Top woes
 

The top on my 04 Boxster won't go down. Had an Indy shop do an estimate. They claim it needs 2 shafts 2 pushrods and 1 tensioning cable to repair it. $258 in parts plus 6 hours of labor. Looking at a grand plus. Does this sound about right? I am on Long Island NY. Anyone know a specialty shop in the area that can beat that price? It is beyond my capabilities. I am a senior on a fixed income so any advice is welcome. Thanks!

I think they may be taking you for a ride. First, tell us your symptoms. When you open the roof latch, do the door windows drop down slightly like it should? When you pull up on the handbrake, does the parking brake light come on in your dashboard instrument panel? The problem could be just a microswitch or relay that needs to be replaced, but we need more info to help you.

Micro switch is good. Motor runs but the top will not move. Handbrake light is on when engaged.

Ok, was hoping it was a simple microswitch or relay problem. Take a look at the pages below to see if the top cables link or other included articles can help you determine the problem. You can also try posting your question on Renntech's top issues and solutions section for more insights.

https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/thetop-itsmaintaince%26replacement

Does the clamshell open still just not the top, or does nothing move at all?

Assuming your indie has taken a look and diagnosed it correctly based on the parts they mentioned (sounds like broken push rods and balls basically) then I'd imagine the work would only take a couple of hours, it's just undoing a few bolts and replacing simple parts, then maybe a bit of fine adjustment. 6 seems a bit steep.

Clamshell does not open at all. I will get another shop yo give me a comparable estimate. Thanks guys.

If your motor runs and nothing happens, the two drive cables from the motor to the transmissions are suspect. They are ~$20 each and, with the top in the service position, very easy to replace.

I can't believe how simple this system is, given how it works both the top and clamshell. Great design and easy to mess with once you get the top in position to get to everything.

I don't know if you're comfortable with DYI stuff but if the shop can just get your top and clamshell disconnected from the pivot arms (making top operation manual), you should be able to get this thing fixed yourself for a fraction of $.

Look for the thread "Top downgrade' and posts on the subject of "Top" by Woody -Itsnotanova.Those cover the details of a manual conversion if that is the choice you prefer.

+1. Even if you prefer a fully automatic top, converting to manual for a bit will buy you some time to figure out your options while still enjoying your car.

When I had my top in manual mode (awaiting parts), the only thing i noticed was a slight bit of rattling from clamshell on rough roads. It was not enough to be a bother but it was a result of the clamshell not being locked down. My driving is typically around town so I had no worries about the shell flying up or anything dramatic.

manual conversion worked for me, 40 bucks total.

Appreciate all the insight. Thanks guys!

Here you go:

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/43235-why-i-converted-manual-top.html