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Old 04-11-2018, 04:16 PM   #1
JST
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Porsche Convertible Top

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.porscheatlantaperimeterp...756123703.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.
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Old 04-11-2018, 04:27 PM   #2
FC
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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.
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Old 04-11-2018, 05:04 PM   #3
wdc330i
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JST View Post
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.porscheatlantaperimeterp...756123703.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/
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Old 04-11-2018, 06:53 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by wdc330i View Post
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!
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Old 04-11-2018, 07:43 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by JST View Post
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.
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Old 04-11-2018, 07:48 PM   #6
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Ugh... that sucks.

I have a Cayman R for you to replace it if you want.
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Old 04-11-2018, 08:23 PM   #7
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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.

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Old 04-12-2018, 08:24 AM   #8
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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?
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Old 04-12-2018, 08:29 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by wdc330i View Post
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.
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Old 04-12-2018, 08:29 AM   #10
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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.
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