Convertible Top Latch Screws

[hawkdriver]

98 Boxster-While replacing my top microswitch (windows would recess after hitting a hard road bump) I found that one of the 2 screws that hold the panel up is stripped out. I looked at the barrel nut sleeve that the screw goes into the metal frame of the vehicle and it is half gone. Someone must have over torxed the screw thinking that may fix the latch! I am thinking helicoil is my only option since it is the frame? Any ideas would be appreciated!

[U da man]

1998 Boxster convertible top latch screws ( nuts are stripped out )..... I took apart my Boxster convertible top latch mount at the top of the windshield.. The nuts can NOT be replaced !!!!! After trying larger screws to no avail, it just made them worse.. I then took a small hammer and two plastic wall anchors and tapped them in.. I used the coarse screws that came with then anchors.. Do not over tighten them and be gentle when latching and unlatching the top... Has been working good for a few weeks now.. James

[78F350]

The plastic anchors are a good temporary solution. The permanent solution is a "nutsert", or "rivet nut". Check out these pages...
Old discussion that talks about the solution. The pics are all gone:
convertible top latch
Mike Focke's Detailed repair with pics:
https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/randrcenternuts

[U da man]

THANKS,,,, I was searching for the latch screws, NOT just the latch and could not find a tread that was helpful... Nutserts look like a permanent solution if some one doesn't put the screws in with an air impact tool next time >>>>>

[Vista glass]

I just did the nutsert installation for the top latch nuts. It worked! The link to Mike Fockes instructions was imensely helpful.
https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/randrcenternuts

I bought a good quality tool from amazon. I did a practice on scrap metal.This tool was up to the job. The included nutserts are steel and set firmly in the existing opening. I was able to use the factory bolts as this set has both metric and SAE. It was worth the $42 to do it right. I am sure I will use this tool again somewhere.


WETOLS 14" Rivet Nut Tool, Hand Rivet Nut Tool with 7 Metric & Inch Mandrels M6 M8 M10, 1/4-20, 5/16-18, 3/8-16, 70pcs Rivnuts and Blow Carry Case - WE882
$$42 delivered overnight.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by Vista glass

WETOLS 14" Rivet Nut Tool, Hand Rivet Nut Tool with 7 Metric & Inch Mandrels M6 M8 M10, 1/4-20, 5/16-18, 3/8-16, 70pcs Rivnuts and Blow Carry Case - WE882
$$42 delivered overnight.

That's a great deal! I wish I'd have known that when I installed rivnuts on my Grand Caravan for a roof rack. I used the two nut method. What a pain it was!