Hardtop Help

[MikeM]

Hello all...
I just bought a used hardtop from a fellow forum member and I'm having a hard time installing it. It seems that the pin that goes into the spinlock on the driver's side will not drop down far enough to allow me to turn the handle and lock the driver's side. Passenger side is fine. I've searched the archives but can't find anything directly related. Everything LOOKS good to me but that pin just won't sink into the lock.
Any and all help appreciated.
Cheers
Mike

[greesedc]

Mike:
Had the same problem with my recently acquired hardtop. Since my car is in the garage on the lift at the moment, I can't tell you what size, but there are 2 or 3 bolts inside the hardtop behind the pop off cover that hold the locking lever in place. I loosened them slightly and then turned the handle until the pin virtually adjusted itself and locked into position. Tightened the bolts with the top locked and had no trouble since. I haven't leak tested, but the seal looks like it is compressed enought to do the job.
Maybe someone with the real answer can add something I did not self teach myself.

Don

'01 Boxster

[rick3000]

Your going to have to adjust the top. Pull off the plastic cover on the inside of the top and you will see 5 bolts, that take a 5mm allen wrench. Loosen them, and then you should be able to get the top on. Once the top is one you will probably have to repeat this process to get a good fit.

[MikeM]

Thanks gents...I'll try that tonight.
Mike

[Mike_Yi]

RennTech link

[MikeM]

Thanks for the responses...

Update...I loosened the adjusters and after some persuasion it suddenly dropped into place. However, the drivers' side does not line up very well with the quarter panel. I looks like the whole top needs to move forward a good 1/4 inch or more.
Interestingly,the passenger side is perfect. My fear is that the drivers door window won't seal properly.
I'm not really sure what I'm doing with those adjusters!!!
Any ideas?
Cheers
Mike

[angman]

I am of no help in regards to this but I wish you lots of luck Mike. I am the seller of the top and I hope someone on the forum knows how to help. The top fit perfectly on my car without any adjustments necessary when I had it.

Mike is a great guy and a pleasure to do business with.

[MikeM]

Thanks Andrew...
I think I just need some help with the adjusters. There must be quite a difference
between the bodies of our cars because on the left side it's probably 1/2 inch from where it should be. I'm sure someone will help me out.
Cheers
Mike

[rick3000]

You just need to adjust it. It took mine about two weeks to get settled then another two weeks to fit properly. Do a search for more info on adjusting the top.

[MikeM]

Rick3000..
I understand it needs adjusting. I'm just not sure how that's done!!
Just loosen everything and move it around?
How did you adjust yours for the proper fit?
Mike

I did a search and couldn't find specific instructions...

[rick3000]

Basically, what you want to do is loosen all the bolts. Then you need to loosen the red levers about 1/2 of the way.
Then just push the top in the direction you want it to go. So if it needs to go forward push the top towards the front of the car. Then while pushing it as hard as you can, tighten the bolts. I have managed to do this by myself, but a helper is a big help.
Then after two weeks do it again, and it will finally settle/mold to your car over time.

[MikeM]

Rick3000..
OK,thanks, I'll try that.
Do you leave the front latched while you do this?
Mike

[KevinH1990]

I had similar problems when I installed my top. Here is a link to my post on Renntech:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10070&hl=

They say to close the latch at the windscreen.

My top seemed to adjust to the shape of my car over time, so I never had to use these instructions.

By the way, I drove 300 miles to pick up my top and I had a very bad half hour until I could get it to fit on the car.


Good luck