Hard Top question - are the factory hard tops all the

[thenavarro]

They are all NOT the same. The early year, I believe 1997 had "dog ears" on it that were utilized with the roof transport system. The rest of the years 986 I believe are the same. All the ones made for a 986 though will fit the 986, its just a matter of the ears. Take care,

Mike

[KevinH1990]

I have a top from a 98 that has the "ears" so there were at least two model years in which the tops had ears..

I've seen posts that state tops from 97's were prone to rattles, but I have not verified this myself.

[djomlas]

i have a factory 98 hardtop that came w the car when it was ordered, no dog ears.

[Tool Pants]

I have a January 1997 with the hardtop as a factory option and it has ears. I always thought 1997 was the only year for ears. If you look at a parts list the part number for a 1997 is different than the rest of the years.

Then 2 years ago I met a local January 1998 owner with the option and it had ears. He was the original owner and when I checked the option sticker the hardtop was listed.

[rick3000]

I have '98 top with ears. The '97's and some '98 tops had ears , and the other years did not. There really is not a difference except in looks, but I think the ears do a add a little bit of wind noise but it is barely noticeable. I have not had any trouble with rattling. '97 - '04 tops fit the 986, '05+ tops fit the 987.