Boxster 986 hard tops
Discussion
So, bought a decent 2003 Boxster S and now want a hard top. Ebay usually has offers and a significant
number of these have corrosion on/in the front corners. Have taken this problem up with members of the 986 Forum, mainly US folks and they, generally have no experience of the issue -in fact did not know what I was referring to until I posted a couple of pics of Ebay offers. http://986forum.com/forums/intro-porsche-boxster/5...
I wonder about the cause of the corrosion problem. Clearly if structural, it would affect all roofs and it seems that USA ones are not. I think it is either climate/ weather related or condensation related: warm damp cabin air condensing on the roof and running into the 2 front corners, there to lie and corrode the alloy over time.
If condensation is the cause, then buying a damaged roof may not be a bright idea. A lasting repair to alloy framed "sheet" component would not be straight forward, but could be do-able. To simply fill and paint again would seem to be a bodge. Then the matter of proofing any roof to reduce/eliminate this problem would seem to involve removing the internal lining to get access for a suitable Dinitrol product.
Buying a seemingly corrosion free roof may not be that simple either - a recent refinish may simply conceal the damage and such roofs, when advertised seem to attract a significant premium.
So, anyone out there with relevant knowledge? Any other suggestions as to potential or even proven causes of the corrosion problem?
number of these have corrosion on/in the front corners. Have taken this problem up with members of the 986 Forum, mainly US folks and they, generally have no experience of the issue -in fact did not know what I was referring to until I posted a couple of pics of Ebay offers. http://986forum.com/forums/intro-porsche-boxster/5...
I wonder about the cause of the corrosion problem. Clearly if structural, it would affect all roofs and it seems that USA ones are not. I think it is either climate/ weather related or condensation related: warm damp cabin air condensing on the roof and running into the 2 front corners, there to lie and corrode the alloy over time.
If condensation is the cause, then buying a damaged roof may not be a bright idea. A lasting repair to alloy framed "sheet" component would not be straight forward, but could be do-able. To simply fill and paint again would seem to be a bodge. Then the matter of proofing any roof to reduce/eliminate this problem would seem to involve removing the internal lining to get access for a suitable Dinitrol product.
Buying a seemingly corrosion free roof may not be that simple either - a recent refinish may simply conceal the damage and such roofs, when advertised seem to attract a significant premium.
So, anyone out there with relevant knowledge? Any other suggestions as to potential or even proven causes of the corrosion problem?
This doesn't answer your question but I had a 2000 Boxster with the plastic window. After the first month in April the hardtop came off and never went back on for the next 18 months and was eventually sold. Now with a later one with the thicker roof and glass window you need the hard too even less.
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