Clamshell not operating smoothly
 

Hi all,

I test drove a 2002 S yesterday and it seemed in OK condition other than the top needed replacing and the clamshell didn't operate smoothly. During a certain point in its travel while putting the top up, the operation could only be described as "jaggedy". Is this an alignment issue or something more? I'm okay with walking away if it's a big issue.

Carfax shows the car has had 5 owners, but no accidents. IMS upgrade done and exterior is a 6/10.

If the top needs to be replaced and you are going to have a shop do it, budget $2k. When it's off they should lube the track, which is most likely causing that "jaggedy" but it could be that it just needs to be adjusted.

there are some plastic parts that ride in that track that the arm clips into maybe one or both are cracked,..?

Don't forget possible cracked heads and rod bolt failure ..

Thanks, this is what I figured. I'll make sure to get a quote during the PPI

It is more likely that the tracks that run on each side of the car that part of the top mechanism slides in need lubrication. Give it some lithium grease and the chugging should stop.

It could very likely be a partially cracked plastic gear in the 'transmission' for the top.
https://cdn4.pelicanparts.com/techar...mall/pic13.jpg

Article on the repair: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/BODY_Convertible_Top_Gear_Replacement/BODY_Convertible_Top_Gear_Replacement.htm

Thanks! I had read about these and heard there are metal replacement options.

So turns out it just needed a greasing. Didn't end up buying the car though for a handful of other reasons.