'03 Top on a '98 Car

[elav]

I'm adding a '03 convertible top with rear glass window to my '98 Boxster and have a question - there is a flap on the convertible top that contains the wire/plug for the rear defrost. That flap has a bungee cord with a hook on it. Anyone know what that hooks onto in the vehicle?

BTW, having a heck of a time getting the convertible top frame bolts to line up so I can get the fasteners started.

[997_986]

Maybe this helps you with adjustments. Can you post a picture of the cord with the hook, I think I know what you mean but not 100%

Check picture 6 in the second drawing, this might be your strap.

[KevinH1990]

I swapped a 2004 top and frame onto my 2000.

The 03/04 tops have a strap that was used to hold the back window up when the top is in the service position. The strap had a loop that fit over the front of the top on one of the parts that inserts into the windshield frame when the top is in the closed position.

My strap eventually broke and I expect that most of them have deteriorated over the last 20 plus years. If I understand your question correctly, I think the strap on your top broke and a previous owner substituted a bungee cord for the broken strap.

[elav]

I got the top mounted and adjusted but still hunting down where the 2 straps go and why my car now honks once when I lock it. The straps might be because this roof has an inner liner?

@997_986 - I saw the strap you are referring to in the diagram and that seems to be in place. BTW, those manuals are AWESOME! I wish I knew of them before this weekend.

@KevinH1990 - the strap I'm talking about are attached to some side flaps (one on each side).

Here is a picture of the strap and hook I'm talking about. There is one on each side that seems to be attached to side skirts. The one on the driver's side has the rear defrost cable running with it.


Here is a picture of the top all adjusted. I still have the 4 location screws (2 on each side) in place to align the top before tightening the 6 fasteners (3 on each side) that mount the convertible top frame to the car. Please excuse the car being dirty!

[KevinH1990]

https://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/83608-headliner-strap.html

That strap attaches the headliner to the car. Your car and my car didn't have headliners when they were manufactured, so we didn't have to deal with it until we upgraded our tops. The link I posted above shows the attachment point. I think there is a better thread than that, but I couldn't find it with a quick search.

[KevinH1990]

https://www.renntech.org/topic/37001-conv-roof-interior-elastic-band-with-hook/

This thread on Renntech has more details.

Good luck with your project.

[Rob175]

On those few occasions when I've placed the top (replacement top w/glass window) on my 98 Boxster in the "service position", I've simply used a long strip of duct tape from the rear of the top (when lifted) to the front window. Works perfectly to keep the glass safely away while I work in the engine compartment.

Granted, I don't keep it taped that way for days on end, but for quick work (like air filter changes) it works perfectly.