How about a GLASS rear window for the CAB?


Just wondering:

I do have a brand new soft top that was just replaces a few months ago. I can already see some scratches on the clear rear window.

Of course it is impossable to get a plastic window just right so I have to accecpt the fact that it will only get worst as time marches on.

Has there ever been a move to have "real glass" installed on the soft top?

Of so, please advise! I have not checked and Chicago area top experts yet but I will.

99C2

 

Will and 02 or newer top fit? 02 and newer have a glass rear window.

 

and there are a couple companies that sell after market tops with glass windows for us OLDER model cabs.

When it is time to replace my top I will def go glass. But if you keep it clean and polished with a good plastic cleaner/polish etc the rear plastic should last. I have an 01 and although it isnt crystal clear...its good enough for putting around and once the spring and summer come I will drive with the top down anyway!

If you search the forums I know there have been previous posts about replacing the plastic with glass on a cab.

 

go glass.... i am waiting till mine poops out on me ....

 

There are 2 ways todo it...The aftermarket GAHH top with a glass window...Its a small window because the top has to fold the same way. To me it looked a little odd and also I liked the visibility behind and to the sides, cost is about $2k installed....Then there is the factory way...buy the 02+ top, frame, motor and associated pieces..have your shop really pull their hair out getting it sorted out...cost is about $7-10k installed. So since the cost of the factory way is soo expensive, most either deal with it, or sell the car and buy a newer one. Also if you maintain your platic window it will look great for years....I knew a guy who would polish his weekly...and it looked so clear it was amazing. He used Plexus....I kept a can in my trunk for a while and would do a quick polish every fill up....

 

Where did you get your top from? And how much was the total cost to replace? I need a new top and was just wondering thanks

 

1999C2Bova:

Well, I just got the car and the dealer just replaced the top before I bought it. So it is just a few months old. That is the good news.

I have used some of the Griot's plastic window cleaner and polish. It looked better but I know that it will just get weathered as time goes on.

I really have to believe that there is an aftermarket company that can install just the rear glass.

I'll keep looking.

99C2

 

996CABOVA:

I just bought the car so when I got there the new top was already in place. So it is just a few months old.

I have no idea how much it cost.

I will search to see if I can find a service that will add a glass window for the 996.

99C2

 

I have replaced 1 996 top with a glass window. Aftermarket top from GAHH. Top and headliner must be replaced. Window is much smallwe with a strange to me look IMO.

 

You will keep looking until cows fly. THERE IS NO WAY to add just a glass window to original top...You know why? the plastic FOLDS! Have you ever seen glass fold? The only way around this is a smaller glass window thats about 1/2 the size of the plastic window. But if the window is smaller, you need a whole new top. If you want the bigger window like the newer cars, you need THE ENTIRE top assembly and associated parts because it folds differently. Its simple engineering.

 

Newport996:

After inderstanding that perhaps you are right and there is no way to change the current design.

Well. I'll have to save up for a 997 I guess! LOL...

I remember I targeted the 2004 or newer S2000, my last car, because it was the first year for the rear GLASS WINDOW. That was very nice...

I will have to take good care of the 1999 C2 CAB "plastic" rear window. However, if something were to happen to the current plastic, can it be replaced? (Just the clear plastic)

I could live with that!

99C2

 

Yes, new plastic window is about $500. SHould last you about 7 years though if you take care of it. In 2002+, the 996 Cab came with a glass window.

 

Newport:

$500.00 Wow! I'll certainly take care of this new window!

In the mean time I'll be saving up for the 2002+ 911.

99C2

 

Yeah, $500, but thats mostly labor. They have to remove the top...CAREFULLY cut out the old window, glue AND sew in the new window (if they only do one it will leak) and then reinstall the top. Considering it'll save you 2K on a new top, thats cheap.

 

Newport:

OK, you win.... you have justified the cost.

LOL

99C2