mathfuzzy

After living with my convertible 993 since March, I’m loving the experience but have a quick question to which I’m struggling to find an answer. I remember reading somewhere that it’s potentially quite bad (risking damage to the convertible top) to drive with the top down and not use the tonneau cover. BUT, putting the cover on (or taking it off) is at least a few minute exercise. So the question is, if I’m driving under freeway speeds - like an errand in town - is it harmful to not use the cover?

TIA

e9stibi

I own my cabrio for almost 15 years and never used it. It catches dust in storage.

mathfuzzy

That would make my life a little easier. It’s not horrible, but a bit of a PIA.

2RedPorsche

My understanding was that it was rough on the headliner if you didn't use the cover because it tends to flap in the wind and could stretch out of shape. That being said I drive my cab often without the cover and haven't noticed any change in my headliner. If I know that I'll be enjoying the car for a while or extended Hwy driving I'll take the time to put on the cover but for shorter trips I may leave it off.

Howdy993

+1 what 2RedPorsche said. Most of the concern was potential headliner damage during high speed / prolonged driving. After I get my top replaced, I'll probably be using the cover more often.

stace

+2 - headliner does get whipped around a bit without the cover but it is a PIA to put on...shorter trips I don't worry about it. I have also used 2 small black plastic clips to hold the head liner in place for a quick trip. I clip the fabric right behind each rear seat.... not a concours look but.....practical

Chuck W.

It must be my OCD..... I can't drive the 993 with the top down without putting the cover on. I even have two, one all leather (cedar green) and one canvas (black). But then I keep the top down 99% of the time. I can't recall the last time I had it up.

PFDGSB

Where'd you get the leather one?

Chuck W.

It came with the car from the factory. Option code XP3 with window sticker price of $1,527.

mathfuzzy

Huh - okay - so my take-away is don't worry so much about the cover for short trips but go ahead and put it on if it's convenient / if I'm going on a highway trip of some distance.

And since I'm a noob 993 Cab owner and I'm here, I've always understood it to be something of a cardinal sin to store the car with the top down. Guessing it's okay to keep it down overnight, but if it's going to be multiple nights, better to put the top back up. Does that sounds like the right habit (with respect to garaging with the top up/down)?

abiazis

That cover must be a rare bird.....never seen one in photo or in real life.........can't imagine there can be more than 5 in the total production....awesome..

Twilightblue28A

I also use the cover with my top down. Chuck, I have never seen a leather top cover. Beautiful!!

Twilightblue28A

I use my top cover, short or long trips. The cost of a new top and headliner is approximately 3K. And when a new top is installed, it makes sense to replace both drive cables.
I never leave my top down overnight. I did leave my top down once, might be a coincidence, but my top wouldn't close correctly. Repairing and synchronizing the motors was a production.
My top also operates electrically

Howdy993

I had a cashmere leather boot cover that matched the interior, but sold it for a black cloth one.
Living in a nice warm climate makes leaving the top down an easy choice. When I left mine down for an extended time, I could tell the canvas was worse for doing so.
Again, once I get the top replaced, I'll probably leave it up - but not locked down, unless driving.
Hope this helps

Chuck W.

I had never seen one before I got this cab.