GAHH top for Boxster

[BadBoyS]

This makes me really nervous.. I was ready to order the top off ebay and have called two places for install. I'm holding off now till we see more information. I'm glad this thread is still alive. THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS..

[K80Kid]

Is the BAS top available in the US?

- Mike -

[98Boxster98]

Originally Posted by K80Kid

Is the BAS top available in the US?

- Mike -

Yes, but I don't think that they have sold alot of them through their distributor yet. I think the initial tops delivered to US customers came directly from the factory. The North American BAS distributor is in Blaine WA and North Vancouver, BC and has concentrated on concours-level trim work on Jaguars thus far. I called Bart at the US distributor recently and he's checking on some details for me. You can find more information at www.bas-international.com and www.basjaguartrim.com.

P.S. I'm sorry if this hijacking the original GAHH top thread.

[steve evans]

Good to here your comments as always, we've pre-empted your concerns about the rear window detaching from the material in a crash. BAS would not sell a top that had not been tested. Our top with window was tested extensively at MIRA in the UK and passed all crash tests with flying colours. As for fitting instructions, we are currently working on a video disk that will become avaliable shortly and be issued free when you buy a top.
Also, what is a MAF sensor and how often do you need to change it?

[Tool Pants]

I was going to make a DVD on how to install a top. But Steve is going to beat me to it.

Still waiting for the call so I can take pictures of a GAHH top in the service position. In the meantime there are things that can be done to the clamshell to get more working room. In post #20 I mentioned the mechanic pulling back the clamshell on a GAHH car. That is what I did for the second picture.

Both pictures are my car and I have a plastic window, so the pictures are merely examples of what you can do to get more access to the engine compartment. I took these pictures long ago to show how to fix the top drive. If I had known I would be using them someday for another purpose I would have removed the engine lid.

[98Boxster98]

Originally Posted by steve evans

Good to here your comments as always, we've pre-empted your concerns about the rear window detaching from the material in a crash. BAS would not sell a top that had not been tested. Our top with window was tested extensively at MIRA in the UK and passed all crash tests with flying colours. As for fitting instructions, we are currently working on a video disk that will become avaliable shortly and be issued free when you buy a top.
Also, what is a MAF sensor and how often do you need to change it?

Steve -

It's always appreciated when a supplier/manufacturer takes time to fully discuss their product. As far as your MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor question, I'm probably the least qualified amongst the members to tell you specifics about it so I will point to other references:

Primer material
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h34.pdf

Boxster specific material:
http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=659#

MAF failure typically occurs when the Boxster has tens of thousands of miles. Non-OEM air filters like K&N are known to induce premature MAF sensor failure (oil contamination.) So for the vast majority of owners, it's not a yearly maintenance task. However, when it needs to be done, you don't want any obstructions (hint.)

I look forward to hearing from Bart, your North America distributor, and from you, letting us know when your installation video disk is available.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Before we get too technical, my reference to the MAF Sensor replacement was simply to illustrate how some seemingly straightforward maintenance tasks get pretty complicated if we have to "separate the Top from the Lower Bow and reattach and adjust it" as indicated in the email reply RandallNeighbor received from GAHH.

To my mind, this reply from GAHH merely glossed over the issue. I have installed several Convertible Tops in my day, and the one thing common to them all was that they are not made to be continually removed and reinstalled. Aside from the Hassle involved, this will surely shorten the Life of the Top as well.

I suppose that if one didn't perform one's own Maintnenance, this matter may seem trivial. But, this is one of the very reasons I own the Car - I like working on my Cars - it's a very important part of the Hobby to me. For those of you not familiar with doing your own Maintenance, working on a Mid-Engine Car raises Maintenance to a whole different level and expands one's vocabulary tremendously on it's own, without having to essentially remove and reinstall the Convertible Top in the Bargain. I don't know if there is an adequate answer, except maybe sticking with the God-Awful Plastic Window...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[BadBoyS]

Help!!!!!!!!

I'm looking at buying a new top. I have looked at this tread and the pictures 100 times now. I see tool pants and 98box pictures and cant really tell the difference in space for the service position. Is There??????????????? I'm hoping to put another set of eyes on it. Thanks as always