greetings ...new guy here
joe, age 60, n.y.c.


i recently posted this in the 997 section of this forum.
i recieved some feedback,but im seeking more.
ive been considering a 2009-11, 997 cab.

when viewing numerous online pics,ive noticed cabs are mostly shown with the top down. when they are shown with top up , i sometimes notice what appears to be a discoloration usually in the side panels ,and wrinkling of the top. i have seen it enough to be concerned. not only because of how often i see it, but also because these are all late model high end cars. is there possibly a design flaw or is it the result of improper care by the owner?

if there was a porsche design,or mechanical flaw in the 997 top,or mechanism,has it been modified,and improved for the 991? there seems to be some obvious visual improvements in the 991 top . but im also interested in whats not visible?

perhaps those who came out of a 997 and into a 991 would know best about any changes in the top,the mechanism,and the rear window .

 

Hi,

I've had a 997 cab and the 991 cab.

imo, nothing wrong with the 997 top. The 991 cab top however, is absolutely on par with the latest Audi acoustical top (I bought a 2013 Audi S5 cab in between the 997 and 991). With the hard panels in between the fabric actually, I believe it to be superior in terms of security, quietness/insulation, and the 991 top holds its shape better than anything I've ever owned.

The wrinkles/discoloration is something I've never seen any fabric automobile folding top without, at least a little, after some time. If these bother you that much a removable or retractable hard top may be more to your liking.

I'm sure there are more opinions. Best wishes, welcome, and good luck!

 

I had the 997.2 with a black top. The wrinkles/creases and the light white lines are a function of the design and materials. They don't come out. I know someone with that generation turbo and they would not put the top up because they didn't like showing the creases and markings. I was not that far over on the meter. The new top is very much redesigned but I can't speak to whether it will/does exhibit some of these same issues.

 

the new top is mechanically similar to the old top. The new one has 3 panel inserted and has a smaller rear window. The creases will come but i find that keeping the top closed, washing it w/ NO soap, and treating it every 12months or so does wonders.

 

+1 on keeping the top closed when parked. I didn't see it in the 991 manual but remember reading in my Aston manual a recommendation to keep the top closed when not using the car to minimize marks.

 

Everyone that I know comments on the new cab roof ,how solid it looks and firm and secure it is. I have a few creases ( don't think they can be avoided with soft top) but always keep it up when parked.


(Would love to know what people are treating new cab roof with)

 

I repeat, dont use soap to clean the fabric tops as this will cause it to fade. Water and a soft brush is all thats needed. Also annual treatment of Raggtopp is recommended.

 

You are correct. The 996 and 997's had a slight flaw in the roof and it created a mark and in the case of my 997 a slight tear. I think it depends on a few factors. Climate where you live ( I live i Miami ), was the top wet when you put it down and how often you use it. I now have a 991s Cab and time will tell if this has been corrected, but the fold lines look similar. The 997s are fantastic cars..DONT let this stop you from buying one..Nothing beats the sound of the engine with the top down..IF the car needs soft top, factor that into your price.

 

thank you all for the feedback.



i understand the wrinkle issue.

and if i decide to go for the car,and at this point i dont think i will, i will only keep the top down when i cruise.

so thats the best i can do for the wrinkles.



what was of more concern to me was the fading, staining,discoloration,or wear marks.

im trying to identify what secifically was causing tha,t and if their was anyway to prevent it.

is it caused by liquid,heat, friction,or wear?



i would think porsche was aware, and when going to 991 design, might have made modifications to address the issue.



with my budget of $75,000 i cannot see buying any car with a visibly flawed top.

and yes i could purchase a new top,but in a short time it would also look like the old top it replaced.



i could easily go for a coupe,but next time out it has to be a convertible.

i would consider c.p.o, benz sl but they all seem to have brown wood trim ,and i just cant live with that.

m.b. e series cab also has a lot of brown wood trim.

bmw 4 conv. ,and corvette conv. will be arriving soon .

i looked at audi a5 conv.,didnt like the interior enough.



right now,im leaning more toward waiting maybe another year or two,and then looking at a first year 991.

it will then be in my budget range and time will tell how the 991 tops held up.



although the cab top is my main concern,im sure there have been a number of other improvements made to the 991. plus the 991 being a newer generation should be a plus for future resale value.



when i was younger i had a 74,914 bumble bee,and a 80,924 turbo.

all my life my dream car was 911.
when i was young i couldnt afford it,but i could fit in it.

now i can afford it but cant fit in it.



two years ago i was gonna buy a carrera 2 .

being 6-2 240,it took some effort sliding in and out.

and when i was in it felt tight.

so i went with my head and not my heart.

i passed on the porsche and went with a bmw 535.

very comfortable,4 year bumper to bumper and maintenance.

but its too big and heavy,its more like a 7.its not agile or sporty.

the run flats dont help. the car just doesnt excite me.



i need to go smaller,lighter,and drop top.

i might me big and old but im athletic, in good shape, and i can make the adjustment

last time ,i chose with my head,next time im gonna choose with my heart.

 

Hey, DHSMiami: Are those your initials or are you with the Dept. of Homeland Security?

 

pal joey, I'm 6'3" 255. athletic crossfit, and I fit in the 991 perfectly, the 977's were a bit tight that's why I held out to get a 2012 CPO'ed 991 ( 5 year 160,000 km warranty)

If your budget says to wait another year do it, it's really worth the wait.

 

+1... The convertible top in the 991 is more stylish, quicker, and very quiet.