I'm thinking about buying a hardtop and was curious if anyone has any knowledge of damage or faster wear of the convertible top when a hardtop is installed for 5 months or so every year.

I like the idea of having a hardtop in the winter and also a different look, but I don't want to sacrifice my cab top that's in near perfect condition.

 

Soft top does not come into contact woth the hard top when it is installed. No damage to my soft top has occured as a result of having the hard top on all winter. Hard top rubber seals are the only thing that touches the back of the car and even then they only touch on the soft top boot cover, not the top itself.

 

Dadio is correct.
My wifes Boxster, then her 996 cab, and now 997II C4s cab all have had hardtops for WI winters. They are very well designed......should be standard fare for winter going.