Had my car in for service at Steinel's Autoworks in Twinsburg Ohio, it's the most highly recommended shop in NE Ohio. While it was in they snapped off the plastic flap and guide that keeps the canvas top from laying on top of the locking mechanism. first time the top was put down the canvas was cut. they have admitted to causing the problem but refuse to remedy the situation. tried to have my credit card company dispute the charges but they would not? just a warning to everyone, i will never use this shop again. do so at your own risk!

now to the point, i need to get my top replaced. i'm looking for recommendations on vendors. i am aware of what material is recommended i'm just looking for some feedback on vendors.

porsche of beechwood has quoted $8K,looking for something a little less hard to swallow. will buy and then have a local shop install.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/270915853100?lpid=82


Could this be a DIY job? 100% feedback on ebay.
Here is one to cover your year. even cheaper but again (Is this a DIY job?)


http://www.cartopsdirect.com/convert...FdKf4AodlBIAtw

 

Small claims court my friend. Small claims.

 

I had my top replaced by Rod's Customs here in Huntsville, Al. It is the shop that the local Porsche dealership uses for upholstery and ragtop repairs. They charged me a little under $1700 out the door for a new soft-window top installed - parts AND labor included in that price. I noticed in washing the car the other day that they even stitched the rear window in place so that it wont fail when the el-cheapo zipper delaimates like the original one had done. This was done about 18 months ago, and its worked quite nicely since. $8K for a new top is bloody insane.

 

I read the service manual for replacement of the soft top. I then took it to someone who had done it multiple times before. There is lots of folding and cutting and gluing and pulling fabric tight etc etc. You need to be a doggone seamstress to do it.

 

There are replacements with glass windows. The glass is quite a bit smaller than the plastic. I haven't seen one but if I were needing a new top I would seriously consider it before replacing with a plastic windowed top. Here's the first example I found when I googled Porsche 996 top glass window. http://www.gahh.com/product_info.php?products_id=1575

 

I found one on ebay for $599

 

I purchased one on ebay heated glass window 799.00. I had a shop in Atlanta install, haven't had any issues it takes a little over week to receive due to they don't stock, its made to order. I've had mine a year now Opal Blue installation was 800. but when I shopped around they were going to charge me 2500 for a plastic window.

 

Nice. It looks as if the one on ebay for $599 also has the heated window.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PORSCHE-911-...eb1448&vxp=mtr