philPompili

Folks, I have a 2004 C4S. I bought it with the convertible top in rough shape. BUT, I didn't really know how rough. It leaks, of course, but it also appears to be dyed another colour than the original. There are also a bunch of tears forming. Needless to say, I've given it a good cleaning using the 303 Formula, but alas, I think it'S seen better days and I am inclined to replace it with something else. My cab comes with the glass window in the back. The window is in good shape and all the defrost bars work. Also, the cab mechanism itself also seems to be in good shape. No complaints there.

I'm not a DIY guy. Wish I was, but I'm not. Can some one give me an idea of what Im looking at cost wise to purchase and replace this top? Understanding that we're all in different regions and costs vary, even an estimate of how many hours a pro would take to do such a job. Also, I've found these replacements on ebay Replacement Soft Top. Does anyone have any experience with these? If not, any other recommendations? Something that is shipped from North America (I'm in Canada) would be preferable to something that needs to cross the pond.

Cheers,

JTT

I’d check around for a specialist that installs Cab roofs and get some feedback from them. There will likely be a number in Montreal. They will know what is good quality and what is crap from installing them. One of our Rennlist members, Gregster, is in Montreal and in the car biz. While he may not install himself, he likely could direct you to a reliable shop to do this.

frisbee91

I had a top from GAHH put on about 3 years ago. Good quality. I went with the "German A5 canvas" and a rear glass window for the 1999 (MK1) version, both of which added some cost.. Local upholstery shop did the installation. I paid about $1900 USD for the top, plus another $1500 for installation. Came out great.

wyovino

I agree on the GAHH A5. Most auto upholstery shops can do the job. If you have a trusted indy, ask him if he can recommend a shop.

philPompili

Folks, thanks for all the replies. I have an appointment with my indy shop next week, so I'll ask in person. I've leaned forward and called 3 convertible top specialists here in the Montreal area. 2 of them told me that they won't touch Porsche. Is there something overly complicated with these tops?

JTT

Likely around the calibration that may be needed.

Mike Murphy

I paid $2100USD all-in, in 2017, for the aftermarket original (plastic window) top with install for my 99 C2. I went with a known fabric company, Riggs Brothers in Chicagoland.

The factory dealer wanted $7100 for an OEM top, parts only.

philPompili

Thank you. This is great to be able to set expectations!

philPompili

Just wanted to fill everyone in on what I've found in the Montreal market.

So I found a guy who can do the replacement (although I'm still checking around). In USD for the full replacement (A5 Sonnenland including a glass window) the price is $3,452 ($4,695 CAD + tax). Thats all in with a 1 year warranty on the work. I spent 30 minutes on the phone with Pierre from Greenwood Parts who was very passionate about convertible tops. Talking to the guy really put me at ease about the job itself. He sounds like a real detail oriented individual. I'm going to shop around a little more, but I think if I'm going to do it, this guy may be hard to beat. I'm going to visit him on Tuesday to perform an inspection of the cabriolet system to ensure that there are no surprises.

I'll report back when I see him in person.

The only disadvantage here, other than the cost, is that he's 1hr away and needs to keep the car for 3-4 days.

Mike Murphy

That all sounds about right. I forgot to mention: I asked around to see how many Porsche tops my guy did. I found out he does a ton, which helps validate.

philPompili

I pulled the trigger on the work.

I ended up going to Classic Upholstery and Windshield. The place and the owner/operator came highly recommended. When I went by the shop, I saw many classic and expensive cars. Clearly others trust this man with their soft tops. So shall I. We've decided to replace our existing soft top (which I think was originally graphite grey) for black. The original grey is now a beige brown which does not look nice at all. Black suits the car much better. Unfortunately I didn't have the budget to replace the 3 fabric pieced in front of the top (the two pieces that open sideways and the roll bar emergency things). If it starts to bother me in the future, I'll have the work done then.

Total installed is $4500 CAD (cash). ($3200USD)

I'll post pics when complete.

Mike Murphy

Awesome! Looking forward to the pics.

Woodman71

That's great. In hindsight, I wish I had used shop that did more 996 tops. I say that because after I had mine done the top has never really worked properly as far as when the top latch should engage. Perhaps a calibration thing.

Mike Murphy

I was told by the shop that did mine, they spend time afterwards working on these items, which is why they needed all day to do the top. Then again, it seems to me, it would be pretty difficult for a shop to learn all these different cars’ intricacies and nuances for all these different tips and designs.

philPompili

Here is the new top. Sorry for the angle, it's hard to take pics in the garage. I'm very happy with the results.