I FIXED My Porsche Boxster Convertible Top For ONLY $3... You Can't Top This

I bought a 2006 Porsche Boxster powered by the legendary flat 6, backed up by a 5 speed manual transmission, and it was cheap. Of course these cars aren't cheap but this one has nearly 200,000 miles on it, making it the cheapest one in the country. Now I've serviced it, replaced the flaky radio with a modern CarPlay headunit, and today we're fixing one of the last issues because of all the comments... the convertible top! Now it was working just fine but it wasn't seating correctly when it was up so we're replacing the failed elastic that pulls the top into shape while it's closing.
MERCH: shopWatchJRGo.com
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Common Questions:
What motorcycle do I ride? A few. Ducati 1198, Honda Goldwing, Honda Grom, Honda Ruckus
What do I do for a living? Make KZbin videos.
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Where can I keep up with you off the bike?
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Why do you ride so dangerously? What do mean? I was doing 25.
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#CheapCar #Porsche #Boxster

[@terrylessmann2274]

My 1st Porsche was a 15K mi, 4 yr old 01 Box S. It was not very reliable but thankfully it was CPO'd so Porsche paid for most of the repairs. 6 mo after the CPO ran out, I traded it in on a new 08 Boxster S LE (the orange one). Kind of surprised I stayed with Porsche after all the troubles with my 986, but I wanted an orange Box S. Coming up on my 14th anniversary of owning her and she's been one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. Porsche did get it right with the 987.

[@thatguymichaelhtx]

What problems did you have with the 986?

[@terrylessmann2274]

@@thatguymichaelhtx right rear wheel bearing failed, left front bushing shot craps, power steering pump failed, left window drop failed. All these in 3 yrs of ownership and 17K mi. Window regulator failures and pixel issues with the dash were also common but didn't catch my 986.

[@gingerhz]

Didn't know Gabe had a Honda Del Sol. My first car was a 1995 Honda Del Sol S and I still have it. Granted it has a blown motor atm but one of these days it will be back on the street. This channel has inspired me to try and bring it back. Thanks JR and friends for all of the amazing content!

[@Gabe-ABNCW3]

Excellent!!! Make it happen!😉👍🏼

[@ewallacestudent1]

lots of motors out there, good luck

[@devonosborne2512]

I swear by those Atoto head units! I took a shot putting one in my f body and I LOVED it. Awesome using and obd2 reader and putting dashcommand on the head unit for some additional gauges. I now have one in my truck and have trans temp without adding any gauges to to the “a” pillar or anything!

[@WatchJRGo]

Isn't Dashcommand awesome? I still keep that setup in my backpack all the time 💪

[@devonosborne2512]

@@WatchJRGo well worth the purchase for sure!

[@auzmo]

How would an Atoto unit compare to a similar unit from a brand like pioneer that cost $600 with wireless carplay? The price is great, but a pretty leery of something named Atoto. Are the features just as good, any features you are giving up? The newest Atoto with wireless carplay has almost no reviews.

[@itsneb]

I just did this fix on my 2008 for free. That elastic is the same as they use in kids' pants so you can adjust them. There are little holes sewn in every so often, just like from the factory. I cut some out of a pair of Levis my 10yo had otherwise destroyed. Worked great and I have easy adjustability, just like from the factory. The screw inside is a T10. I had to remove it, which made stapling the other end much easier. 🎉

[@kimthomas3005]

Theres a surprising number of fixes where on youtube its a weird bodge but in reality its only $3 to fix. Have a 996 and first fault I had was a gearshift cable popping off, "fixes" on you tube were all bad mods or dodgy bodges with cable ties etc. I looked at the exploded diagram and could see a tiny pop pin in the end, sure enough no where to be found on my car, bought part off Porsche for £2.60 ($3) and 3 years later still no more issues.

[@Cartier_specialist]

I was hoping for more Bentley content but I can't really complain about Porsche content. They really do handle incredibly and Porsche has been perfecting the handling for 50 plus years.

[@WatchJRGo]

I'm also hoping to work on the Bentley, I need a shop so I can pull the whole interior and really everything else apart 😬

[@Cartier_specialist]

@@WatchJRGo I didn't realize that was the delay. 🍻

[@dcautomotive1369]

Thanks for your videos! Be worth pulling off the front bumper and easing the aircon condensers away and clear out any debris trapped in front of the main rads. Might help with cooling and definitely be good for the new owner.

[@seanwalsh999]

Yes, mine rotted out the bottom row of both AC condensers, causing the AC to fail.

[@jtr159]

8:13 FISKARS SCISSORS MY HOME VILLAGE WOOOOO torille

[@WildDigger]

Good easy cheap fix. Nicely done John.

[@MrJbipes]

One of the first things I did when I got my '05 Boxster. Went to JoAnn Fabrics here. I did sew it. yes, multiple passes, but it was simple sewing, not seam-stress style by any means. I also had to re-do the strap that holds the rear window up an in place in top service mode

[@justinmaccreery2490]

When you installed the replacement elastic bands, did you add any tension to the elastic as they were sewn back in?

[@MrJbipes]

@@justinmaccreery2490 Not sure I understand what you mean by 'tension'. The elastic itself provides the tension. I didn;t make the new ones any shorter or longer than OEM

[@justinmaccreery2490]

@@MrJbipes Thank you for your reply : o ) Let me re-phase; after sewing the initial side, did you stretch the elastic before stitching the other side, or leave it tought but not stretched?

[@MrJbipes]

@@justinmaccreery2490 It was taught yes, not streteched

[@talon262]

JR, please ask Gabe (or, Gabe, if you see this) where he got that BSA-USAF roundel tee; as a Scouter, I'd love to be able to get one or two of them.

[@Gabe-ABNCW3]

I bought it from my Council’s Scout Shop about ten years ago…

[@talon262]

@@Gabe-ABNCW3 Drats... thanks anyway, Gabe.

[@MrMattDat]

Great job and such a practical fix! Perfect WJrG tip!

[@jtuominen72]

Fiskars scissors from Finland! Great!

[@WatchJRGo]

Why is everything they make amazing? Scissors, lawn tools, linear cutters 😳

[@Devilacme]

@@WatchJRGo I guess they just have what it takes to make proper tools.

[@houseofno]

I agree. I like this solution better. Otherwise you might have had to change your channel name to WatchJRSew! LOL. Great job! 😄

[@WatchJRGo]

Sounds rough, I'd be watching KZbin videos to learn how 😂

[@gregwatson8246]

I’ve had to do this elastic-band fix twice in 20 years. Find the elastic strap. Loosen the screw (and washer) that hold the elastic to the top bow. Pull out the elastic and flap it’s sewn onto. Cut off old elastic. Sew or staple new elastic to flap. Cut a slot into elastic to fit around bow screw (and washer). Feed new elastic and flap back into top and secure around screw (and washer). Elastic length and tension are set where basic slack is taken up as top nears arch, and tension (elastic stretch) happens just as top moves behind arch, where it should be. A important fix to avoid damage to top, tension cable, and decorative arch !! You only need to sew or staple the flap end. The top-bow end with screw, just loosen screw (and washer) and cut a small slot in the elastic Your way is easier.

[@MassProject]

Good job buddy!! I have the opposite problem on my 911. To much pull, think there is a stuck spring somewhere.

[@salty6pence672]

Always good to see Gabe drop by. I will miss that when you move. "I love Progress, It's Change I hate." ~ Samuel Clemens

[@GTroy]

been watching for 3 years...still moving faster and faster

[@WatchJRGo]

This car just needs to leave because the new car comes next week 😛

[@GTroy]

@@WatchJRGo I fix copart cars for my own toys, so I appreciate your work...omg I wish I could work as hard as you

[@robsdeviceunknown]

I just got the same Autel you have, I LOVE IT! does way mor ethan I had hoped for. Sadly, I don't know how to use most of what it's capable of lol.

[@Reclusive_x]

Its 1am and been wanting to go to sleep but cannot not watch your new videos!

[@HoboJoeGarage]

The only approved stapler is a red Swingline stapler

[@WatchJRGo]

They took my stapler 😬

[@justinmaccreery2490]

Love this video. It'll probably save me a few hundred bucks, as my car has the exact same symptom!

[@wrenchesinmotion3282]

Gabe appearance!! And he had a Del Sol, fantastic. I've had 4 of them. Love the little go karts.

[@jamesluke7377]

Ooooo... John had some KS State tree on his top. LOL 😆

[@ewallacestudent1]

Good fix, nice job.

[@nxvx9208]

Love the videos. Keep it up!

[@WatchJRGo]

Thanks for watching! 💯

[@dewdew34]

Always cool to see Gabe.

[@ajw828]

Hope you're having a blast out there on those epic roads!

[@titanicfilmsbymark]

Why do people complain about vehicles they don't own? Nice video JR.

[@joemtbr5052]

Thank you for the great content.

[@thatsonebadhatharry8610]

Great cheap fix on the top. Another quick and temporary fix to the trim is to take a black sharpie and just go over all the bad areas, no tape needed, just be careful not to touch the cloth top. It won't be perfect but will look better than the aluminum that's showing. Latter if you decide to paint it you just prep and paint like normal.

[@halhammond6831]

Stitching would be better than stapling-try using a Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl. Really simple to use and you can use it to repair a ton of things such as fabric tops, upholstery etc,

[@edpoell2876]

Love the bargain basement of cool cars, it's been my wheelhouse for 50 years.

[@ksteak27]

Sweet. I have this issue with my 996 911 top. Will give this a try...

[@BrianGeissman1136]

I like my 986 Boxster. I came from a 3rd gen MR2, so that might be why I think it’s a great car. Cars 23 year birthday this month (November)

[@nicholastaylor1546]

Another great video but I am sorry but your dad is the MVP of this channel Either way with or without him please keep up the great content - you really don’t need a massive shop but it does allow many different types of projects. I do wish you luck in finding your new home but if you decide to stay as you are I bet I will still watch all of your videos

[@shysgarage2405]

Hope that heater works good. Most of the US is going to be getting a cold spell starting this weekend... 🤯

[@kerrylewis2581]

I'm looking forward to more footage of the Boxster before it goes to its next, hopefully, well-cared-for home.

[@VidTubeWatch]

And at 11:22 we have Gabe for the win! Looks like he just woke up from a much needed nappy poo. LOL

[@AzTurboMini]

Gabe... where the heck have you been son? You fix your car and disappear. 😆

[@Gabe-ABNCW3]

LOL! Been crazy busy man. I’ve been running nonstop since we got the Sky up.

[@AzTurboMini]

@@Gabe-ABNCW3 Oh stop! You ack like you gotta work to pay bills or something. 😂 Seriously, I hope all is well buddy. 🙏

[@Gabe-ABNCW3]

@@AzTurboMini 🍻😜👍🏼

[@shanesimmons6079]

JR get a smaller modest shop it's honestly nice too watch oldschool JR from the garage

[@MrGazzaj]

I guess with the Porsche all set and him driving with friends, JR will be miles away from the car crusher. NO chance for vision of it crushing from start to finish this week :-(

[@WatchJRGo]

When it's time to work on the car crusher they'll call me, nothing I can do until that phone call comes 🍻

[@MrGazzaj]

@@WatchJRGo Thanks for the heads up. It is the project that stands out from them all and has really caught my imagination and interest.

[@unstablebobgable]

If I could work on the Porsche Boxter with Watch JR Goes I would drink the shot of whiskey and cold Bartle Skeets with him and puff on the Cannibus cigars with him and get all schmoked up.

[@pops55650]

What a nice looking 911

[@jamil_cars]

Love watching your videos even tho they come out at 1 am where I am 😅

[@slickrock1371]

It looks like someone painted the convertible top with a roller, and got some on the black trim you were pointing to.

[@tedll75]

best fix ever!!

[@trapjohnson]

Gabe AGAIN with a "Shirt I wish I could find"

[@theevilspanky]

Im trying this myself… this is way more difficult than you make it seem… lol it’s hard to fit a stapler in there and also the tension… wow. No advice on how which side to do first top or bottom..

[@Hoster987]

Hope this worked out for you. Check other videos where you can take out the whole elastics out which makes it really easy. Just fixed mine

[@JP-tm5nf]

Just bought exactly the same one but 2005 and only cost us $1500. The old owner thought he messed up the transmission but doesnt.

[@donreinholz8121]

Mopar AL also put an Atoto unit in his son's car. More tractor videos with your Dad JR!

[@bmwloco]

I, too, drove an early Boxter and thought "meh". Then I drove a Cayman. Then the newer Boxter. Fixed. Nice cars.

[@BRBTechTalk]

There is a product called speed sew, it is a glue for fabric, I would think a little dab of that with the staples would help hold the parts together.

[@Shauma_llama]

Exclusive parts from Wal Mart, love it. 😄

[@chrismooney225]

There’s two cables you need to adjust which helps the slack 10mm spanner and sorted

[@69Dartman]

Why couldn't you have a very cheap repair on any vehicle, even if it was very expensive at one time. If you can do your own work and get a good price on the part new or used very doable whether it's parts or some other type of fix. Watching now👍

[@WatchJRGo]

Just weird when the badge says Porsche 😳

[@69Dartman]

Yep, but as you know parts is parts so just depends on what it is and if it's factory or what I just saw as I typed this... Brilliant.

[@31dknight]

another great video from JR. thanks

[@Doc1855]

I love the video… What about the Bentley?

[@samlyda7558]

Excited to go Drive IT.

[@tomjo9838]

Great job. Does the Atoto head unit brightness adjust with your dash lights ?

[@WatchJRGo]

It sure does, crazy bright when it’s not dimmed 😳

[@kencrouch668]

This is a question for Gage- you were in the military in 2004 - are you still in the service now? That was 18 years ago!

[@dhass1776]

The subtitles are funny On Today's episode of Watch Jericho......what is this Y2J/Chris Jericho channel? Ha

[@wolfc7280]

Hope things are working out for you regarding your new building.

[@lovellmills7959]

Nice. you are Porsche king 🤴 😊

[@jamesmorrison7847]

FYI You can use liquid black shoe polish to dye that convertible roof. Sounds crazy, but it works. Then seal it with clear floor wax. Best of luck.

[@WatchJRGo]

This is a gray top, there's no way you can use black on the grey 😳

[@JaysElectronicTinkerShack]

dude cars coing nicely use paper playing cards there awesome for masking slip niceliy behind the piece on the roof there same with painting wheels great tip used many times

[@gs3504]

The stretched piece you replaced looked identical the the piece that holds the C6 convertible top and also fails... The C6 requires a little more gymnastics!!

[@starrguitarworks]

I’ve owned both… 986 and 987. Both great. Comparing the 986 to a DeSol is a total joke.

[@andreasturlese5003]

Done, Thanks...

[@1mlb704]

Thumbs up for the BSA shirt

[@bluefalcon69]

Gabe had a Del Sol? All respect lost.

[@Gabe-ABNCW3]

🍻😂👍🏼

[@JunixBoiix91]

Okay now we've gotta see the trim painted or else it just won't feel completed and satisfied...

[@gwaddles]

Getting back to your DIY Roots

[@jarrodt3620]

Can you change the background screen on the radio

[@Perceni]

I have had both 986 and 987 and they drive exactly the same. The interior probably gives you the perception that is a better driver but it's the same.

[@Robsav-yx6vi]

Gabe , good to see yah . Agreed with you btw .

[@lancenutter1067]

Love my Boxster S!

[@stephensawyer6701]

What if you just folded the original elastic on itself and then staple it?

[@chollythecrazycorgihesinsa6505]

Do you think Walmart might have a hood for my 911? 😂 ( I don’t have a 911…wish I did)

[@WatchJRGo]

They might, I hear they sell OEM parts from Germany 😛

[@LetsDIYIt]

He definitely got some kind of lemon if he drove a 986 and thought it sucked. The S variant with the 3.2l was a great car with more power actually than that 987. There are people that prefer the 2.5l over the 2.7l, even though it had less power due to the responsiveness, they claim it just felt better. Either way, a Boxster is meant to be tossed around, and if you are basing it off of straight line speed (he didn't mention why he thinks it sucked), than he just doesn't get the point of the car. I personally HATE the interior on the 987.1, it was much improved in the 987.2. I would absolutely prefer the interior in the 986 over the 987.1, but that is subjective of course.

[@Gabe-ABNCW3]

I get the point of the car which is why I was so disappointed with it. I prefer curves rather than straight lines anyway and in Hawaii it’s all curves. I was just so underwhelmed by how that car performed. It wasn’t the first Porsche I’d driven and it certainly wasn’t the last. This one drove like one would expect a Porsche to drive. I was so surprised that the Boxter delivered!

[@LetsDIYIt]

@@Gabe-ABNCW3 then there was something wrong with it. It is one of the all time best handling cars. All Boxster handle amazing, 986 included

[@Gabe-ABNCW3]

@@LetsDIYIt 😉👍🏼

[@vfhondas]

Unless you use stainless steel staples they are going to rust. We sew them in at the dealer level.

[@macho4x4warlock98]

What does the staple tool look like?

[@WatchJRGo]

It's a mini swingline I keep in my desk. Nothing special at all! 🍻

[@alfyer5]

@@WatchJRGo GET ME THE GOLDEN STAPLER

[@kirand483]

Bentley update please John Ross.

[@hoozthair6076]

The best Porsche.

[@James-sir]

There is a tiny hand held sewing machine

[@anthony2816]

Ugh...replace the elastic with some appropriately-sized springs. They'll last much longer.

[@cudaboy71]

What kind of bike is that hanging up?

[@DaveSomething]

I got that stereo, so far I like it.

[@jtelliso]

DEL SLOW FOR LIFE!!!

[@Gabe-ABNCW3]

Facts.

[@maxxmich]

they make portable sewing machines... hand held ..

[@michaelgrow8630]

Let's go Gabe

[@oscarocampo4575]

You not keeping it?.. what did you do with it?

[@windronner1]

Non OEM?!?! They’ll never let you join PCA. LOL

[@johnhughes3796]

Whoever knew you could fix a Porsche with knicker elastic.

[@nostric4237]

Porsche should pay you. Many people will buy a boxster because you and Gabe said it was good.

[@retrobear9367]

I wish i could get into wireless carplay. It's just too laggy for me

[@P.Galore]

Stay past the end...GABE CAMEO!

[@alfyer5]

Can you please get a fabric dye and colour the top

[@auzmo]

Have you gone to your event in the Porsche yet?

[@WatchJRGo]

It’s this weekend 🍻

[@JB77070]

Big profit