Hi all,

No one I'm aware of makes an indoor/outdoor convertible top cover for the 996/997 Cabriolet, and I'm investigating whether there would be enough interest among Cab owners to justify the initial costs associated with making a new pattern and initial run. The source for these would probably be through Covercraft, and would be similar to ones made for the Boxster. A feature of these covers would be built in door pads which would help prevent damage from door dings, etc.

I believe a reasonable retail price point for these would be $160 - 180.

Would you Cabriolet owners please help me out by indicating whether this would be something you'd consider buying to protect your top and interior from sunlight and the elements?

Please feel free to comment.

Thanks for your help,
JB

 

I'd be interested.

 

I finally found a company which makes top covers (they call them "bonnet covers") for around $110 in a lightweight "windbreaker'" type material, and they seem to be great people to work with.

www.autochic.com

I saw their ad in Panorama.

 

I received the top cover this morning, tried it on the car, and I'm not impressed at all with the fit or with the material I selected. I sent a message to the owner and have offered my assistance on helping him design a top cover which fits well, protects the car top, and reflects the quality that I'm certain he'd like to have for the products he sells.

I'll update as things progress, but I'm optimistic that he'll be willing to work with me to develop a quality top cover at a reasonable price for us Cab owners.

 

I have a 997.1 and I am unlikely to buy one. I keep my outside most of the time but tend to clean it every couple of days, as I try to drive it as a daily driver. This winter, it will likely be in the garage on bad days (and covered with a whole car cover).

 

Our car stays in the garage most of the time as well. Many will not see any need for one, but having used them on my two previous Boxsters for this same purpose, I won't do without a top cover - especially in the summer here in AR. As soon as I get the technical issues sorted out and have a product I can recommend to others, I'll post it up for those who want to buy one.

 

Wiil follow your progress. On the fence regarding purchase though. Would depend on ease of installation/removal. Car is always garaged but often with the top down. Full cover is too much work for daily use but an interior cover might be a good option for keeping the interior dust free while the top is down.

 

You should keep your cab top up when not using the car. Not only does it keep the interior clean but the top properly stretched. As I only drive mine in sunny weather in SoCal, I don't see much of an interest as most of these cars when not in use are garaged with the top up.