'05 hardtop installation woes

[Onad]

Maybe that’s why I rarely see 987s with hardtops. I have a 03 with a hardtop that I really enjoy. Although I am not ready to make the jump to 987 yet, when I do I was hoping to get one with a hardtop fitted. In any event, good luck and keep us posted.

[KevinH1990]

I know the 986 and 987 hard tops are different, but I don't know whether the same is true for the attachment systems.

I fitted the hard top to my 986. While it was tricky for me, I don't think a good mechanic would have much difficulty if they had access to the instructions. To be honest the instructions I found for the 986 top on Renntech were superior to the Porsche service bulletin.

Perhaps you could ask the dealership for a copy of the service bulletin for the installation of the 987 top. If they don't have it, it might indicate that they are trying to figure it out as they go along.

Good luck.

[drburton]

When you finally get it on can you post a picture. I would be interested in seeing a 987 with the hardtop on. Haven't seen one yet.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by KevinH1990

I know the 986 and 987 hard tops are different, but I don't know whether the same is true for the attachment systems.

I fitted the hard top to my 986. While it was tricky for me, I don't think a good mechanic would have much difficulty if they had access to the instructions. To be honest the instructions I found for the 986 top on Renntech were superior to the Porsche service bulletin.

Perhaps you could ask the dealership for a copy of the service bulletin for the installation of the 987 top. If they don't have it, it might indicate that they are trying to figure it out as they go along.

Good luck.

Actually, I'm a contributing member at Renntech forums and look at all the TSB's. Some of them I've seen before they do if they reference European cars, for instance.

The TSB you refer to is dated 1-13-05 #6117 as I'm looking at it now.



I see they were able to install the locking pin receivers on the body (real slick and unobtrusive, I like that very much) and they are installed on the correct side. What I'm told is that they are unable to get the pins that come down through the top into these receivers to lock completely. They are supposed to turn 1/4 turn and engage the receivers.

They are in communication with Porsche in Germany. I took the car back (without hardtop installed) and I'll be in contact with them first thing Monday morning...... .

[KevinH1990]

The spin lock system on the 987 looks very similar if not identical to the 986. I had a problem similar to the one that your dealer is experiencing when I picked up my hardtop. Here's the adjustment instructions I received on RennTech:

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

It might be worth a try.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by KevinH1990

The spin lock system on the 987 looks very similar if not identical to the 986. I had a problem similar to the one that your dealer is experiencing when I picked up my hardtop. Here's the adjustment instructions I received on RennTech:

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

It might be worth a try.

Thanks a bunch!!!

[Uncle Bob]

Well, still not installed and I am getting frustrated as heck!! I sent them the suggestions from the renntech forum. Now they have ordered newbrackets top & bottom.......

[KevinH1990]

I was hoping that you were reporting success, and I'm sorry to see they haven't figured it out yet. The remaining possibilities are:

1. They put the spin locks on the wrong sides. (Mine came labeled left and right, and the instructions made it clear that they weren't interchangeable.)
2. They have defective parts. However, these are not complex parts so it's hard to imagine they could be defective.
3. They damaged something in the installation process.
4. They aren't taking the suggestions provided by RennTech seriously.

If it makes you feel any better, I encountered my "issues" 300 miles from home after driving for 5 hours through intermittent thunder storms. It was 10:00 at night and the available light was poor. The seller, who was assisting me with the installation of the hardtop, was about 20 years my senior and ready to retire for the evening. Each time we attempted to install the top, the spin lock on his side came closer and closer to scratching the paint.

I was contemplating the prospect of driving home with only one side latched when we finally got it to engage. We turned both spin locks simultaneously while pushing down gently on the rear.

Good luck.