SpinLock Help - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

rick3000 · 06-28-2007, 04:37 PM

Okay,
I just got my box back from the shop and decided to install the spinlocks. I got the fittings in and everything, but I have one problem. I cannot get the bolts in all the way. They stick out about 1/4" on each side. I am using a socket wrench, and I twist the lever and push on the back but it keeps coming out of the bold. I don't want to strip the screw, so I am not sure what I should do. Any suggestions?
Thanks!

KevinH1990 · 06-28-2007, 05:17 PM

I can't get to my Boxster right now. We are having a thunder storm and it is sitting under its cover. For some reason, the spin lock installation was a fairly nerve-wracking job for me. I kept thinking I was going to drop the allen bolt or wrench into the top mechanism.

If I recall correctly, the spin locks do fit flush. Here's a link to a picture:
Spin Lock Question

If I had the problem you describe, I think the first thing I would double check is whether I have them on the correct side of the car. One is for the the driver's side and the other is for the passenger.

In the articles I found on the forum during my research on this subject, I noted that one person had a problem similar to yours. He sprayed some WD-40 on the allen bolt and was able to get it in. I did not have to resort to this tactic, so you will be trying it at your own risk. Here's a link to that post: Hardtop installation question

Good luck.

rick3000 · 06-28-2007, 06:07 PM

Thanks. but I think I stripped the bolts. Damn! I'll get new ones tomarrow, and try and drill these out.

KevinH1990 · 06-28-2007, 06:18 PM

Sorry to hear that.

Here's another link with a discussion of getting the bolt to seat:

http://www.ppbb.com/board/museum/te-marer.htm

Jeph · 06-28-2007, 08:58 PM

Hmm, I think you might have the spin locks on the wrong sides. I remember having this same problem... swap them.

I think there's a notch or a groove that is carved out to make room for the bolt.

rick3000 · 06-28-2007, 09:02 PM

I got the drivers side out, but the passanger side is stripped. I'll get a new bolt from the dealer and try and remove the stripped bolt.

idheaton · 06-28-2007, 09:37 PM

The spinlock housing on the Boxster are slotted a certain way. You either have the spinlocks on the wrong sides or turned the wrong way. Pull one out and look at it closely then at the housing on the Boxster.

Ask me how I know...

... Let's just say it was quite the 'duh' moment after spending an hour fighting with the bolts and taking them in and out several times before finally pulling one of the spinlocks out and inspecting it.

Make sure you use the plastic bag method to keep from dropping one of the bolts into the car or you may end up with a permanent rattle.

rick3000 · 06-29-2007, 11:00 AM

I think the spinlocks were fitted in incorrectly. My dad had to help and he successfully drilled and uses a screw extractor to remove it. It took about 2 hours. At least we leaned to check twice next time. I'll post some pictures later, of the maimed screw and mount point, that is okay but beat up from the grip locks. Finally, we got it OUT! :dance:

UPDATE:
It took 10 min to install after 4+ hours remove in the one bolt, and $20 on a torque wrench, and a new bolt.

rick3000 · 06-30-2007, 09:22 PM

Here's a picture of the dang bolt after we tried to use grip locks to unscrew it, then drilled it, and finally extacted it. What a pain in the ***! But I got them in right and everything is great!

KevinH1990 · 07-01-2007, 06:38 AM

I know it must have a relief to finally get it out. That is a very awkward area to work in.

So, did you just have the inserts on the wrong sides?

rick3000 · 07-01-2007, 07:49 AM

They were in the correct sides but I was an idiot and rushed and did not make sure the spinlocks were flush, so once the bolts wouldn't go in anymore I felt in there and discovered the spinlocks were not fitted in correctly, and flush. It was just from me rushing, and a very stupid mistake.