Can a Boxster roof cope with living outside

[andyyn]

Just bought my Boxster and a bit concerned about the roof and how it's lovely condition now, will look if I keep it outside. I have looked at hardtops but not sure they are worth the money, and also various covers.

I need to be able to drive it every day so don't want anything to awkward

Has anyone any thoughts on if the roof will actually be ok outside ?

Any thoughts on covers, can you put them on if the cars wet ? do you risk scratching the paint work if it's not clean, are these breathable, waterproof ones the best, I've also seen covers that just cover the roof

Any help gratefully received

cheers

 

[Glyn]

You will find the roof material is very robust and is designed to resist the effects of weather, of course there are products available to protect the rag top and "beautify" but just general washing will keep the roof looking good for years.

Never put a cover over a wet or damp car - it will trap moisture, left out in the open and air circulating will dry everything out, covers are more suited to the occasional use car, those garaged most of the time where everything is bone dry prior to fitting the cover.

Hard tops are quite cheap via ebay and the like but storage in the summer months is a problem plus, if you need to access the engine when one is fitted you need to remove it first and its not a one man job.

 

[Dylan1]

Hi andy
you don't say how old your car is-the new 981 has the new softop which will last for a long time.....

the previous 986 and 987 are pretty durable but if you live in a very inclement part of the country a hardtop may be wise if you plan on keeping the car for a while

 

[dpoynton]

My cover cost £269 in September 2012 and is a Stormshield Outdoor Car Cover from www.specialisedcovers.com.

It is designed to be put onto a wet car as the material breathes and moisture will always be going into and out of the cover in different types of weather.

The only problem I have had is next door's cat using part of it as a scratch post, reminder to self to purchase air rifle.

D

 

[Fred Hindle]

There are covers for just the top available

A quick trawl on ebay came up with this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Porsche-Boxster-Car-Hood-Soft-Top-Cover-Half-Cover-Protection-1997-2002-/121220323221?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1c394b5795

No idea of quality or performance but they are in Birkenhead so maybe worth giving them a call.

Cheers,

 

[kitchens]

Not in the market for one but have to a say that make looks very good compared to others i have seen .
To be honest just use the car as is , the hood is good for all weathers .I take it is a 986 just be careful with the rear plastic screen especially in the cold .

 

[dhossack]

Ive got one of the Cabrio covers and use it when I cant get the car in the garage. It fits very well and snug, doesnt rub against the paintwork and survived the Scottish winter last year. I will be using it again this year. They do advise removing it occasionally to allow the hood to breathe if leaving on for long periods.
Donald.

 

[Tracy_Wilkins]

Hi Andy
I am on my 4th Boxster and over the last 10 years i have never had a problem.
I use my car everyday and it sits outside. On the very odd occasion when snow or extremely adverse weather is predicted then i do cover it with an outdoor cover but even then if i am using the car this is not always possible.
The one thing that i would recomnend is that you reproof the roof every 6 months or at least once a year.
There are many products on the market and i can recommend Fabsil and Renovo which are both equally good.
Enjoy your car and welcome to the Boxster register.
Regards
Tracy

 

[nwhear]

HI Andy

I have had Boxsters since 2006 and they have all been used every day and lived outside. I have never had a problem with the roof fabric which seems very hard wearing. As others have sugested Fabsil every 6 months or so keeps the water beading.

Cheers

 

[Boxstercol]

ORIGINAL: Fred Hindle

There are covers for just the top available

A quick trawl on ebay came up with this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Porsche-Boxster-Car-Hood-Soft-Top-Cover-Half-Cover-Protection-1997-2002-/121220323221?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1c394b5795

No idea of quality or performance but they are in Birkenhead so maybe worth giving them a call.

Cheers,

I've been thinking of buying a full cover myself, managed to negotiate the OPC down to £160 for one of their custom covers so that seemed like good value. However I have resisted the temptation so far as I'm a little worried about the potential damage to the paintwork from the cover rubbing. Unless the car is immaculately clean, it will end up with further swirls. Plus as I intend to use it at least weekly, there is no way that during the winter I will be able to clean & dry the car before putting the cover on.

I had a 'cab' cover similar to the one above for a previous car - MX5. To be honest I got a lot of value out of that cover, it's easier to dry off the hood with a cloth before putting on & if you used the car after a frost it's a case of just whipping the cover off before you drive. The big advantage with the one I had on the mx5 though was the fact that it stopped the hood from leaking!!!

 

[David JAMES]

Hi my 986 lives outside and has done so for the past 9 years or so. I now reproof the hood every 6 months with the Autoglym cabrio cleaner and protector and that seems to work fine. I have thought about a hood cover (there are a couple advertised in the Porsche Post classifieds) but have not pursued that until someone persuades me they will stay on in the gales, do not scratch the paintwork, and do not cause condensation which could do more harm than good! One day I will find it a nice warm garage and the problem will go away!

DJ

 

[MrDemon]

time has moved the game on

Gtechniq I1 Ultimate Fabric
http://youtu.be/9rCs9sUFWj4

never put a cover on, it will never dry out.

 

[nwhear]

I can confirm the Gtechniq I1 Ultimate Fabric stuff is brilliant now that Adam from Revolution Detailing looks after the car!

Worth every penny!