986S Hardtop
 

All - I have been looking for a hardtop for a long time for my 986.
The reason i have been looking for so long is that I was waiting for a Viola Metallic hardtop.

I bought one via Ebay Uk for £535 ($715) last week and have to go and collect. The problem is that I was hoping to take the boxster to collect, but have been told that I should check if my car has the hardop fixing kit installed.

Does anyone know what this fitting kit looks like and if i need it to collect? If i need a kit, where can i buy this? In hte UK they seem to be around £100 - $135.

Thanks
R

I bet you could drive home at lower speeds without the kit, and just the hardtop fastened at the front latch, I think some here have done it. [Edit: Disclaimer!! I haven't done this personally, proceed at your own risk :) ]

The kit for the hardtop install is like this:

Porsche Boxster Hardtop Installation Kit - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

Their parts page has the spin locks but it is hard to see if it includes the shoulder bolts as well.

101 Projects for Your Porsche Boxster: Project 69: Installing hardtop / fit kit Parts

You need:
QTY 1 - 986-563-713-03
QTY 1 - 986-563-714-03
QTY 2 - 999-219-041-00

There are also some kits on eBay from time to time that include a long handled wrench that supposedly makes it easier - I installed mine without using this tool so I don't know if it does or not.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-2004-Porsche-Boxster-S-986-Hardtop-hard-top-Install-Kit-and-Perfect-Tool/190328535506?hash=item2c5076f9d2:g:ZT4AAMXQBlJSBdc s&vxp=mtr

You got a great price on the hardtop in the color you need. Unfortunately you may have to pay the "Porsche Tax" to get spinlocks in the UK, but overall you are getting a fantastic deal. If you have a socket extension for the hex bit, you don't need the tool, but use a plastic bag to make sure you don't drop the screw into the gap behind the panel you'll need to partially disassemble.

Someone experienced can install the spinlocks in 15 minutes.

ebay seller QualityPorscheParts has the spinlocks you need including the retaining bolts for sale for $37.50 US:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/00-Boxster-S-Porsche-986-L-R-CONVERTIBLE-MOUNTING-BRACKETS-98656105300-37-778/282618318954?hash=item41cd5d506a:g:PQMAAOSwdtlZmdJ F

You'll remove the spinlocks and retaining screws, and install them in your Boxster. Then throw away the brackets (or save them as momentos). :)

The listing says that they don't ship to the UK, but perhaps if you call them you can work something out.

You'll need a long handled 5mm hex screwdriver to install the retaining screws.

Someone who has done it before can probably install them in about 15 minutes. First timers will probably take closer to an hour.

The spinlocks and shoulder bolts required look like this:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1513227655.jpg

Your Boxster may already have them, so it would be wise to check before you buy a set. They are available from the dealer, eBay UK, and possibly any dismantlers in your area. While it is possible to transport the hardtop on your Box without them, I wouldn't recommend it. Why risk breaking the front latch? You may consider buying a latch cover also:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1513227939.jpg

Installing the spinlocks can be quite stressful, because if you slip up, you could lose the shoulder bolts in the chassis. A detailed installation description can be found here:

https://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/8854-installing-spinlocks/

Good luck with your purchase!

Just sayin'..............

TO

I bought a second hand hardtop för my Boxster and had it painted in the cars colour. I collected it with a rented minivan.

Had an experienced person helping me to install the hardtop on the car too. It was quite easy, but it can be good to have someone who has done the process before and maybe know how to fine adjust it for your car. You don't want the paint on the car to be scratched when you install it or during the time the hardtop is in use.

The necessary things that are needed to secure the hardtop is quite easy for someone who has done it before. I don't think a Porsche dealer or Porsche independent workshop are to expensive both in parts or work to install them.

Goodluck!

Thanks all - I appreciate your help.
I bought the installation kit from my local Porsche centre for £80 - $100 'ish.

I have arranged to collect the hardtop using my boxster with the hardtop fitting kit installed early next year.

I will let you know how i get on.

Be advised that slight adjustments may be necessary to get the hardtop to fit snugly and to eliminate any window leaks. You can search this website and rennlist for procedures.

And when you mount the top, be sure to plug in the window defroster cable before you seat the top.

Just sayin'..........

TO