Rag Top Replacement

[Brockmeister]

Hi Class,
I just ordered a new rag top because mine is toast. I'm going to have to install it myself (as always). I've already looked at the instructions on Pelican parts. It looks difficult, but not impossible.
Can any of you give me some tips and/ or tricks to make this go semi-smoothly?

[97 Boxster]

I did this about 2 years ago and I wish I had taken photos along the way as I removed the old top. Make sure to have another hand or two with you so you can verify all that you have done.

The old top comes off much faster than the new one goes on. It makes you wonder how and why it takes so long to put the new one on but believe me it does take a while. Take your time and it will be worth it.

Love my new glass window top and you will really enjoy yours too.

[Mark_T]

Read Mike Focke's instructions on doing this job. When I did mine I printed out a few different how-to's. and his was by far the most helpful.

Make sure you have the shop supply on hand before you start - two-sided tape, contact cement, etc. Order a couple of spare sliders as the fingers often break during disassembly, along with some of the 2-piece plastic rivets that secure them. Photograph the hell out of that assembly before you take it apart

Inspect your mechanism carefully while you have it apart, especially the plastic socket heads on the pushrods. Porsche doesn't sell the plastic sockets separate from the pushrods, but I can give you a source for them if needed.

I had to drive around with no canvas on the top for two weeks because I got the old one off and then found I needed more parts.

Go slow, take lots of pics during disassembly, and have a buddy to help you with the parts of the job needing three or more hands. It's not an easy job, but definitely do-able.

[jakekit]

Do yourself a favor and order the plastic window guide parts from your local dealer, its like 20 bucks in parts and will mean not having to spend an hour carefully removing the old ones. This was by far the biggest PITA in my top replacement.

I don't know the part numbers offhand, but your dealer may be able to help identify them.

[Mark_T]

Exactly - that's the sliders I'm referring to. I can look up the part #'s for you if you need them.

I bought my top from Prestige in the UK and they (without being asked!) supplied replacement sliders with the top. I thought that was pretty darn impressive.

[dghii]

I'm not sure what parts you're talking about that you ordered from the dealer. Would you please elaborate?
Thanks.

[jakekit]

The parts they are talking about in figure 14.

Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Convertible New Top - 986 / 987

[Brockmeister]

Thanks Class. I knew you would come through with the little tidbits that will help this project along. My top should be in next Tuesday. Boxster Red w/ glass window. I'll stop by Porsche and get the parts.

[Mark_T]

left slide 986.561.669.03
right slide 986.560.670.03
right clamping piece 986.561.559.01
left clamping piece 986.561.560.01
pins 986.561.597.00 (get 2)


While you're in there, make sure the foam trays aren't ripped and that the drain tubes are clear.

[dghii]

I have a 2000S and a 1998 that I'm pondering top work.

[Brockmeister]

I just ordered the plastic parts from Porsche. should be in Monday or Tuesday. Now to get me some double-sided tape and glue.

[Mark_T]

Yeah, make sure you get the exterior grade tape. The 3M stuff is pretty good.

[jakekit]

Turning out to be a nice tips and tricks thread for top replacement. It's really not that hard to do, especially with the inexpensive new parts. A very satisfying DIY!

[Brockmeister]

We shall see. I ordered the 2 sided tape, I have the black fast tack adhesive, and I have the spray contact glue. Wish me luck!

[Mark_T]

You sure you want to use the spray? It can get pretty messy, and you will be applying it in a fairly narrow path. I like the bottle that come with it's own brush built into the lid.

[jakekit]

I only used two adhesives.

3M body tape
3M Super weatherstrip adhesive

[Brockmeister]

Woo Hoo! All the parts are IN! Top came in yesterday. Man it looks gorgeous. Porsch called . parts are in, gotta go pick them up. Double-sided tape has ben delivered. Let the games begin!

PS. Jakekit, I'm with you on the two adhesive program.

[jakekit]

Brock,

Who did you order your top from?

I should also mention that most of the tops don't have the front edge cut properly for installation like the OEM tops. You'll need to do some VERY careful trimming there most likely.

oh, another tip. When trying to install the top onto the metal wing plates on the top, use an awl in the holes to leverage the top into position to get the other screws lined up.

Final, removing the old top alone is no big deal, and installing the new one all the way up to the part where you are attaching the wing plates and the front edge is ok solo, those last steps its nice to have a partner.

Finally, you'll definitely want to have the silicone lubricant or whatever it is to get the back edge weatherstripping installed again.

[jakekit]

Oh, more...

On the adhesive front, I ended up not using a whole lot of the super weatherstrip adhesive. It's a bit messy and hard to work with. For what its worth I have had zero leaks or other issues at this point. I installed in May. Been through many washes and lots of southern summer thunderstorms.

[Dale_K]

Please take some pictures of your DIY top installation.