'05 hardtop installation woes - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Uncle Bob · 09-14-2006, 09:49 PM

My '05 Boxster was at the dealership all day today getting the hardtop fitted. Evidently the soft top has to be semi removed to install the pins. It went in at 0700 and 12 hrs later still wasn't done.

My question is: Is there anyone else here who has had one fitted on an '05 or '06? I was told the newer body presents real problems. I asked if they were sure the top was for an '05/'06....yes, the part #'s match. It came straight from Stuttgart, so hard to question that end of it. Damn, I hope this doesn't go on & on here. I had hoped to take it off and on myself, but if they can't even do it, what am I to do????

1JB · 09-15-2006, 10:16 AM

I believe there are some anchors that need to be installed and it is very difficult to access the location where they go and then install them if they are not installed at the factory.

Uncle Bob · 09-15-2006, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1JB

I believe there are some anchors that need to be installed and it is very difficult to access the location where they go and then install them if they are not installed at the factory.

Sounds about right. From what I hear back today, they have the anchors installed but are having trouble attaching to them with the top on. It is 'supposed' to take only a 1/4 turn, but something's not cooperating. They are contacting Germany this morning...........

Onad · 09-15-2006, 01:31 PM

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 · 09-15-2006, 02:12 PM

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 · 09-16-2006, 04:55 AM

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 · 09-16-2006, 10:32 AM

Quote:

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......

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