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Convertible top driving mechanism replacement help

wajrboy

PCGB Member
Member
Hello to the Forum and Members,

I joined PCGB a couple of years ago in tandem with my first Porsche purchase - a 2003 996 C4 Convertible. I've been to a few events, met the previous leadership team at Brands Hatch and talked to a fellow PCGB member with a beautiful 996 Millenium Edition car when at the British Car Show a while back. I'm in the R20 region but have yet to attend the Ace Cafe and Inn days - I'm a shy fellow by nature but I probably should contribute a little more to PCGB - you have to give back otherwise we will lose this fantastic club.

Porsche ownership has been quite the journey so far even with a "good 'un"! However the convertible top driving mechanism has failed on one side only - the cable has broken on the passenger side. I was slightly shocked to learn that I had to buy an entire replacement item, part number 996.561.021.03, and the cost of the new replacement is approx £2,600 (as of 2023)! My search for used options has unearthed a couple of good but used items in the EU and US, which I am following up on but nothing in the UK. I did contact a well-known Porsche breaker in the UK and was told this is a hard to find and in demand item. Who knew that a Porsche would have parts that would break with such regularity? (a little Porsche 911 humour there).

My first question is am I missing any other obvious used parts sources? If anyone has other avenues to explore to source the item in question that would be most appreciated.

Also there is a later replacement part number 996.561.021.04 in the 996 Katalog for 2004 cars onward. Does anyone know if this part is a compatible replacement for the earlier item please?

Thanks again and hope I might share the Porsche experience with other PCGB members in the future!
 
I've had my 996 cabriolet carrera 4 manual since January 2014. In late 2015 I had the same problem (broken "tension rope"). My local Porsche Centre said I would need a new top. Other convertable top fitting companies said the same. I took my car to thehoodguys.co.uk in Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7BB, tel 0121 244 2288 and they repaired the broken tension rope at the cost of 1 hour's labour (then £72 including VAT). The top has worked perfectly ever since. Definately worth a trip to Birmingham. Highly recommended.

Jerry
 
Hi Jerry,

Thank you, what an excellent piece of advice! I will give them a call and discuss the situation with them. This is exactly the reason why this club is so important.

Wayne
 

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