[KevinH1990]

I put an 04 top and frame on my 2000 Boxster. The mechanism is the same for a 2000 and 2004, so I'm sure it is the same for a 2002 and 2003.

I have seen several 03 and 04 tops that are developing a wear spot in the top in the areas just behind the windows. It appears that the top mechanism is "hanging up" on this area during the opening and closing process. One of the folks with the problem speculated that as time goes on and the number of open/close cycles accumulate that the top fabric loses its ability to slide past the frame and you start to get a wear spot.

I have not seen the "slam" phenomenon that you are observing, but I have noted that over time my clamshell is no longer closing all the way when the top is open and there is a 1/4" to 1/2" gap between the clamshell and the body.