I am seeking an advise/recommendation

I purchased my 2003 C4 without the hardtop originally, and then bought the hardtop separately. It's also from 2003 but Turbo. I checked before buying and it was the same part number.

The top was mounted just fine - as I was tightening the catch bolts, I felt a "proper" click, since there was a change somewhere around 2000 or 2001 to a different bolt design. I am not talking about 2004-2005 change of the bolt/catcher design, just the bolt geometry change.

I have a couple of issues which I would like to ask about:

1. There is a gap in the interior, between the 996 body, and the hardtop. It's maybe 1/4" or so. Is this normal - or should it mount with no gap at all? This is the interior gap I am asking about.

2. When I am driving, there is a definite rattling sound, coming from catch bolt covers. Is this normal?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

I have a hardtop. Gap is normal. My hardtop rattles and creeks too.

 

Thank you. As long as the gap is normal, I will try to at least minimize the rattling sound of those catch bolt covers :-)

One more (hopefully not too stupid question) - do you take your car with hardtop through a regular ("soft-touch") car wash? Seems like the outside gap is sufficiently insulated by the rubber lining, to not let the water in.

Thank you!

 

Even with the rear bayonets clicked-in, there is room for some play. If the rattling is significant, I would try removing the top and re-seating it, making sure that where the top connects to the A pillar (windshield end) is lined-up perfectly side-to-side.

The bayonet mechanisms are adjustable and might need adjustment if they came off another car. Check to see that the gaps on both sides are equal in the rear corners.

If all of that is okay, I've heard that applying silicone to the mating surfaces will reduce squeaks, but I haven't tried this.

The 1/4 inch gap is normal.

Hand washing is recommended.

 

I don't see an image of your gap but my hardtop is snug, no gaps that I can see and no squeaks, rattles or clunks. Mine is the bayonet mount. Perhaps as suggested, you can adjust the mounts?

 

Yes, great suggestion, I actually thought of this also as I remembered reading some older threads. Will take a look at this next weekend. Thanks!

 

Mine has the gap and yes in the winter I've taken it through the wash since it's been too cold to hand wash. Only minor leaks up at the corners of the windows but none in the back gap area.

It does squeak and rattle over rough roads or when going up a steep driveway it sort of groans. But other than that it is much quieter than the soft top.

 

My hardtop has no squeaks or rattles. You didn't post a pic, but I believe the gap you are referring to is normal. The height is adjustable of the top. If it's too low, the rear window will rub on the paint - you don't want that.

 

My wart-top does squeak and rattle on bumpy roads but otherwise is much quieter than the soft top. Seems like a different car with it on. Honestly though if it's not forecast for 2 straight months of rain the hardtop doesn't stay on for long. It's just so fugly...

 

I'm with you! Those factory hard tops look like ball caps.

 

Mine is growing on me, because I don't have the garage cleared out enough to park it inside.

 

Illinois, snow.

 

Only fugly from the outside.

 

I beg to differ.

 

I think it does look like a helmet but I also like that look as it's a bit unique.

Plus it looks like it's got the chin strap on and it's ready to roll into battle!