Uneven Clamshell Problem?

[Niceboxster]

Hi everyone. A while back I had an 03 convertible top put on my 01 boxster. All was well until one of the convertible top motors went out a while back, so I took off the motors and converted to a manual top. As it sits, the convertible top clamshell is uneven, it's higher on the driver's side than the passenger (see pictures). I've done a lot of research but can't find a fix. When I push down on the driver's side it goes down but springs back up when I let go. I don't know if it's a problem with the top itself, which it looks fine to me, or with the clamshell. The driver's side is like pushed inward and I can't tell if it rubs into the top or now. It's starting to really bug me lol. Also when the convertible top is down, the whole clamshell sticks out like 2-3 inches, but that doesn't bother me as much because I rarely drive with the top down. Thanks everyone!!

[aczyzewski]

I had this problem. Fixed it by taking the clam shell off and bending (twisting) it back into shape. After removing it I set it on the floor. It was obvious how it needed to be twisted so that it sat level. Very easy to do.

[Starter986]

I'm going to need to see much, much larger pics before I come to any conclusions.

[paulofto]

Starter had his full cup of sarcasm this morning. Well done.

[Starter986]

Thank you, Paul. Two cups.

OP... I once had that problem. Found that there are on each side, when the clamshell is lifted... a plastic part with some notches. It's closer to each seat. You can adjust each side so that the clamshell rests in alignment.

If that isn't the case then you might need an adjustment to a component on the convertible system. There's plenty of posts upon these pages.

I wouldn't be twisting and turning the clamshell so that it will "fit".

Best wishes.

[Niceboxster]

Hey everyone. Just thought I'd add a little update for anyone in the future that may have this problem. Thank you to everyone who helped. For years I've been stumped by this issue and thought about all the possible solutions. I didn't really consider that the clamshell could've been bent until going through literally every option and inspecting every part of the convertible top. My final go at it was today and I decided to take off the clamshell and see if it was possibly bent. Turns out, aczyzewski was right, it was bent! Thank you aczyzewski for your help, and I'm mad at myself I didn't try it earlier.

To anyone with this problem, removing the clamshell was easy; there's simply 3 10mm bolts holding it onto the convertible top arms. Once you get it off you can put it on the floor and press all 4 sides to see if there's a bend. Like previously mentioned, it should be pretty easy to see how it's bent and how you can bend it back so all the sides are flush on the floor. Then throw it back on and you're done!

Thanks again aczyzewski!

Originally Posted by aczyzewski

I had this problem. Fixed it by taking the clam shell off and bending (twisting) it back into shape. After removing it I set it on the floor. It was obvious how it needed to be twisted so that it sat level. Very easy to do.

[dghii]

First off, there is only 1 motor for the Boxster top and clam shell. Not sure what you mean when you say one of the motors failed. My guess is you had an issue with a top transmission on one side so now the sides are slightly out of sync.

You need to access the motor and remove the drive cables. Use a cordless drill to spin each cable until you have the two sides evened out. It's a little trial and error but really not that tough to do.
Nothing is hard to access so just have to do it.

[Gjohn3707]

Mine twisted when a cable from the motor to the gear on that side was failing. I also noticed a clicking sound when operating the top. I rebuilt both transmissions and replaced both cables

[dghii]

My experience was a failed cable. I replaced both sides. Transmissions and motor were fine.

[tommy583]

Well since he said the top is in manual mode, I'm not sure the transmissions are even attached.

[78F350]

Thanks for the follow-up. It's always nice to see the conclusions.