996 Cabriolet Hardtop Standard Equipment?
01-07-2010, 12:44 PM
#19
Three Wheelin'
02-08-2010, 04:39 PM
#22
Three Wheelin'
Actually, I think 2003 was the last year they came at no extra cost. My '03 came with one and no charge was listed on the sticker. I was told that starting with '04, they were extra.
09-20-2012, 06:34 PM
#23
2002 was the last year that the hardtop was included in the price of the 996 Cab. After that, it was optional. Nice thing is that the mounting hardware necessary to install a hardtop in a 996/997 is the same, and 996 hardtops fit on 997s just fine.
Just remember if you want to add a hardtop to a 03 996 or a 997, you will need to install the receiver hardware in the car.
I have just installed my hardtop for the winter, and it really transforms the car. Much quieter, and it gets better gas mileage as well.
I have the install process down to a science. With the help of my neighbor (also a 996 owner) coming over, and the 2 of us pulling the hardtop off its storage rack, and setting it on the car, it takes us about 10 minutes to install the top, and 15 or so to store it back in the spring.
During the summer months with I go on long road trips, I also install the top as it makes the car cooler, quieter, and more economical.
Just remember if you want to add a hardtop to a 03 996 or a 997, you will need to install the receiver hardware in the car.
I have just installed my hardtop for the winter, and it really transforms the car. Much quieter, and it gets better gas mileage as well.
I have the install process down to a science. With the help of my neighbor (also a 996 owner) coming over, and the 2 of us pulling the hardtop off its storage rack, and setting it on the car, it takes us about 10 minutes to install the top, and 15 or so to store it back in the spring.
During the summer months with I go on long road trips, I also install the top as it makes the car cooler, quieter, and more economical.
BTW nice car you have - great taste :-)
Last edited by rwkrajewski; 09-20-2012 at 06:48 PM. Reason: CLarrifying the question
09-21-2012, 12:28 AM
#25
Drifting
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ephrata, PA, USA now. Originally from the UK
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I winch the top down from the ceiling straight onto the car in 5 minutes... alone...
09-24-2012, 09:03 PM
#26
This is a link to a pic looking down one of the holes of the rear trim with the cap taken off. Is that the hardware I see inside?
https://plus.google.com/101252251132...ts/RkhnrVURvVu
https://plus.google.com/101252251132...ts/RkhnrVURvVu
10-26-2012, 09:29 AM
#27
That's It
Yes - that is the "receiver" portion of the hardtop hardware. Be aware that Porsche altered it slightly for the 997 and you want to make sure the pins on the hardtop are compatible. There is an electrical connection one one side that changes the defrost switch on the dash over from the convertible window to the hardtop window. There is also an automatic cutout for the top switch so you can't activate the top mechanism with the hardtop in place. You will need the hardtop wrench to turn the locking pins to fasten the top. Don't try to muscle it and a little judicious pressing helps to seat it when you are putting it on. Get the trim cover for the windshield bow too - Sun Coast or Pelican should have it.
10-26-2012, 12:19 PM
#28
Rennlist Member
10-26-2012, 06:45 PM
#29
I will probably put my hardtop on this weekend. As others have said, it is like a different car with it on. The only thing better than putting it on in the Winter is taking it off in the Spring. Both give me renewed excitement with the car.
10-26-2012, 06:49 PM
#30
Boots your car looks good with that silver top I can see why you didn't paint it. I have the twin 2001 C4 to yours except for not a cab.