2003 986 hardtop questions help!

[Frank M]

It is possible to drive without the spin locks.
This should be only temporary as the back is not secured and will rattle at the rear.

I would buy the sellers spin-locks and install them, adjust everything nice before driving back. It can be tricky installing them and the right assortment of tools is needed. No special tools are needed. There are good write-ups on the installation.

A nice top, the correct color both outside and inside installed with spin locks is worth $1500 easy. Remember, the factory paint will match perfectly, both in color, depth and sheen.

http://mulone.com/hwm/porsche/

[Benzito]

I check eBay fairly regularly and I don't see them for the $750 - $950 noted above, but maybe we're looking at different searches. There is a guy in Maryland that regularly lists for $1395 and maybe you can pick it up rather than pay the freight.

I think $1500 is on the high side for something you know you have to repaint (more $$$). If it matched your car already, right in the range I've seen.

Remember also that we are in the rainy season. If you wait until summer, maybe the price range would be a few hundred cheaper, but you'll have to search hard for $1000 or less (IMO).

The spinlocks cost about $70 and you can probably install yourself. A shop might charge you 30 to 60 minutes of labor.

[pschaub]

2K3_Boxster_S / Benzito - For what its worth I purchased my hardtop from the same E-bay seller you are referring to in MD, no affiliation.

He was very informative, friendly, and personally delivered my Arctic Silver hardtop in excellent condition (for $300 from MD to NW Ohio). It came with all of the hardware (spin locks, panel covers etc..) and some good instructions for the installation. He also included the HEX KEY PWR TBALL 5(MM) tool with a blue (designating metric) "T" handle, 7.5" shank, 9.5" overall. Made installing the spin locks fairly easy.

My father and I were able to install the spin locks and hard top in about an hour.