Anyone moved a Hard Top Fixing Kit onto another Boxster?

Guest · Feb 16, 2005

Has anyone removed a hard top fixing kit and put it onto another Boxster.

Can you let me know how to do this????

Black80XSA · Feb 17, 2005

It is feasible - but its gonna be fiddly and there is a real risk of losing the spinlock bolt inside the metalwork of the body.

Fold the roof completely. Then remove the carpeted panel adjacent to the seat belt - there is a small crosss headed screw near the base - feel for it in the carpet pile. You will also need to slacken a brass coloured allen bolt at the corner of the roll bar (near where the seat belt anchor is - this allows the another plastic section to be moved aside.

Now you need to put the softtop into a position with the leading edge about 6 inches from the header rail. Recline the seat on the side you are working on forward out of the way. Carefully move the fabric side panel on the inside of the roof towards the rear - its held by an elasticated strap - You will be able to see the head of the spinlock retaining bolt - its dark grey in colour, about 12mm diameter with a 5mm allen key recess in it.

You can remove the bolt, but there is a real danger of losing it - for installation, people wrap the bolt and the allen key in a plastic food bag to keep them together, and then when the bolt is nearly home, tear away the thin bag, and tighten the final couple of turns.

You will not be able to do this, so you need to find some way of ensuring the allen key and bolt cannot separate - quick set glue ???

Given that i paid about £30 for my set it'd say its not worth the hassle - the only real benefit you will get from removing them is the practice for reinstallation

Tool Pants · Feb 18, 2005

It is not hard to do. Plus Porsche charges a lot for the metal inserts and bolts.

Guest · Feb 18, 2005

been and bought the parts now, but can anyone tell me how to get the black plastic cover off the soft top hinge so I can get access to the bolt with the allen key?

Black80XSA · Feb 18, 2005

Hi Phil - nice to speak this evening, and i hope you're now heading in the right direction. Call me if you run into problems.

David

Guest · Feb 20, 2005

If anyone is fitting one of these fixing kits, a big tip is that you get yourself a long 5mm allen key rather than trying to use a screwdriver with the allen key fitting. A normal size allen key is not long enough to get proper access.

Got the top on now and it makes such a real difference!!

Thanks for your help on this David.

Black80XSA · Feb 20, 2005

Glad to hear its all sorted Phil , and not too much bleeding from the fingers i hope [

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You should notice much less windnoise now. You may have to make some fine adjustments to the fitting, there are adjustment screws located behind the triangular shaped sections on either side by the locking levers. I haven't had to adjust mine but one lever is tight when clamping down.