rajeshr

Just ordered the hardtop retrofit kit (p/n 000.043.300.46 for my cab (it came with the hardtop delete option and hence no parts for a hardtop) and was wondering the difficulty of install.

Anyone done it by themselves? Are there detailed steps? I looked at the TSB on Renntech, but diagrams are pretty bad.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. The dealer initially quoted me $600 for the install and hence I am looking at doing this myself.

fpb111

This one
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...t-a-997-a.html

Had to "search" what a pain

rajeshr

Thanks. I did a search - however, I didn't search the 997 forums!

jwex16

I would double check to be sure you do not have the hardware already. Even with the delete option the hardware was there. I had an 02 delete and it was there. You need to confirm as there were two mounting systems, one a quarter turn lock and the other a screw. Check under the plastic access holes and do some searching here. You will probably find the mounting hardware already there. Just confirm which you have and which is on the top you are buying.

rajeshr

Yeah, I confirmed that there is no hardware. Additionally, the top that I'm looking at has the bayonet style. I'll need to change that to the screw type connector too.

Orient Express

It is easy to do. I had Porsche retrofit my 02 cab (on their dime), and it took them about an hour.

Here is what the new and old parts look like.



One thing is to be careful when you remove to cover over the rollbars. That plastic piece tends to break at the screw mounting points.

fpb111

Did advanced and searched both 996/997 forums at same time.

rajeshr

Installed the Hardtop Retrofit kit on my C4S cab today. Fairly simple task, took about an hour and half because I was going slow. And the heating connector on the drivers side is a pain to put in.

Thanks to Orient Express and the rest of the folks providing useful information to get this done.

Next step is to pick up the hardtop this weekend.

street rod

Nice, post some pics when you get it.

fpb111

What color is it?
Remember to:
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Front tabs go into the "slots" first
3. Rear pins drop straight into the holes. There are plastic plates/guards that snap into the holes to protect the cloth behind them.
4. Don't adjust the gap too tight or you will scratch the paint off the rear deck.

fpb111

Not sure if you have thought of 1 person removal and storage yet. This thread has multiple hoist ideas.

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...oist-help.html

rajeshr

@Porsche87 - I will post pics after I pick it up on the weekend.

@fpb111 - thanks for the tips and the link to the storage hoist thread. BTW, the top that I'm picking up is black in color - I'll see how it looks on the car and decide later if I want to paint it red over the summer.

kromdom

good reminder. there is also a plastic trim that covers the rear pin assembly. These parts are NOT cheap and are usually "special order" only
P.S. In case you need one later, I have a stand and cover for sale

rajeshr

Picked up the hardtop over the weekend and finally got it all adjusted. I initially thought of painting the hardtop Guards Red, but after seeing it on the car, I'm toying with the idea of leaving it as it is!

I've added some pictures. Let me know what you think - some caveats listed below:
- No comments on the cleanliness of the car (I know it's dirty!!!)!
- No comments on the cleanliness of the garage!
- No comments on my photography skills (or lack thereof)!



Thanks!

2K7TTMIA

nice work. yea, the black top looks different on the GR. hopefully , you get some nice weather and keep it off the car more than on.
The fit looks very tight on the body of the car. Did you double check that there isn't any metal to metal contact? and when you remove the hardtop be very careful on tilting the hardtop back too much or you will start leaving marks on the car.