I've seen many conflicting opinions about whether or not 996 hardtops will work with a 997 cab. I have a 2005 997 C2S cab, and still don't know whether or not a 996 hardtop will fit. I understand there were some minor changes to the 996 hardtop mounting hardware between 1999 and 2004. Despite the 996 and 997 hardtops apparently having the same part number, some folks say the 996 doesn't necessarily fit right on a 997.
Has anyone actually put a 996 hardtop on a 997 successfully? If so, what model year of 996 hardtop was it, and what mounting hardware was used? Any info would be appreciated.

 

It's been my understanding that some of the early 996 hardtops are not a form, fit, function replacement. I assume you are shopping around the used hardtop market and want to know beforehand if one will work. Of course, there is also the requisite $1800 or so to prep your car to take it.

 

Thanks for the photo Edgy. Yes, you're right, I want to make sure that if I buy one that it will fit right, and that I purchase the right model year. Someone from New York indicated on this forum a few months ago that they do fit, and that he installed one on his 997, although he didn't say what 996 model year it came from. He listed the parts used by his dealer for the install, and it appeared that they came to about $350. (900-378-173-09, 996-5611-653-03, 996-561-654-03). These parts apparently were used to replace the hardware on the 996 top so it would fit the 997. I'm not sure yet what other parts are needed, for example to make the defroster connection from my car.

If anyone knows other part numbers, please advise.

 

Feel free to come up to SB anytime to look at the hardtop interface if it will help you to buy parts.

 

Having had a 996 cab and a 997S cab, I can give you a little info. The 996 hardtop will fit the 997 but the rear latch points do not exist in the 997 unless your car came with the hardtop from the factory. Yes, there are holes in the plastic area where the roll hoops are but there is nothing underneath those holes. The parts that you mentioned are the internal parts required to latch the hardtop in place.

The 996 used a latch on each side that was built into the hardtop, you used a special red handled key and turned them one way to lock the top in place and turned them the other way to release it. The 997 is different, they went with a system where the hardtop needs to be torqued to a certain spec. Although I have not seen the parts required, I do know they work but the dealership has to install the top for you and torque it to specs. I confirmed all of this with the service manager at McKenna Porsche in LA. I almost bought a 996 top from him to install on my 997S and he gave me all of the information posted above. He said that it's a simple deal and he has done several 996 hardtop to 997 installs.

 

That information is very helpful. Thanks very much.

 

Mount points are front center with a springloaded latch (near the regular one for the soft top) and one at each rear corner which has an allen headed bolt there. They are torqued to 34 ft lbs each.