Hey it might not matter at this point but I think I figured out that bolt.




What's even weirder is apparently bike components use them too:

 

How do I get the top separated and able to access the spring attachment point??

 

In this video, around 6 minutes, he takes the top off and shows the plate that the cable attaches to. You need to backup in the video to see how he disassembles the front piece and side rails. The video is a boxster but the disassembly for the 996 is the same. I followed this for the broken rivet on my 996 and it turned out quite well. Good luck!

 

I looked quite a lot at the pin the rivet set in. I'm nearly certain the rivet is a hammer-style that was indeed inserted from the outside and hammered into place. This rivet is a different style than the typical one a DIY'er uses. Mine broke off pretty clean, and I could see that the pin was not open on the inside end. I found the broken off top portion of the rivet, but the inner port is not to be found. I would guess Porsche simple didn't seat the rivets in far enough first time around.

 

I'm reviving this thread because it saved my sanity. My driver's side was off track for several years and I was too lazy to fix it. When the passenger side let go last week, I finally gave up and started looking for a solution. This thread had all the answers and I want to thank every single one of the contributors for helping with this problem.

Now I have to fix the hydraulic pump, as it's dumped all its fluid from going up and down too many times today. But, that's another thread.

 

Glad it helped!
I just bought a new canvas top so next write-up/video will be on how to (not?) replace the top

 

There seems to be a few issues surrounding top operation that are I think covered in this thread, but not sure if I'm in repair or replace land. My new to me 1999 has side folding in issues, and some of the top material pulling away from the tension wires.

It seems the elastic band that goes across the whole top is pulling so hard it's yanked the tension wire up under when closing. This has kinked it inwards and i have to manually push it into the lower rail (in pic) just before it latches. The fabric has also pulled away from the tension wire (I assume this is not fixable less an upholstery shop). I don't see any broken rivets like above- is the wire just stretched? and thus not fixable? Is the elastic in middle of top just too tight?

Overall, the material seems in great condition - rear window too is tight and not too hazy.

(and while I'm here - what specific fluid should I get for hydraulic pump for top - going to remove carpet and check that this weekend)

 

Ben8jam, Did you ever find the solution to your top problem...?

 

Thanks so much for the information. Turns out the rivet had snapped so the cable was just hanging, I was able to fasten it back in position and all is now functioning as it should and no more gap in the soft top! All in all it took me about an hour to do the whole job.

 

I think Porsche might have changed the design at some point. My 02 C4 needed a 3/16" dia rivet. Everything seemed factory assembled, and I bought my car when it was only 9 years old, so I'm doubting a previous owner upped the rivet size. Anything is possible though. Also 1/2" seemed a little long. I'd probably try 3/8" long if I did it again. I followed this helpful youtube video.