Engine access with glass rear screen? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Andrew McD · 01-01-2011, 10:58 AM

Hi,

Sorry i'm sure this has been covered before. How on earth do you get access to the engine with a glass rear screen. Tried it today and could not post the glass over the roll hoops.

Thanks, Andrew.

Iflylow · 01-01-2011, 11:09 AM

a '99 with a glass window is an aftermarket. Search my thread from last week. Same issue.

JFP in PA · 01-01-2011, 12:21 PM

The only top with a glass rear window that allows normal access in the factory unit because of the extra bow.......

Soetekouw · 01-02-2011, 12:13 PM

Andrew, it is surprising that you are having the same problem as I did last week when I tried to gain access to my engine cover. I couldn't get access either (2007 w/glass window). The glass window wouldn't clear the hoops. Also, I couldn't disconnect the cable that hooks into the speaker unit so that I could remove the speaker unit to clear the access to the engine cover. My attempt to change the air filter was a total failure.

I unhooked the top skirt in the back and pulled off the cable on each side, but then couldn't roll the top up high enough to have the glass clear the hoops. My mechanical abilities are about average, but I should be able to do something as simple as getting access to the engine. Wayne (at Pelican) '101 Projects for the Boxster' made this process look so simple in his book, but..................I couldn't do it. Well, back to the dealership with my $100 bill. I think, next time, I am going to buy a car with an engine I can see.

Andrew McD · 01-03-2011, 09:49 AM

Hi Iflylow...

Wow...! thats a tad of an oversight on the aftermarket producers.! How is it solved in the later cars that have the glass as standard. On my last car (not boxster) you could post the glass over the hoops.

So is that it...? Poor access for me?

ddb · 01-03-2011, 10:12 AM

Andrew McD,

I have a glass GAHH on my 2000 and was able to work with the OE top before having the GAHH installed. Obviously there is a difference in access. But, I've been able to change my air filter, install a new air/oil separator, and install a TechnoTorque (plus other stuff that I can't remember now) with the GAHH's limited access. It would have definitely been easier with full access. But I really don't need access to the top of the engine very frequently and feel like it is a good trade-off for all of the benefits of the glass rear window.

On 2003 and newer cars the top bow has 4 rails instead of 3 on 2002 and older cars. The extra bow allows the glass to fold.
Best of luck,

ddb

qikqbn · 01-03-2011, 10:13 AM

I have the GAHH glass rear window convertible top on my 1998 Boxster and I love it... I would never go back to plastic and doing the Boxster Kung Fu Chop again everytime I wanted to put down the top (using hand to soften plastic window fold when lowering top)

I use to do extensive work on my car as well as all my own maintenace. All you need is a decent tie strap with the ratchet mechanism and that has the hooks rubber coated.

Put your convertible top in normal engine bay access position, undo cables etc... put one hook of the tie strap along the front edge of the top and
then the other hook right where the cable ball joint snaps into the lower edge of the rear of the top. You will see a metal support brace where
the cable is attached to and there is a small metal lip that the hook of the tie strap can hold on to. It helps to have some tension already in the tie down.

so, just ratchet up the back and while it is pulling together to fold, reach inside the car and push the glass up and over the roll bars, or as far up
as it will go. and just ratchet up some more to a point that seems good but not putting any unnecessary stress on your convertible top seams / glass.

I keep that tie down ratchet in my trunk at all times . I have used it for years like that and I have NO issues with clearence and maintenance access
to the top of the engine. I got the idea because Porsche mechanics use a similar tool to work on the 2003 glass top boxsters.

I hope this helps you .
Bill

Andrew McD · 01-03-2011, 03:11 PM

Hi Bill, yes that is a great help. I'll search for such a thing. Anybody have any ideas where in the uk I might get such a thing?

Thanks, Andrew.

Georg · 01-31-2011, 03:58 PM

Hi guys. First post here. I stumbled upon you while looking at options for top replacement. I have a 98 Boxster and have been cursing at having to get out halfway through opening, fold the pvc window and get back in to complete the process. Thought I was an exception but I have discovered I am the rule.

I initially tried the official channels to have the OEM glass window top installed as I had been told by an authorized mechanic at some point in the past that all you need is a 4th frame bar added. The official response was that the solution is not recommended as it has never been tried and it is not certain it is possible.

Then I found various aftermarket solutions (such as GAHH's) that use the standard frame, but my joy was cut short by reports of messed up engine access.

So:

Does anyone have pictures of access with original and GAHH-type top?
If I go for the OEM top with the glass window can I only add a 4th bar or do I need a complete new 4-bar frame as someone said here?
Either way what would that entail? Is it just a matter of mounting an additional bar or entire new frame to the same mounting points or are there more "initiatives" required?

Thanks

qikqbn · 01-31-2011, 04:29 PM

GAHH glass top photos... Here is a photo of my engine access with my tie strap ratchet system holding it up and in place. As you can see... plenty of space to work on top of engine. My recommendation for any extensive work on top of engine is to also remove 4 bolts and take off rear trunk lid. If you try laying on it or sliding around on your trunk lid you will dent it and scratch it. takes 5 minutes to remove it and then you can sit or kneel in rear trunk and be much more comfortable working on the top of your engine for extended periods.

I also included photos of the GAHH top in position closed... Something to look closely at... The GAHH uses the original 3 bow system that the 1997-2002 Boxster used. The 4 Bow system for 2003-2004 Is a much different profile top, which causes the profile line of the convertible top to be a little more "bubble" like. I prefer the sleek look of the 3 bow, but that's my personal opinion. Trying to go for the 4 bow system on an earlier car will be much more difficult. I do not think engine top access is much more beneficial with the 4 bow.

This is actually my 2nd GAHH top... I was one of the first to try it out several years ago and they have made great strides in improving the construction and fit. The 1st Gahh I had on had some issue with the cables being a little too stiff and not falling into their groves along the top of the window when it closed. When a new improved version came out with better glass seal and better cables, they replaced mine for free under warranty. They stand behind their product and that was almost 3-4 years ago. I have had absolutely no issues with the top. So I highly recommend it for early 986 owners.

Georg · 02-01-2011, 04:19 AM

Thank you for the info and photos. Was wondering: do you have (I am certain you do

) a profile photo of the car with the top open to see how far forward it goes with the gahh top for top engine access? In the access photo I cannot tell.

I am mostly worried about damage caused by mechanics stressing things too much to access sthng.

And another thing: do you (or anyone) know what it takes (besides money) ti have the original 4-bow top installed? Do I just add another bow or do I need a whole new frame? Either way, does everything go where everything goes now or do I need additional parts or modifications?

Had not thought about the difference in profile with the 4-bow top. Will need to find some photos to compare.

Nice car, by the way. Got me thinking with the 996 motor...