Porsche Boxster Glass Window Upgrade

The Porsche Boxster has distinguished itself as a truly affordable choice to its cousin the 911. The Boxster features a finely balanced engine and quickly became part of the Porsche legend. After more than a decade in production, the classically styled Boxster remains a serious luxury roadster and a huge hit with drivers.

The first-generation Boxster (the 986) was first introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model. In 2000 the S version was introduced with a larger, more powerful engine, however there was no change to the convertible top or top frame.

In 2003, the Boxster received a styling update, including updating the rear window from plastic to glass. This required a new convertible top pattern to be designed and the inclusion of a glass window as standard. The 2003 and 2004 models were reasonably similar.

Updating the Look of the 986 Boxster
To update the look of the original Porsche Boxster, the Convertible Top Aftermarket designed a glass window option for the 1997-2002 Boxster. 1997-2002 Boxster Glass Window tops, like the new models, have a smaller rear window to allow it to fit into the top boot. Glass windows are generally slightly tinted to match your front and side windows and has the embedded defroster glass wiring and a new wiring harness to connect it to the existing electrical system.

How Well Does the Window Fit?
The Boxster glass window is a DOT approved aftermarket window with the safety emblems and includes embedded defroster wiring and a wire harness kit to connect it to the vehicle's electrical system.

Like the newer Boxsters, the glass windows for the 1997-2002 Boxster are smaller than the plastic window.
This is necessary since the larger plastic window folds when it is retracted into the top boot. Glass window size is 35.5" wide by 12'' tall to allow it to fit into the boot properly.

Of course, not all convertible top windows are bonded the same way.  Some of the cheaper methods involve gluing the canvas to the glass with a silicone.  Another method is to use a heat sealing process, which is a step up from silicone bonding.  The best method we've found is where the topping material is wrapped around an internal support structure and adhered to the glass using specialized robotic equipment resulting in a finished appearance like the one shown here.

1997-2002 PORSCHE BOXSTER CONVERTIBLE TOP

The trade-off is a slight loss in visibility because of the size and a big gain in clarity in your rear view mirror looking through glass compared to a plastic window that will discolor over time.

To read more about this new convertible top glass window bonding system go here.