1997 Hardtop - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

BarryY · 07-29-2004, 05:19 PM

I'm looking at a 1997 hardtop for my 2001 Boxster which I just purchased from Charlie Gordon. And yes it has a great new home right behind my concours 1974 914 2.0.
I've heard that the 1997 model hardtop even htough it is mechanically compatible with other models, it can rattle. That is why Porsche modified the design for 1998 and beyond. Anyone have any experiences to share with a 1997 hard top? Do they all rattle or just some?

Automon · 07-30-2004, 06:55 AM

I have never noticed my hard top rattling but it would be hard to hear over the exhaust

Tool Pants · 07-30-2004, 09:50 AM

I have a 1997 top. Only had it on for 2 weeks in 5 years, but I do not remember any noise.

BarryY · 08-06-2004, 06:34 AM

As a follow up, does anyone know where the part number is located on the hardtop to verify which model year it was manufactured? My understanding is that the 1997 roof has a part number of 986 563 91101 and all others (1998 to 2004) are designated by 986 563 91103.

Tool Pants · 08-06-2004, 08:24 AM

1997 is different only because of the "ears" for the original version of the RTS. When the RTS was changed in 1998 the ears were eliminated from the tops. 1997 shows a different part number than 1998 up because if you have the original RTS you need a 1997 top.

I have looked for part numbers on 2 tops and could not find one.