BRAN's - 986 - Seal Gray Anatomy

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by JBauer

...

Thanks for your help!

Oh, you are welcome!

[JBauer]

It fits alot better now but I believe the ears still need a slight trim. In the utube video it shows the ears acually sliding all the way into the slots. Not sure how much to trim. I'm going to install spin lock rods and the front tabs, maybe hinges tomorrow to see how that affects the fitment.

Learned how to remove a convertible top too. With alot of help.

[JBauer]

☹🔫

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by JBauer

☹🔫

ya...the tolerances...bad bad bad

:ah:

Just kidding, did you try the other one? That should fit.
(those are TOTALLY different in size/angle)

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by BRAN

ya...the tolerances...bad bad bad

:ah:

Just kidding, did you try the other one? That should fit.
(those are TOTALLY different in size/angle)

Oh ��
As you probably realized I not much the mechanic, never thought of that. No trimming yet.
Couple updates tho. Spinlocks enraged but bolts not tightened, no front inserts and hinges not bolted up yet, drivers side:


Passenger side, bow in decklid ��



Front wo tabs or rubber:

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by BRAN

ya...the tolerances...bad bad bad

:ah:

Just kidding, did you try the other one? That should fit.
(those are TOTALLY different in size/angle)

☹ sadly the won't work no matter which way side they are on. Holes are the same distance apart. Wrong parts or sloppy QC. I tried everything this time. Suggestions? Try to wallow out each hole alitte to see if I can get them to work?

[BRAN]

Interesting...mine don't look that symmetrical...i will check the measurements on them and report back. Are both off, actually?
I am sure a modification can be done, should not be a show stopper.

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by BRAN

Interesting...mine don't look that symmetrical...i will check the measurements on them and report back. Are both off, actually?
I am sure a modification can be done, should not be a show stopper.

The ones off my convertible top bolt up perfectly. I'm nit sure they will work tho. Using them, with spinlocks engaged everything fits except windshield gap. Too far away to bolt on latch. Just by a bit.

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by JBauer

The ones off my convertible top bolt up perfectly. I'm nit sure they will work tho. Using them, with spinlocks engaged everything fits except windshield gap. Too far away to bolt on latch. Just by a bit.

you can bolt the latch on, right?

order to close:
1.) latch
2.) spinlocks

order to open:
1.) spinlocks
2.) latch

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by BRAN

Interesting...mine don't look that symmetrical...i will check the measurements on them and report back. Are both off, actually?
I am sure a modification can be done, should not be a show stopper.

Originally Posted by BRAN

you can bolt the latch on, right?

order to close:
1.) latch
2.) spinlocks

order to open:
1.) spinlocks
2.) latch

No I can't get the bolts in the latch if it in the slot or with bolted can't get latch in. That's both with spin locks unengaged. I haven't trim anything yet but I see nothing hitting to trim. Seems to fit fine. I've had it for today. I'll take some better pics and let you see what it looks like. Its odd it seemed to fit fine at all points until I put on the spinlocks.

Thanks for the help

[JBauer]

Update. I removed all hardware. Spinlock brackets, brackets that fit into the windshield frame holes and put the top on and the inside bracket fit fine. I'm going to start trimming at the contact points shown by marks in the fiberglass a little at a time to see if that help. I believe it's not able to go forward enough when clamped down. 🙄

[JBauer]

Got my feet wet today 🙄

[BRAN]

Another advice from the seller was:
the latch should be attached and locked (at least half way) when working on or trimming the TOP. It is important to keep the front gap evenly. some more old pics...

spacious...



BTW: Maybe you could try the OEM latch, see if that might do the trick. If it does...it might be a cool "upgrade" for the TOP. I do like the Z-TOP idea to secure even the lever with a screw, but the OEM one seems superior in looks and convenience.
JB, is there an item number somewhere visible? Might be only a couple bucks to buy a new one, just like the hinges.

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by BRAN

Might be only a couple bucks to buy a new one, just like the hinges.

I checked out the OEM latch on my convertible top and factory hardtop. but neither could be used to replace the supplied latch. The convertible latch is too big and uses 4 bolts, the factory hardtop latch would bolt right up but is to bulky to fit in the recessed area without some major surgery.

I'm going to get back at it Sunday Should be able to make some progress then.

Thanks

[JBauer]

The puzzling part about this top🙄

Top resting in place no hardware. Nice fit all around.



Then with front tabs and spinlock hardware installed and locked.




Top shifts rearward (enough to chip my paint ☹ ) and the front shifts away and up in the front. Any ideas would be appreciated. My brain is foggy.

[BRAN]

ALL 3 locks NEED to be in place and locked. ONLY then you will see the real fitment/gaps.
And I noticed, that locking in a certain order is extremely helpful to overcome (medium-major) locking tensions.

Atm, as far as I understand, you are locking either/or.
Only spinlocks...will pull it backwards
Only front latch...will pull it forward
That is normal, mine does that, too. Not a biggy.

So what about the front latch? It bolts in, but you cannot lock it, even without the spinlocks attached? I don't get the right picture here.

[BRAN]

some pics...
tab right (plastic, ~4,6cm mid-mid screw)

tab left (plastic, ~4,9cm mid-mid screw)

latch (Aluminium)

FYI: Z-TOP manual mentions, that the OEM front center latch can be used - part number is:
99656340100
It is quite costly, brand new: ~250-300€

[JBauer]

The tabs that came with top wont work. Holes 2" center, tabs they sent 1 1/2"center. Factory tabs bolt up but are too thick/long latch wont reach. Dealer is going to find me correct tabs on Monday hopefully. He says they are no longer side specific though.

With out inserts, latched. Your right on target Bran fits perfectly now. I believe with the correct inserts its going to be fine. You told me this but I forgot. Next time Ill listen better.




:dance::dance::dance:

[BRAN]

Ahh...glad to hear it worked, JB.


My Boxster passed TÜV, no complaints...picture perfect...and good to go for another 2 years.
Was a little worried about my retro 911 bumper mods...
Now i can put the Z-Top back on again, to finally adjust the hatch and side windows

[JBauer]

I just realized i shouldn't hog your thread.