How does this happen?
 

http://i868.photobucket.com/albums/a...psa7eqjemn.jpg

Clamshell does not line up with the small piece behind the door.

Is it the same on the other side?

Boxster have unusual gaps in that area but perhaps not that much

mine is even worse than that.

does anybody know of a way to rectify that?

Caulk gun?

These cars have so much torque the chassis probably twisted

Replace that part with this:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6...2/s-l1600g.jpg

I think if you look on the underside of that part there are some adjusting bumper stops.

Perhaps they need some tweaking or have fallen off.

I have basically the same problem though yours looks much better. Mine on the right pulls forward and then swings inward creating a uneven gap front to back. Left looks pretty good which is concerning.

That happened to mine when a top cable broke and the clam shell got twisted. As much as I tried to bend it back, I couldn't get that gap back to standard.

Lots of wearing pivot points. Try replacing the 4 bearing sleeves where the actuators attach to the "hinges" part#99992413040

Not expensive or hard to install with top in service position.

Twisting caused from diy lifting without a lift? I think the rubber stops are adjustable but I dont remember them working for the particular area in question. I will have to check again.

I just looked at mine it looks about the same as yours

I think the large gaps are there because is a design trade off, once bushings get old you rather have gaps than rubbing

Huh. Mine is like that on the passengers side, but flush on the driver's side, on both of my cars.
They still seem to work just fine though!

Mine is just like that, too - on both sides. It's bugged me a little bit also. I've wondered if something is bent or out of whack, or whether it's supposed to be like that. Sorry I can't help, but you're not the only one.

Check the gaps with this data from the Service Manual.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01/gaps1455281014.jpg

Adjust using the mounting screws on the hinges, the rubber posts, and the little plastic spacers (on the body, within the side crevices where the clamshell fits, right behind the little cover pieces).

Mine is way off too. I imagine the same thing that causes it to be off is what causes me to snap those rods constantly. I'm full manual now, but my lid is still misaligned. Maybe I'll play with it this summer.

Things Happen when you have a 15 year old car...................Oooof.

My gaps are even all around.

You guys have broken cars. You should take care of that.

:p

I started investigating my gap problem today. Besides breaking the plastic piece that connects the push rod to the ball pin, I think the problem might be the bushing and spacer sleeve that connects the push rod to the lever that then goes to the clam shell. There was a lot of play there. I could definitely image the motor pulling the push rod and where there is play, it pulls a bit inward. Wonder what these parts will cost?