hardtop?

[richard viren]

HOW CAN I IDENTIFY A OEM FROM AN AFTERMARKET HARDTOP FOR MY 2000 BOXSTER?

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by richard viren

HOW CAN I IDENTIFY A OEM FROM AN AFTERMARKET HARDTOP FOR MY 2000 BOXSTER?

No expert but if it's metal and looks like this:



.


It's factory.

[itsnotanova]

Aluminum=factory
Fiberglass=aftermarket
Make sure you don't buy a 996 for your 986. Big difference in fit but look similar to a noob

[PaulE]

For the first year or two the factory hardtop also had some external covers at the bottom of the B pillar. My understanding is that all 986 hardtops fit all 986 model years.

[Boxstard]

Originally Posted by PaulE

For the first year or two the factory hardtop also had some external covers at the bottom of the B pillar. My understanding is that all 986 hardtops fit all 986 model years.

Just wondering what that cover part covers or does? I recently bought not very authentic non-cover top for my 97, wondering about it... For external adjustment of anchor bracket, maybe?

[rick3000]

It's the original mounting location for the B-pillar of the 986 roof rack, the are normally referred to as hardtop "ears." However, it is a very unstable mounting location for the RTS roof rack, so Porsche removed it from the hardtop and recommends anyone with a RTS use the body mounts located just below the ears underneath the wingtip trim. I have some more info about it on my website.

[PaulE]

Originally Posted by Boxstard

Just wondering what that cover part covers or does? I recently bought not very authentic non-cover top for my 97, wondering about it... For external adjustment of anchor bracket, maybe?

They were originally for the Roof Transport System (RTS), but then Porsche decided the RTS would mount to the car by removing those little winglets in front of the clamshell whether the car was wearing the hardtop or not.

[Boxstard]

Thanks Rick and Paul for education! Now I'm interested in the rack for my winter scheme!

[rick3000]

If you can find a RTS, they normally run about $250-300. Make sure it has the complete toolbox, several of the fittings required to mount it to the car cannot be bought individually.

[PaulE]

I had an opportunity to buy a complete RTS a few years ago for less than $200 and took a pass. Looking at online tutorial for installing it, I knew I would end up scratching my paint getting the hardware installed and I have Yakima roof racks and ski and bike mounts for my daily driver. But if your only car is a Boxster, and are careful, it looks very useful!