2003 986 hardtop questions help!

[2K3_Boxster_S]

I have a 2003 boxster s. I found some one with a silver hardtop in excellent condition. He swears I do not need any addiontal hardware to install the top.

1. is this true.

2. how can i verify this before driving 100 miles to pick it up. (i told him if he can't install it while i'm standing there , then forget it.)

3. the top is silver, wich means I will have to have it painted. I think $1000 is to high.or is it fair if the top is truly in brand new condition.

Thanks

ryan

[mts]

Originally Posted by 2K3_Boxster_S

I have a 2003 boxster s. I found some one with a silver hardtop in excellent condition. He swears I do not need any addiontal hardware to install the top.

1. is this true.

2. how can i verify this before driving 100 miles to pick it up. (i told him if he can't install it while i'm standing there , then forget it.)

3. the top is silver, wich means I will have to have it painted. I think $1000 is to high.or is it fair if the top is truly in brand new condition.

Thanks

ryan

1) Unlikely unless your car had a hardtop on it previously and already has the spinlocks installed.
2) I'll see if I can take some shots of what they look like this weekend so you can check or perhaps someone else will post some pics
3) I normally see them go for $1,200 - $1,500

[2K3_Boxster_S]

Originally Posted by mts

1) Unlikely unless your car had a hardtop on it previously and already has the spinlocks installed.
2) I'll see if I can take some shots of what they look like this weekend so you can check or perhaps someone else will post some pics
3) I normally see them go for $1,200 - $1,500

Thanks for the help. that's kinda of what I thought. Also, Could he remove his hardware and install it on my car then??? Since he doesn't plan on using a hardtop anymore. you need a special tool for that right??

thanks again

[Pirate50]

Yes he could take his spinlocks out and install them in your car. It will take about an hour if you're mechanically inclined, more if not. It is 2 inserts and 2 retaining bolts, just a little tricky to get at. You could get the kit at a dealership for probably less than $100, that would save time of taking his out. I paid $1500 for mine 1 1/2 years ago, so not a bad price even though they have come down a little over the last year.

[gschotland]

I've seen tops regularly for $750-$950 on eBay. I've also seen hardtop installation kits for ~$200, although I'm not sure what's included.

Have you investigated how must it'll cost to paint? Gotta believe it'll be a few hundred bucks. If so, maybe it's better to hold out for a better deal (unless you need a hardtop badly) or one that's already the correct color. When it gets warmer I bet you'll see more for sale.

[Frank M]

It is possible to drive without the spin locks.
This should be only temporary as the back is not secured and will rattle at the rear.

I would buy the sellers spin-locks and install them, adjust everything nice before driving back. It can be tricky installing them and the right assortment of tools is needed. No special tools are needed. There are good write-ups on the installation.

A nice top, the correct color both outside and inside installed with spin locks is worth $1500 easy. Remember, the factory paint will match perfectly, both in color, depth and sheen.

http://mulone.com/hwm/porsche/

[2K3_Boxster_S]

Originally Posted by gschotland

r one that's already the correct color. When it gets warmer I bet you'll see more for sale.

I will never find a top the correct color for my car. not sure what the actual numbers are but they didn't make very many Teal boxsters. Then narrow that down to how many people went with hardtop option.