convertible top latch

[aKiNa2]

I'm just curious, does the latch that inserts itself into the whole with the sensor fit directly in it. On my top I don't think it pushes the sensor in the whole way, what about other?

I find sometimes it doesn't think the top is fully closed and I have to unclip the hood and press in the sensor so it lets the windows go fully up

[RandallNeighbour]

While it could be a faulty switch inside that hole, it's more likely to be an issue with the hook and you!

Before you latch it shut with one hand, use the other to insure the hook is fully over the hole so it doesn't catch the edge, but go in as far as it can.

This is a common problem with my Boxster... the top is old and it doesn't want to close completely on its own. I guess that's why the hand pulls were put on both sides of the hook mechanism.

[aKiNa2]

definately the switch now the top won't open nemore
takin it back to get it fixed under warranty
this a common problem?

[AndyDickens]

I have a 1998 Boxster. Today, as I was showing the car to a prospective buyer (I am upgrading to a 996 Cabriolet), the catch mechanism with the interior courtesy light just fell out and dangled from a cable. The captive nuts inside the windscreen surround seemed to have just split and the 2 bolts holding the part in place fell out. I cannot see how to rectify this easily, as the captive bolts seem to need replacing and this looks quite tricky. Any suggestions / links to assist would be appreciated.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Another wonderful design problem from Porsche. The Center Latch Mechanism, and Sunvisors are attached to the Windshield Header with Brass Nuts which live inside the Windshield Header and are NOT accessible. The Screws however which attach to them are Steel (which is considerably harder than Brass) and often these are overtightened or simply overstressed by Top and consequently, these Brass Nuts will either Split or Strip.

The ONLY fix is to Drill-Out the old Brass Nuts carefully with a 1/4in. Drill Bit (I say carefully because the Drill will want to Grab and you must take care not to drill through the Header on the other side).

Then, you need to install some SS Steel 1/4 in. NUTSERTS , sometimes called RivetNuts see: http://www.hansonrivet.com/w64.htm . A Nutserts is essentially a POP Rivet with a Threaded Barrel. They make a very solid permanent repair.

The SS Nutserts will cost you about $0.50@. The Downside is that you'll need a special Tool to install them and this Tool cost me $80 to install 6 Nutserts!! see: http://www.hansonrivet.com/w69.htm Don't panic, after using mine, I sold it on eBay for $85 in 1 day!

Anyway, after drilling out the old Nut(s) (might as well do them all while you're at it), you screw the Nutsert onto the installation tool - like a Large Pop Rivet Gun, insert the Nutsert into the slot in the Windshield Header and then squeeze the Nutsert Gun (make sure to eat your Wheaties if you are using Steel Nutserts) to collapse the Nutsert into the Windshield Header, just like installing a POP Rivet.

The OEM Torx Screw is Metric, so you'll need to find Metric Nutserts, or replace the Screws as well. This is what I did and I found the SAE equivalent of the OEM Screws at a local Hardware Store with the same Torx Head as the OEM Screws.

The Fix is permanent, especially if you used the SS Steel Nutserts. Takes about 20 min. to drill out the 6 old ones and install the New Nutserts. Good Luck!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[98Boxster98]

While searching for the source of my intermittent top operation, I discovered why my roof latch moves as free as it does; only one screw is holding it in place. I will now have the pleasure of working with 'nutserts'. I found a lower cost tool to attempt this fix. It cost me $30 for the tool, package of 12 inserts and assorted sales tax. Here is the link:

Surebonder Threaded Insert Tool

MNBoxster - does it look like I have the right tool and inserts? I don't know if I'll be able to make $5 making the repair as you did.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by 98Boxster98

While searching for the source of my intermittent top operation, I discovered why my roof latch moves as free as it does; only one screw is holding it in place. I will now have the pleasure of working with 'nutserts'. I found a lower cost tool to attempt this fix. It cost me $30 for the tool, package of 12 inserts and assorted sales tax. Here is the link:

Surebonder Threaded Insert Tool

MNBoxster - does it look like I have the right tool and inserts? I don't know if I'll be able to make $5 making the repair as you did.

Hi,

The Tool should work just fine, just make sure you have the proper size Mandrel for the inserts you're using. I'm not sure about your rivnuts though. These look to be the type which compression fits around the opening, maybe they'll work, but they differ from the ones I used. Also, make sure you have matching screws to use in them, the OEMs are Metric, so if you don't have metric rivnuts, they will need to be replaced.

Take care when drilling out the old ones as they are Brass and the Drill will grab and want to wander. Keep a firm grip on the Drill and it's helpful to mark them for depth using masking tape on the Bit at the depth you want. The old ones may also simply shatter (a couple of mine did) and then you'll need a needle-nose pliers to retrieve the pieces. It might be a good idea to sacrifice one of the inserts if you've not used them before. Get a scrap of metal and drill an appropriate hole in it and then install a spare rivnut into it. This will familiarize you with the procedure so you're not practicing on your Car. Good Luck! It's really pretty easy...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[98Boxster98]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

Get a scrap of metal and drill an appropriate hole in it and then install a spare rivnut into it. This will familiarize you with the procedure so you're not practicing on your Car.

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Good idea, Jim - practice first. Sometimes it the easy stuff that trips me up. That's for the posting and advice.