BRAN's - 986 - Seal Gray Anatomy

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by BRAN

JB, do you have a chance to check, if the original centre catch could possibly fit. The manual says, it should, but for some funky reasons I mistrust, let's say non Porsche manuals.
I really would like to switch to OEM. That provided catch is okay, but it is very inconvenient to handle. I really recommend to get as many OEM parts as possible for the Z-Top, including screws.

Unfortunately No ☹
At least on my version of Z-top. I tried my convertible and factory hardtop latch and they do not fit. At the moment I can't remember why but if I remember right they won't even bolt up. I know what you mean about the latch that came with the top, mines pretty flimsy.

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by JBauer

Unfortunately No ☹
At least on my version of Z-top. I tried my convertible and factory hardtop latch and they do not fit. At the moment I can't remember why but if I remember right they won't even bolt up. I know what you mean about the latch that came with the top, mines pretty flimsy.

Here the pics from the manual, it looks like they installed an OEM latch as described in their requirements. The holes look pretty much the same, but as you said the measurements were totally off, then I believe it won't fit my Z-Top either.

[JBauer]

Here's what I have. I remember why it wouldn't fix. On the factory latch the mechanism is on the back, the side against the roof. On mine its on the front and its flat on the back. I'm just glad I had both factory latches available to try. If not I know I would of bought them because Id have to know. I also need to paint my latch and buy a handle.

[JBauer]

Hey I just realized that the latch in your pic is not a latch like mine has. Both my tops have a larger and thicker latch similar to this pic��. That may work ��
I dont think that's a Boxster latch, or not like Ive seen. How much is it??

Also how did you get a manual???? All i got awesome copies that explained nothing in detail. That's why I was bugging you �� Here's what I have.

[JBauer]

The one you posted is to a newer Boxster. $265 US. I'm betting it will work.

[BRAN]

Aha, I had that feeling! I would say let's go for it.
The latch is pretty expensive, I know, but I am sick of that cheapy stuff.
I just shot an email to my dealership to see, if I can get my 18% discount with my classic card.

1€ = 1,23$
265$ = 215,45€ +19% tax (Germany) = 256,38€ --> pretty good find, at least better than any eBay offers

I think, I might not be able to top that, we'll see.
And btw. i am considering Alcantara for the healiner (the square area, you know what I mean). Then the Top looks like it should have in the first place.
P.S.: I got a PDF from the seller + print outs...exactly the same stuff like yours, so nothing new in there, I am sure

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by BRAN

Aha, I had that feeling! I would say let's go for it.
The latch is pretty expensive, I know, but I am sick of that cheapy stuff.
I just shot an email to my dealership to see, if I can get my 18% discount with my classic card.

1€ = 1,23$
265$ = 215,45€ +19% tax (Germany) = 256,38€ --> pretty good find, at least better than any eBay offers

I think, I might not be able to top that, we'll see.
And btw. i am considering Alcantara for the healiner (the square area, you know what I mean). Then the Top looks like it should have in the first place.
P.S.: I got a PDF from the seller + print outs...exactly the same stuff like yours, so nothing new in there, I am sure

Great! Can't wait to see the results. Hope it works.

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by JBauer

Great! Can't wait to see the results. Hope it works.

Yeah, me too.

[BRAN]

...more stinkin' badges!

...next...brake lights

[JBauer]

Wow!! Looks fantastic. Can't wait to see it all back together.

[BRAN]

oh, I forgot to post my performance mod

Just for the grins and giggles. There is someone selling those in leather and different colors on eBay.
I guess for more Retro authenticity, it should be cheap yellow sticky tape. Today's stuff is WAAAAYyyyy too fancy.

[BRAN]

and the latch: Why does that not surprise me...

...it will NEED a lot of grindind, because the mold for the latch (tiny pic) is to narrow and does NOT fit the OEM size.
Why EASY when you can have it the hard way.

[JBauer]

That's disappointing. ☹

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by JBauer

That's disappointing. ☹

Yes, but I will make it work.

[BRAN]

same goes for the Cayman brake light. I will make it work.
This is my plan. I could make it fit and it holds itself already. But I am going to install 4 more touchpoints for a secure hold (yellow). All those workarounds take a lot of time, the brain storming alone is the biggest part, figuring out how to. This route for the brake lights was a breakthrough.

[BRAN]

stripes update!
JB, you are right, the TOP was not as easy peasy as I thought. Its round curves shout for a heat gun/hair dryer to smoothen the Vinyl.

[JBauer]

I know, right. Its a lot curvier than you think.

The stripes look great. Good color choice

[JBauer]

What's the plan on the nose? It's tricky too.

[BRAN]

Thank you, JB.
The spring sun brings the color alive, exactly what I wanted.
Concerning the front...need to remove the badge first, and I'll have a hair dryer handy (all good Boxster owners should have one in their car). But honestly, I am not looking forward doing the last piece.

[BRAN]

stripes update #2! WIP...front stripes missing
...