wiggy

I recently purchased a hardtop for my 997. The owner told me it was for a 997, but it could be for a 996. I dont think there is a way to tell. Anyway, I need to buy the mounts to install on my 06 C2S cab and I want to make sure I get the right ones. The catches on the hardtop are the later type, so I know if its a 996 which part numbers I need. My only question is, if its a 997 hardtop and not a 996 (I really believe its a 996), are the mounts the same? I know the part numbers are obvoiously different, but are they the same mounts?

TIA

Wig

Edgy01

Porsche revised the hardtops mid-cycle on the 996 cars. I assume you bought it used from someone off their 996. The later it is, the better for you. I understand some of the earlier ones had issues.

A 997 hardtop is a 996 hardtop. Perhaps you recall Porsche's literature which indicated that one carry over from the 996 was the roof. This is what they are talking about,--the hardtop. My 997 hardtop, ordered by me for my 06 997S carries a 996 part number.

wiggy

Perfect. Thank you!

1Carnut

Edgy, any idea what your hardtop weighs?

Edgy01

They are 73 lbs. (Mostly aluminum,--and a large chunk of glass--it's even bigger than the rear window in a coupe).

Musclehedz101

I just installed all the hardtop mounting hardware (used Porsche "retro fit kit" 9With all new "screw type" hardware). The only thing I can not figure out is how to remove the old Banonet sytle mounting pin w. lead to read window defrost. I can take the bolts of, yes but how do I gain access to remove the old wire lead and install new?? I'm stuck...

Edgy01

Do you have a schematic that shows the wiring routing in that area? Essentially that new piece that you purchased to install into each rear corner of the body bolts in, with the left rear one featuring the wiring loom. Look for the quick connect electrical connector already provided within the 997 body. See the image. (Although this image shows the former 996 bayonet connection, electrically, nothing has changed):

KeninBlaine

Does the retro fit kit provide threaded anchor parts for both the car and the top? In other words, if I purchased an older 996 hardtop with bayonet anchors, would the kit allow me to upgrade the anchors to the threaded type introduced on the 2004 996's as well as provide me the threaded receptacles for the car?

Musclehedz101

Sorry I wasn't clear about my question. I'm good to go for the Receiving mount (your image), it's the Screw style "male end" on the hardtop itself I am having issues with. The current Bayonet unit's wire lead it routed under headliner trim and not sure how to remove headliner trim (without destroying it, that is..)

For now, I:
1) Cut the existing wires at base of at bayonet (since I'm swapping them out anyway)
2) Put match electrical connectors on them.
3) Removed old Bayonet hardware off hardtop
4) Connected matching electrical ends to new hardware.
5) Installed new "Screw Style" hardware onto hardtop (all screws & "shaft" bolts loose)
6) Cleaned/Lubed front seals w/ Silicone lube
7) Installed hardtop
8) Aligned Hardware mounting points and tightened shaft FIRST then (3) bolts last. (Repeat or other side).
9) Torqued down to spec (34lbs?)
10) Test Drive & not rattles/squeaks!

Would still like to know how to safely remove headline trim...

Musclehedz101

The answer is YES! Which is why I bought it (thanks to this forum). BTW it was also ALLOT CHEAPER to go this route than buy everything "a la cart". (Cost me $ 192.00 out the door) (Purchased through Boardwalk Porsche and used their 20% off coupon I found hunting through thier site http://www.boardwalkporsche.com/coupons/

Here's what comes in the "kit":

GolfTango3

I got mine retofitted to the newer hardware as well. Mine is alot quieter now, but I still get a rattle from the passenger side C pillar when I go over bumps.

Could something in there be loose or is this an adjustment issue?

KeninBlaine

Great. So to be clear, if I bought an older 996 hardtop for my 997, would the kit give me everything I need to mount it to my car with screw-type anchors, including defrost wiring etc?

Edgy01

Here's another image from the hardtop end of things.

Edgy01

Another for your trim question:

KeninBlaine

Dan: Your ability to post photos and schematics covering almost any topic never ceases to amaze me. Very helpful info.

I would have hoped that the retrofit kit would allow replacement of the roof anchors without having to get in behind the headliner to disconnect the defroster connection, unless that connector above part no. 9 is at the anchor rather than at the rear window.