Opening top for 'older' Boxster

[juliany27]

I posted a query about this a little while ago and would like to know if the part that allows opening the top of a moving Boxster is any good/worth the money / invalidates any OPC warranty [I fear that it probably does].

Various people tried to give me suggestions and I wonder whether anyone has tried this 'add-on' and what their views are.

Please let me hear from someone about the moving top opening add-on; in this weather I am intrigued by it.

On a diffferent topic, saw some great Porsches out and about in the sun yesterday; received many waves and flashes except from Cayennes! Their drivers seemed to think that I was a) mad [probably true], or b) being rude. What is it with Cayenne drivers?

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: juliany27

received many waves and flashes except from Cayennes! Their drivers seemed to think that I was a) mad [probably true], or b) being rude. What is it with Cayenne drivers?

They probably wave to other Chelsea tractors if stuck in the mud! I would have thought Porsche to Porsche you were entitled to a 2 finger wave at least

 

[THX911]

ORIGINAL: juliany27

I posted a query about this a little while ago and would like to know if the part that allows opening the top of a moving Boxster is any good/worth the money / invalidates any OPC warranty [I fear that it probably does].

Julian, do a search on the forum for "SmartTop" and you will learn everything you need to know about this product.

I have had it for a couple of months now and it is coolest thing since frozen bread. The unit is simply a big fuse like plugin which replaces your existing unit; so it does not affect any warranties, etc i.e. replace back your old unit when needed for warranty claims.

I have a facelift and I feel it is a must have but pre-facelift may be tricky due to the Boxster chop.

I am at Dysart Arms on Wednesday and if you are there then I can show you what the unit exactly does. Also, it takes 30 secs to installed.

 

[Guest]

I have the SmartTop replacement roof relay, it's pretty good and I'm pleased with it.

It allows you to open and close the hood while travelling below 25mph. And thus allows opening/closing without the hand brake, handy if you decide to open the roof at traffic lights as you don't have to worry about holding traffic up while you wait for the hood to open/close.

Also "one-touch" opening and closing on the move, though it requires a frustrating combination of button presses to use the one touch feature when stationary (when closed you hold close for a couple of seconds then press open), though there is about 10 seconds after you come to a stop when the genuine one-touch still works.

Invalidates warranty? Probably, though it just takes a few seconds to replace with the old relay when the car goes back to the dealer.

 

[juliany27]

Many thanks.

Yes, I will be there. Keep an eye open for me; grey/white haired, early 50's, glasses, probably in a boring suit. And hungry for good company and food.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Just a heads-up that we are working with SmartTop to arrange a group buy for Boxster Register members.
There's a small bit in the upcoming PP on this - but I'm still awaiting final pricing to be worked out.

Stay tuned....[8D]

 

[juliany27]

Once again, my thanks.

I shall await hearing from you before I invest in this 'goodie'.

 

[THX911]

ORIGINAL: Mark Lewis

Also "one-touch" opening and closing on the move, though it requires a frustrating combination of button presses to use the one touch feature when stationary (when closed you hold close for a couple of seconds then press open), though there is about 10 seconds after you come to a stop when the genuine one-touch still works.

This is for safety reasons i.e. when you do the button combination you are making sure there is no individual or hazards in the way. Once you master the button combinations it is very easy and obvious. When stopped it still closes/opens without having the handbrakes on, you just have to hold down the button and you can start driving too; very handy when you have started the process at a traffic light and you have to move.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Another safety tip:

Don't forget to latch the roof, and then remember - and lean through the open window and latch it...[&:]

 

[atillin]

Mark,

If you dont mind me asking, what did you pay for SmartTop? I'm in the US this week/next and can order one through ebay for $219 (Boxster) ans $279 (996) - approx £125 and £160 respectively. Is this a good price or not?

Cheers for now,

Adrian Tillin

 

[THX911]

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett

Just a heads-up that we are working with SmartTop to arrange a group buy for Boxster Register members.
There's a small bit in the upcoming PP on this - but I'm still awaiting final pricing to be worked out.

Stay tuned....[8D]

A group of PCGB members (including myslef) did this back in April. See the thread:
http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/m.asp?m=113690&mpage=1&key=

We also realised that the unit is actually shipped from the States and if purchased in US dollars rather than Euro you can make further saving due to the $-£ exchange rate.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Adrian,

I haven't got one. As I said, I'm not sure yet what the price will be yet either. [&o]

I think it better suited to the glass rear window than my plastic one - I'd lose half the benefit by having to get out and "do the chop".
So I won't be buying it myself.
However I do know that it is a popular item, so I'm very happy to persue the deal for the register.

 

[Guest]

whats this "do the chop" I hear so much about? Is it some kind of porsche owners anti-rain dance to keep you safe when the roof comes down, or a medical procedure required in order to get into the car with the roof up?..
Please excuse my ignorance [8|]

ben

 

[juliany27]

'The chop' is something to do with the plastic rear screens on pre-facelift Boxsters and 911s. Apparently you should stop the closing [and opening?] action half way through to fold the plastic screen otherwise it might break/split.
Glass screens do not have such a problem.

Hope this explains - although someone with greater technical knowledge should be able to explain it better than I can.

 

[IainCameron]

ORIGINAL: juliany27

Various people tried to give me suggestions and I wonder whether anyone has tried this 'add-on' and what their views are. Please let me hear from someone about the moving top opening add-on; in this weather I am intrigued by it.

Hi Julian,

I too have the modified roof opening relay. I find it very useful especially if you think the rain is about to fall on you. Just slow down or pull over where it is safe to do so and flick it up while you are still on the move. Only issue is the problem when opening the hood BUT it is a whole lot better that the original design as you can start the hood opening, do the chop "on the move" while out of the car and then get back in... (and the best bit) all on your own, without stopping half way through. I know this seems that all I am saving is a little bit of time but it does mean you can open the hood much quicker than the original set up.

 

[juliany27]

Mark

Any news on the SmartTop and the likely price?

With this inconsistent weather I would hope to get one sooner rather than later. No pressure, you understand, but I think that it would be nicer in this warmer weather.

 

[juliany27]

Kish

Thanks for showing me the SmartTop recently. I will be getting one as soon as Mark meets with sucess in negociating a suitable discount. Any ideas on 'current' undiscounted prices so that I can compare etc.?

On the subject of the car cover, it blew off today - that will teach me to properly secure it with the elasticated clip thingy and not be so lazy...