Slack in convertible top - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Rob175 · 02-22-2016, 01:06 PM

My 98' Boxster suddenly developed a bit of slack in the usual taughtness on the portion of the top when folded back (the exposed portion).

After going to a few different interior shops ( all experienced Porsche top shops) and being told that I needed to replace the top even though in all other respects the top is in beautiful condition I decided to investigate further myself.

I discovered the factory heat welds/adhesive where the top touches the interior supports had come undone. Again all the shops told me there was no fix except to buy a new top, not something I wanted to do.

BUT I came up with a fix. Using Scotch's VHB (very high bond) tape, I ran a strip the length of each support bar between the tops interior side and the metal bars. Then using a hard roller I rolled over the top's exterior where each bar was located. I let the tape "cure" for a week before I lowered the top. Viola!!! It worked and after a year is still doing the job. My top folds nicely and without slack.

Since I only drive in the summer and usually only operate the top a few times a season ( I typically lower the top and leave it down all season if the weather allows)

A cheap fix that worked well for me.

dghii · 02-22-2016, 05:32 PM

Thanks for sharing your solution Rob.

I'm facing a similar problem with my Wife's 2004 350Z Roadster. I replaced the top a couple of years ago and need to repair how the top attaches to one of the bows. It's different than on the Boxster but your method may well work on the 350Z.

Rob175 · 02-24-2016, 06:13 AM

Its worth a try. I think the key is to let the VHB tape cure under a little pressure and warmth if possible. VHB tape is the same stuff the car makers use to apply the body emblems.

VHB is sold at most body shop supply stores or you can usually find it on Ebay.....I bought mine on Ebay because the body shop supply companies would only sell hugh rolls. I wanted to buy about 10 ft.....lol, not 100 ft!.

Good luck, hope it solves your problem.

stelan · 02-24-2016, 06:49 AM

Yes VHB is strong stuff, we used it alot to mount signs on walls