Porsche Convertible Top Replacement: Boxster, 911 Cabriolet, and 944/968
A Porsche convertible is engineered to drive hard with the top down and stay quiet with it up. That only works when the top, frame, and seals fit just right. Don's Auto Interiors & Tops has replaced and repaired convertible tops in Alsip since 1977, and Porsche roadsters and cabriolets are among the cars our customers trust us with.
Porsche convertibles we work on
- Boxster: the mid-engine roadster, in production since the late 1990s through several generations. Early 986 cars originally had a plastic rear window. Later cars use glass.
- 911 Cabriolet: offered since the 1980s across many generations, with increasingly sophisticated power tops.
- 944 Cabriolet and 968 Cabriolet: front-engine cabriolets from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Our online catalog lists tops for the 944/968.
- Classic models: we'll talk with owners of older Porsches about their specific tops.
Common Porsche top issues
Rear windows. On early Boxsters with plastic rear windows, the window often clouds, cracks, or splits along its edges, especially when folded in cold weather. Glass-window tops can see the bond between glass and fabric fail. Depending on the top's condition, a window repair may be possible.
Power top faults. Porsche power tops rely on drive components, sensors, and a precisely adjusted frame. When something is off, the top may stop partway, move unevenly, or show a warning. We diagnose before replacing parts. See convertible top repair.
Fabric wear. Cloth tops wear where they contact the frame and where they fold. Over time they fade and can shrink, which stresses seams.
Seals and drains. Water at the side windows or in the cabin often comes from seals, window adjustment, or clogged drains rather than the fabric. Mid-engine cars in particular have drains worth keeping clear. We check these before recommending a new top.
Cloth tops and care
Most Porsche convertible tops are cloth. To keep one looking good:
- Brush off dirt and debris regularly, and keep leaves out of the folding area.
- Clean with products made for cloth convertible tops, then reapply a protectant.
- Avoid brush-type car washes.
- Be careful with cold folding on cars with plastic rear windows.
Porsche cloth tops we install commonly use Haartz fabric. Ask which specification is on the top quoted for your Boxster or 911.
What a top replacement includes
A good Porsche top installation is about more than the fabric. We inspect and address the frame adjustment, pads, cables, seals, and rear window so the new top seals tightly, latches cleanly, and stays quiet at speed. See convertible top replacement for what's included in every job.
Scheduling
Top installations take 8 to 12 hours of shop time and aren't same-day jobs. Diagnosing power-top faults can add time depending on what we find. If your car is in winter storage, book before spring for the best choice of dates.
Bought a top already?
If you're considering buying a top online and having it installed, read buying a convertible top online vs. shop-installed first. It covers fit, missing parts, and warranty questions.
Classic and modern, side by side
Some owners bring us a modern Boxster for a daily-driver refresh. Others bring a 944 Cabriolet they're restoring. Either way, we start with the same steps: inspect the frame, check the seals and drains, and confirm the right top before ordering.
Warranty
Porsche convertible top replacements come with a 3-year materials warranty and a 100% fit guarantee. Repairs include free workmanship coverage for 90 days. Coverage ranges from 3 months to 3 years depending on the service; see /warranty.
Get an estimate
Call (708) 371-8020 or send your model, year, and photos of the top and rear window. For power-top problems, a short video of the top cycling helps a lot. Don's Auto Interiors & Tops, 11937 S. Cicero Ave, Alsip, IL 60803. Open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frequently asked questions
Can the plastic rear window on an early Boxster be replaced without a new top?
Sometimes. If the top fabric is still in good condition, replacing the rear window may be an option. On older tops that are worn or shrunk, a complete top with a new window usually makes more sense. We'll inspect it and give you both options when both are realistic.
Do you work on 944 and 968 Cabriolets?
Yes. Our online catalog lists tops for the 944/968, and we install them in our shop.
My Porsche's top stops partway. What's wrong?
Power top problems can come from the motor or hydraulic components, sensors, or frame adjustment. We diagnose the cause before recommending parts.
Related
Request a free estimate or call (708) 371-8020.