Considering buying a Hardtop - do i already have fittings?

[thefunkygibbon]

Hi all,


Considering buying a hardtop for use in the winter months, there is one on ebay with no fitments but in my colour (seal grey)
anyone out there want to talk me out of it? are they good/meh things?

I'm not sure, but i *think* that my car has the fittings already in place? can someone confirm?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/NdDnYA5UCZ3BUtWE8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CK2ozgzVJSnh3TRT6

[Dubaday]

Originally Posted by thefunkygibbon

I'm not sure, but i *think* that my car has the fittings already in place? can someone confirm?

Yep, you got the inserts for them installed already.

And yep, you should definitely get one for the winter months, saves the soft top!

[tonythetiger]

Originally Posted by thefunkygibbon

Hi all,


Considering buying a hardtop for use in the winter months, there is one on ebay with no fitments but in my colour (seal grey)
anyone out there want to talk me out of it? are they good/meh things?

I'm not sure, but i *think* that my car has the fittings already in place? can someone confirm?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/NdDnYA5UCZ3BUtWE8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CK2ozgzVJSnh3TRT6

I can speak for the 2000, 2001 and 2002 986 boxsters, but probably all of them. If your car didn't have the hardtop option, there is hardware you need. It is a receiver for the pin and a set screw that holds it in. the socket that the reciever fits into is already built into the top.
100 bucks...ouch

[rexcramer]

The hard tops are really nice. Warmer, quieter, rear defroster. It's a different car with it on.

[mikefocke]

What you may need it the pigtail for connecting the defroster

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

What you may need it the pigtail for connecting the defroster

I understand Mike’s comment. In most cases German cars don’t come pre-wired for options that weren’t ordered from the factory. On the 986 Porsche appeared to make a wiring harness specifically for the options on each car. I retrofitted heated seats in my car and I can attest that there wasn’t any preexisting wiring for that function.

As an exception to the rule the defroster wiring was in my car even though it didn’t come with a hard top from the factory. The harness is behind the driver’s seat if the original poster wants to check. The switch on the dashboard that operates the side mirror defrosters also operates the rear window defroster.

Maybe Porsche thought hard tops would be a common option and decided to add it to every car. I think that all of the early 996 cabriolets came with a hard top unless the buyer chose the hard top delete option when ordering.

[NewArt]

Normally the seller should include the spinlocks. If they don’t come with the top, you’ll have to buy them, about $100 from the dealer.

[thefunkygibbon]

@tonythetiger & @newart

as per my op, i *think* my car already has them. that was my question. i posted photos of what i assumed they were.
You've both confused me now by pointing out that i need to buy them... did you just miss the above or are you saying i dont actually have the required fitments?

[thefunkygibbon]

also, i already have a facelift model so has the heated glass rear, does that mean i have that loom already in place and in use?
or is it a different one

[NewArt]

Sorry, I missed the photos. Yes, you already have the spin locks. Your car should have the wiring connector as well. You're good to go!

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[thefunkygibbon]

woohoo thanks guys.

[tonythetiger]

Originally Posted by NewArt

Sorry, I missed the photos. Yes, you already have the spin locks. Your car should have the wiring connector as well. You're good to go!

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

not trying to confuse the issue, yes all Hardtops have the spin locks and the rear defroster pigtail is back there somewhere. 3 of my cars didn't have the collet and setscrew for the pins in the back, the 2000 with the Hardtop option did.

Reviewing your photos, looks like you have them.

Here is how to check, with the top down, right behind the door on top there is a receiver. I have plastic plugs in mine and the hardtop needs a sleeve and setscrew that holds the sleeve in. This is where the pins on each side slide into. here is a picture with the plastic plug pulled out and sitting next to the hole..