1080iAddict

As I look at all the beautiful coupe 997's posted on the Board in all the threads, I can't stop wishing that I had ordered the hard top option for my 997S cab. The simple fact is that the 997 coupe is much more visually pleasing than the cab, however, I love the cab and would not trade the top down feeling for anything.

Anyone know if i can order that hard top in Atlas Grey as an after-market item? Do you think the paint difference would be that noticeable from batch to batch? Anyone have an Atlas top they want to part with?

djantlive

The hardtop can be ordered from dealer. If you had ordered it w the car, I am not sure if it's painted on the car. I'd heard 996 hardtop with with 997, which would be a huge savings as 996 hardtop can be had under $1k and ordering a 997 one from dealer with be thousands.

djantlive

BTW, hardtop doesn't have the lines of the coupe. If you are doing it for looks, I think you'd be disappointed.

1080iAddict

really? I thought they looked the same. Any idea how they are different?

LVDell

Of course it's not the same line as the coupe' but it is very attractive. Looks great IMHO. I put mine on for track days (added safety) and during non-CAB times of the year. Mine is a 996 not 997 but would be happy to pos a pic of it on if so desired.

LVDell

Figured I'd post em up anyway since most like pics on this board (especially myself!)

JFScheck

Other than the back of the 997 cab's being a little different (rear over engine is higher) your cab should look great with a cap!

You can order via the dealer and since your car is so new it should be dead on (no fading of the paint)!!!

scycle2020

i totally agree, the lines of the coupe are different than the cab with the hhrdtop...not even close, unless you have serious vision difficulties...the cab looks fine with the top up, i wouldnt spend the money unless you need the extra security for the track...also, the new cab top is so quiet and well insultated, that the hardtop is somewhat redundant...keep in mind that the hard top used to be standard on the 996 cabs, but most people didnt use it so porsche made it an option..its a pain to store in the summer also...

LVDell

Explain how it's a pain to store in the summer. Doesn't take up much space at all (roughly a 4x4 section in the corner of the garage). 2 people, and 5 minutes to remove, put a cover on, and prop against the corner. And it only weighs 73#.

1080iAddict

I guess I need to see it side by side with a coupe. All I know is that the coupe's lines are just absolutely beautiful. Especially from the rear.

Orient Express

Here is another 996 hardtop picture



Beware on a retrofit of a 2003+ 996 or 2005+ 997, the locking mechanism for the mounting of the back pins on the hardtop is not installed on cars that did not have the hardtop as a factory option. Besides the hardtop, you also have to get the installation mechanism and have it installed.

Speed

The 996 hardtop will fit the 997, however, you have to make sure that it has the correct fittings as they were changed over the years. The 997 top uses the same fittings as the hardtop for 2005 996 turbo cab; they can, however, be retro-fitted.

As for looks, I had two 996 cabs with hardtops and I thought they looked great --even better than the coupe.

boolala

Just my opinion but the two main reasons I went with the coupe is because I felt it looked better and was also faster. I had an SL for 6 years with a removable hardtop and it was a PITA to remove and store. Who needs this?

Also, again just my opinion, the Porsche hardtop looks contrived like it's grafted on the car. It simply does not look integral to the design. I would never buy another convertable again unless it is a retractable hardtop.

phonetics

the hardtop just looks plain ugly, looks like a wig to a complete bald man.

it's impossible that they are the same, you won't be happy with it coz it's just look so different and ugly.

scycle2020

maybe i am getting old, well i am getting old, but the whole procedure , which i went thru with my old 500sl, is just one more choir that i dont feel like doing...but you are right, it justs takes a few minutes.....