about the vehicle. I feel like there's a valid complaint here, even if they are allowed to use non-OEM parts.



I agree - it should be an equivalent part, and if not then that is an issue. Not sure how far out of spec it is just based on this pic though, would need a closer look to tell.

[JST]

Yes, I don’t really care about oem—the cover they used seems to be equivalent, fabric-wise.

I am pissed about the window, though the adjuster assures me it’s only about 3/4” difference in height. Still, on a window that small that’s a big deal, and I mostly hate that it’s so obvious that it’s a replacement unit.

The adjuster tells me essentially there’s nothing to be done; Porsche has discontinued this part and this is the only thing available. Do I believe that? I guess. Don’t have much choice.

They still have the car because the frame they put on is inarguably damaged and they are replacing that.

Am likely going to list the car for sale when I get it back. Frankly just tired of having a third car that I don’t get to drive and that I can’t garage.

[rumatt]

Porsche discontinues parts on cars that are 12 years old? 10 if yours were a 2008?

Having a car you don't drive and isn't garaged sucks. I find it better to keep the cars I drive least garaged and the one I drive most outside. The battery stays fresh, the dirt blows off, the bugs get blown out the tail pipe..

It feels silly to have a garage then walk outside in the rain to drive to work (or worse, brush the snow off my car after it snowed) but I find I like it better than the alternative. It's the cost of owning N+1 cars.

[wdc330i]

Am likely going to list the car for sale when I get it back. Frankly just tired of having a third car that I don’t get to drive and that I can’t garage.

I figured you would probably go this route.

It is hard having a convertible with no garage. Being able to park it with the top down and leave it that way until you need it up again is great.

We had our Z3 when we had no garage. It was during the year of the giant back-to-back-to-back snow storms (2003?). We were constantly running outside to unbury it and get weight off the top.

Edit: Maybe this would solve the parking outside/driving two kids to school problem:
2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T: The Purist's Base Model

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/2018-porsche-911-carrera-t-photos-and-info-news

[FC]

Am likely going to list the car for sale when I get it back. Frankly just tired of having a third car that I don’t get to drive and that I can’t garage.

Sorry man. That really sucks.

I learned that lesson with the original Boxster. Of course that was a more extreme case: the car was new enough for depreciation to matter, and I truly had nearly no chance to drive it once the nanny left and I became the bus driver.

I at times force myself to drive the Miata when I really shouldn't because it's the only fun car I have (crazy logistics be dammed). I am looking forward to the M3 for that reason.

Anyway, I do have the good fortune of having garage space, but also the reason for the Miata was to get something that I would not feel guilty about if I didn't drive it for weeks at a time.

[JST]

Yes, have been thinking about the 911T.

[Alan]

Still, on a window that small that’s a big deal, and I mostly hate that it’s so obvious that it’s a replacement unit.
.

Josh I hope this makes feel better honestly it is obvious to you but if I were buying a boxster I would have no idea ....


You’re car is beautiful and the new top reallly looks great !!

[equ]

Yes, have been thinking about the 911T.

Well then... My sympathies for your 987's plight may be misplaced. :D

[rumatt]

Well then... My sympathies for your 987's plight may be misplaced. :D
:lol:

[Alan]

Yes, have been thinking about the 911T.

The problem with buying a new 991 now is the redesign is around the corner. Many months ago I was thinking of trading mine in for a new one, I test drove the new one I think it was a base model ... anyway the salesman said straight out that I would be taking a really big hit because the redesign is coming out for 2019.

I am glad he was honest with me because at the time I had no idea.

Edit: found link
http://forums.carmudgeons.com/showthread.php?t=139753

[Jeff_DML]

Yes, have been thinking about the 911T.

Nice:cool:

[JST]

Yeah, buying any new Porsche is silly, even the 911T. But the 911T at least seems like it's aimed at me; the smart play is probably to pick one up used in a year or two.

[rumatt]

But will you be happy parking at outside?

[Josh (PA)]

This is where I suggest grabbing a 135 vert because you can put 2 kids in the backseat with the top down, drop them off at school and still have a really fun (and cheap) 'vert to play around with. Plus they're aren't 'Porsche' nice, so if they sit outside who gives a sh&t

[wdc330i]

Or that used 335is convertible I posted awhile back. Hardtop feature might help outside.

[JST]

Resolution/update. The damaged piece was replaced (finally), but there is apparently no alternative to the cover that they used, so that stays, dumb looking window and all.

I'm tired and frustrated and annoyed but it was fun having the car back this morning.

I do still think I might sell it. Anyone want a Boxster? It has a brand new top.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180524/5c813eb0789ed272a7c8c24f6fa64858.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180524/c4471f86665285629599a7c66d814793.jpg

[Josh (PA)]

that was a shitty experience. Hopefully with the nicer weather, the car can rekindle your excitement about it and put all the hassle in the past.

[wdc330i]

Solution to despised new top? Keep it down when you drive ;)

Although that may be tough with this weekend's weather.

Other solution to despised new top: Sell the car and go lease yourself a 911 T--so you don't feel guilty about parting with all the cash at once.

[John V]

I still don't understand what you don't like about the top. It looks good.

[JST]

I still don't understand what you don't like about the top. It looks good.

Maybe I will get used to it? I don't know; the original one looked nice, and this one looks cheap. I guess it is down to the seal around the back window.

[rumatt]

Sell it and buy a Cayman R. :D


For what it's worth, it actually looks quite reasonable to me as well.

[Nick M3]

Now that it's been damaged and badly repaired, I'm prepared to pay as much as $10,000 for it. :p

[rumatt]

Can we rename carmudgeons to carlowballers? :lol:

[Nick M3]

:lol:Can we rename carmudgeons to carlowballers? :lol:

[blee]

$3903.

[rumatt]

$3903.:bustingup

[ZBB]

I can win a Dutch auction! $1!

[lemming]

Sorry for your troubles getting the top fixed.

(Sigh)

Stressful.

[GregE_325]

:bustingup

I’m late to the party. I’ll go as high as $3903.99. :)