To Hardtop or not to Hardtop?
Discussion
I'm very impressed with the 996 soft-top. Its quiet, refined, lined, and hasn't leaked (so far). The only trip I've done with the hardtop on was on my way from Henry's back in March.
I'm the kind of bloke who goes topless at every opportunity, but, the plastic rear screen is getting a bit of a bore as the weather gets colder and wetter.
So, anyone gone through the winter with a sof-top? Or should I be a shandy drinking poof and put the hardtop on with nice big heated rear screen?
I'm the kind of bloke who goes topless at every opportunity, but, the plastic rear screen is getting a bit of a bore as the weather gets colder and wetter.
So, anyone gone through the winter with a sof-top? Or should I be a shandy drinking poof and put the hardtop on with nice big heated rear screen?
Soft top in the winter is no problem at all based on my experience with the newer glass rear screen soft tops - roof will stay dry (no leaks yet) and I've had no issues with lack of insulation either. I'd always prefer the flexibility of the soft top but can't speak for the plastic rear screen.
I had a hardtop on my last Boxster S. On my latest car I didn't bother - you just don't need it - if you have a glass rear screen.
Over the winter I had my plastic rear screen'd car I put the hardtop on.
And yes I did miss some sunnier milder days during which I could have had the roof down.
There again - I used the car daily even in -10C, sleet, snow, grime and nasty. My current car doesn't go out in those conditions...
Over the winter I had my plastic rear screen'd car I put the hardtop on.
And yes I did miss some sunnier milder days during which I could have had the roof down.
There again - I used the car daily even in -10C, sleet, snow, grime and nasty. My current car doesn't go out in those conditions...
Or a Targa.
I think the hardtop is a waste of time in this climate. The canvas roof is well insulated, has a glass window (at least on the 996 facelift)and you can pop it back when the sun shines. I have had a lot of problems using my hardtop. It squeaks and leaks (just above your head where the window meets the front bit) so I have stored it in a bag in the garage and it will come back on when I sell the car - not before.
clorenzen said:
I have had a lot of problems using my hardtop. It squeaks and leaks (just above your head where the window meets the front bit) so I have stored it in a bag in the garage and it will come back on when I sell the car - not before.
A liberal application of silicone spray on the rubber seals will cure that squeek and keeps them supple.
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