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Old 04-24-2016, 05:31 PM   #1
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2003 top upgrade problem

Last weekend in Hershey I pick up a 2003 top to install on my 1999, I read through every thing I could in preparation to install it today, every thing went smooth with the removal of the old top, I moved over the micro switch from the old top to the new, and when I put the top up for the first time, it closed all the way, but the light on the dash stayed on. The top quit working, it would not operate at all, just a clicking noise. If I pull on the micro switch, the top operates as it should, it starts the down cycle and completely goes down, light is out.
My question to any one who has also installed a 2003 top on a 1999 or older, was there something else besides the micro switch that I should have transferred over to the new top?

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Old 04-24-2016, 06:36 PM   #2
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Nothing else to transfer. Just have to mess with it a bit.
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Old 04-25-2016, 04:53 AM   #3
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Which microswitch? Sounds like you just need to make sure that the switch is pressed when it should be
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Old 04-25-2016, 12:37 PM   #4
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Has anyone installed a 03/04 top on a 97/99 and not updated the top transmissions to the newer style, if so how did you trip the b pillar micro switch
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Old 04-25-2016, 01:03 PM   #5
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Forgive my ignorance - why would one install a later model top on an early car?

I have a 98 and am in need of a new top. I didn't know I could / should be looking at later tops
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Old 04-25-2016, 01:08 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DG Boxster View Post
Forgive my ignorance - why would one install a later model top on an early car?

I have a 98 and am in need of a new top. I didn't know I could / should be looking at later tops
The 03-04 tops have a glass rear window and headliner. However they also have an additional bow which places additional weight above CG, potentially impacting handling.
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Old 04-25-2016, 01:18 PM   #7
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The main reason to change it was to get the glass rear window, I also am changing colour to black from grey, which in my opinion looks much nicer
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Old 04-25-2016, 01:19 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 911monty View Post
The 03-04 tops have a glass rear window and headliner. However they also have an additional bow which places additional weight above CG, potentially impacting handling.
Very helpful, thanks. My car has 3 bows (I think?) and I thought it had a headliner but maybe not.

I was planning on getting a 98 aftermarket top with a glass window.
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Old 04-25-2016, 01:21 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 911monty View Post
The 03-04 tops have a glass rear window and headliner. However they also have an additional bow which places additional weight above CG, potentially impacting handling.
I couldn't tell the weight difference when I picked them up, and for the driving I do, it won't make a difference, I don't track my car
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Old 04-25-2016, 01:28 PM   #10
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Quote:
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The main reason to change it was to get the glass rear window, I also am changing colour to black from grey, which in my opinion looks much nicer
Any reason why you didn't get a top for the 99 with a glass window?
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Old 04-25-2016, 01:29 PM   #11
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It's hard for me to tell you what's wrong without seeing it in person. I'd double check the micro switch behind the driver and the one on the motor again. Those 97-99 transmissions can jump out of gear too.
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Old 05-04-2016, 02:42 PM   #12
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Thanks to Woody, I was able to upgrade my top transmissions today, rewired for new style micro switches and relay, this with the 2003 top I picked up in Hershey, the top replacement mod is done. Because I unhooked the battery I have a new problem, my car was originally from the US and the electric speedo display has gone back to miles per hour, any one know how to change it back to kilometres?
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Old 05-04-2016, 04:55 PM   #13
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You turn the little knob above the tach and hold it for a few seconds. L or R, I don't remember.
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Old 05-04-2016, 07:55 PM   #14
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page 54 in the owner's manual "With the ignition on, hold adjustment button B turned to the left for about five seconds"

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