Hard Top question - are the factory hard tops all the - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

porschedude · 08-27-2007, 05:48 PM

same for 1997- 2004? I would think they are all the same but can someone please verify?

thenavarro · 08-27-2007, 06:00 PM

They are all NOT the same. The early year, I believe 1997 had "dog ears" on it that were utilized with the roof transport system. The rest of the years 986 I believe are the same. All the ones made for a 986 though will fit the 986, its just a matter of the ears. Take care,

Mike

KevinH1990 · 08-27-2007, 06:44 PM

I have a top from a 98 that has the "ears" so there were at least two model years in which the tops had ears..

I've seen posts that state tops from 97's were prone to rattles, but I have not verified this myself.

djomlas · 08-27-2007, 08:00 PM

i have a factory 98 hardtop that came w the car when it was ordered, no dog ears.

Tool Pants · 08-28-2007, 12:40 AM

I have a January 1997 with the hardtop as a factory option and it has ears. I always thought 1997 was the only year for ears. If you look at a parts list the part number for a 1997 is different than the rest of the years.

Then 2 years ago I met a local January 1998 owner with the option and it had ears. He was the original owner and when I checked the option sticker the hardtop was listed.

rick3000 · 08-28-2007, 04:18 AM

I have '98 top with ears. The '97's and some '98 tops had ears , and the other years did not. There really is not a difference except in looks, but I think the ears do a add a little bit of wind noise but it is barely noticeable. I have not had any trouble with rattling. '97 - '04 tops fit the 986, '05+ tops fit the 987.

aBsOlUt · 08-28-2007, 05:30 AM

sorry if it seems to hijack the thread but I am looking for a hardtop myself.

Does it affect performance or adds weight to the car? How much does it cost approx?

Thanks guys!

My car is 2004 986S

rick3000 · 08-28-2007, 12:56 PM

At high speed Porsche recommends having the soft top up, because it improves the aerodynamics of the car. So the hardtop makes the car more aerodynamic. They only weigh about 55-60lbs. so they don't add to much weight. They add no safety, and the prices range from $600 (if you are very lucky) to $2000 used, and $3000 new. I got mine for $900 and by freak chance in the same color, the average asking price is $2000 but most people pay $1500.