986 Boxster rear plastic screen fail.

[blackcossiestu]

Last Sunday it happened....I knew it would happen sooner or later but it happened...the plastic rear screen on the wife's little Boxster decided it was time to crack. Yay.
Did a bit of a phone around various places, some that the dealership that I work for use for such things...all coming back with high quotes or claims that they cant be replaced etc.
In the end via a google search I found Hubbard Upholsterers over in Loughborough, Leicestershire (not far from me). Garry, the owner, did an absolutely cracking (pun) job of replacing the screen....he followed the original stitching lines and the new screen sits very nicely with no sagging...overall I'm over the moon with the service and workmanship, all for £215. So if anyone else is in the same boat, I fully recommend these guys!

[edc]

I have been researching this as well as I look to buy. You can also get a full new roof with heated glass screen for £650 for a limited time from Carhood Warehouse.

[blackcossiestu]

I looked at the glass conversions, but to be honest I didnt like the look of the small glass that has to be used with the old style frame. This'll last her for the time she'll keep the car

[chris7676]

Still a lot of money for stitching a bit of plastic into the canvas, but good to know.

[thegoose]

chris7676 said:

Still a lot of money for stitching a bit of plastic into the canvas, but good to know.

It takes a long time if it's done right. I'm pretty sure the (experienced & skilled) labour will be at a lower rate than you'd expect to pay for mechanical repairs.

[khushy]

is this price incl of drive in/drive out or do you have top take the top off yourself?

khushy

[blackcossiestu]

Drive in drive out. I couldnt get over in buisiness hours due to work, so we arranged to leave the car at his house, which is where I collected it the following evening.

[blackcossiestu]

thegoose said:

It takes a long time if it's done right. I'm pretty sure the (experienced & skilled) labour will be at a lower rate than you'd expect to pay for mechanical repairs.

Much lower than I'd expect to pay for mechanical repairs to be honest....I work for a Ford dealership and our labour rate per hour is near £100 inc vat.
Apparently the cost involves the hood removal, frame pivots greased etc, new screen sewn in (I can only assume by hand to get it that well lined up with the old stiched line) along with new pvc gasket etc.

[hollydog]

chris7676 said:

Still a lot of money for stitching a bit of plastic into the canvas, but good to know.

You think thats a lot of money.I think it must be one of the cheapest porsche repairs you can get.Compare that to having a new porsche hood at aprox £1800.00. bargain.

[matfinch]

Had mine done about a year ago and cost me £300. Requires a full removal of the hood (which you need to know what your doing), and then stitching in the new plastic screen. Certainly not a DIY job, but not the ridiculous amount that Porsche dealers quote.

[nickfrog]

matfinch said:

Had mine done about a year ago and cost me £300. Requires a full removal of the hood (which you need to know what your doing), and then stitching in the new plastic screen. Certainly not a DIY job, but not the ridiculous amount that Porsche dealers quote.

I think you could have a BAS glass hood fitted for £550 this winter (not sure if the offer is still on), which might make a bit more sense in the (hopefully unlikely) event that it happens again. It's a wear item though and the only way to prolong its life is to do the Boxster chop every time, not open if less than 7/8 degrees, feed it regularly with Plexus (for instance), it's a total PITA in fact and the glass roof upgrade makes much more sense I think.

[Rude-boy]

Have to say that I had a new one fitted to mine the day before i bought it and when i sold it still looked almost new.

No special care, boxster chop if it wasn't folding correctly (watch in the rear view and you will soo see if required or not).

That said i would have my roof down as often as possible, even in freezing weather. Trick is to make sure that it is warm from the internal heating before you drop I found.

[willmac]

chris7676 said:

Still a lot of money for stitching a bit of plastic into the canvas

Really ?

[bigsillyV10]

Trust me thats an absolute bargain, my company does specialist vehicle trimming amongst other things, and having replaced screens on TVRs, Spiders and Audis to name a few, its a bugger of a job. Most of the time the fittings holding the hood in place are corroded and or inaccesible, and no 2 come off the same therefore making the job difficult to price. Then you have the cost of the correct window material which if you want decent quality costs a fair bit, then dependant again on the car ie TVR you may have to replace some of the hooding material around the window as it normally heat sealed and stitched in place.

Then you have to take into account that the hood/window has stretched over the years and following the original lines may not be an option due to the warping that happens.

Sounds like I am trying to justify the price we can charge, however I am not, just saying at £200+ its a very good deal. If you dont believe me take your out and try n get your mrs to try it with her Singer!! She will break all her needles before telling you to f*** off.

[blackcossiestu]

Just to update on this, no probs so far. Missus has had the roof down a few times, once back up there's a few gentle creases in the screen on the outer sides (taught her the boxster chop for on the way down) but these soon disappear over night.