replace/repair cabrio roof

Guest · Nov 16, 2004

Mine has been developing a small (2-3cm) vertical tear just behind the roleover bar on the near side just below the curve on the side (hard to explain - realy easy to see). I think this is caused by the rolover bar pinching the fabric. I have managed to glue a patch on the inside to stop it getting any worse (and weather proof) but can't live with it any more.

Anyone have any first hand experience with either invisible roof repairs or replacement? Is it DIYable or only to be entrusted to an expert?

Any help deeply appreciated

Guest · Nov 17, 2004

i replaced my rear 'glass' last year. bloody expensve at £400! it was done by a professional who does work for my local official porsche centre (OPC). if you do your bit of home work, you will find that most OPC will sub-contract out this type of work to a local motoring specialist upholsterer. and there are lots of them in the uk. other places to ask is the official porsche accident repairer as they would sure to know who is best in the area.

in your case for a whole new roof it will set you back around £1000, which is not bad as this will last you for a decade or more.

i don't recommend tackling this yourself unless you have the patience and skill to do so.

Guest · Nov 17, 2004

£1000 isn't as bad as I thought, all I can find on the internet is design911.co.uk, they have a "full hood" for just under £1k plus a home fitting service. anyone have experience of design911?

or can anyone recommend a coach fitters in the Milton Keynes or surrounding area?

Andy Tims · Nov 18, 2004

Does complete roof include all the framing? If so it might be possible to replace just the fabric / rear window.

Is your car is the Silver L reg the travel up the A3 in the morning? That looks like the entire fabric section needs replacing anyway - no offence[

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Wayne · Nov 18, 2004

I had my hood replaced last year by Southbound Trimmers. They did a first class job. It is important to choose the trimmer carefully as I was shown some very bad replacements on some cars where the fabric had started to stretch and 'wollow' they looked awful.

Southbound use the exact same fabric as Porsche do so the fabric quality is not in question. They charged around £1600 but the end result was wonderful.

Hope this helps!

sanjay · Jan 28, 2005

Hiya

unfortunately my cab roof has developed a couple of holes , as it seems to be catching
on a metal spike when it opens!

anyone know any good cab roof specialists in north london or surrounding area?

roof is a bit tatty anyway so thinking of getting it completely done once and for all,
any idea of the cost?

thanks

Sanjay

Guest · Jan 28, 2005

Sanjay, everyone talks about Southbound trimmers with a very high regard. With such a big job I would look outside my local area and go for reputation and track record.

SAB · Sep 6, 2005

A few months back you noted that Southbound replaced your 993 cabrio roof for £1600. Was that all-in (including rear window and VAT) ?

Guest · Sep 6, 2005

Sanjay,
When opening the roof, stop it half way down. Check that the rear window isn't creasing. Most importantly, check that the metal bar that runs across the roof is folded back - this forces the canvas to fold properly and not get caught on the raised locking pins that typically cause the holes.
Mark
ps I use Halfords all weather clear tape to patch the underside of the holes in my roof. Doesn't leak and careful use of opening the roof has prevented further deterioration. OPC couldn't repair the holes.......

Wayne · Sep 8, 2005

SAB - Yes the £1600 was all in including rear window and VAT, fitting etc. Still looks really good and would still recommend them![

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SAB · Sep 9, 2005

Thanks Wayne. I have been in touch with Southbound and you can tell on the phone that they care about what they do. It helps that they do nothing else but Porsche's too. I'll certainly take the car there if the hole in my cabrio roof grows from its present 1cm. Still, it is irksome that a 1cm hole in an otherwise very good condition roof is not repairable.
Steven

SAB · Dec 20, 2005

I have had my roof done at Southbound now and am happy to report that they did a fantastic job. Langley Autocraft (the bodyshop recommended by, and nearby to, JZ Machtech) believe it to be better than factory fit. I don't know if that is right, but I am very pleased with it nonetheless. Even though the original roof was in good condition, the new roof makes the car look years younger. Apart from the looks, there is a massive reduction in squeaks/ rattles and motorway windnoise as the whole structure has been tightened.