2000 - 2004 986s have a liner for the soft top that was not included in the earlier models. One of my cars (2001) had broken plastic at the front edge of the liner. The previous owner had glued it back together enough to hold it, but it was an ugly mess. One day I tried to clean it up and repair it ...a total failure. In the process, I found that it was easy to remove the liner. It came out clean and complete, leaving the top like the earlier models; clean lines and looking complete, without the liner.
Watch the video to see how. In summary: Pull it off the front, slide the middle parts off to the side.
__________________ I am not an attorney, mechanic, or member of the clergy. Following any advice given in my posts is done at your own peril.