Bush Pilot

I bought my 97 Boxster a few months ago and the owner had just put a new top on it. I thought great! But I didn't look at the installation closely and I believe it's got some issues. For example the sides of the fabric don't end up in the correct track when you bring the top up; they end up outside of the track. I've seen other Boxsters with this issue. I'm a good home mechanic but I'm good at replacing what I see in front of me rather than fixing an incorrect installation. I'm thinking about taking it to dealer to fix the top because they know how it's "supposed" to be vs. I don't. I've also read that some defer the top work to the professionals. Any thoughts?

Al Allen

It’s true that some dealers defer to outside professionals for convertible top repairs and replacements. I know of one that is used by a large high-end dealership with several luxury lines for all of their top work. Where are you located?

Specialist1

Hi. If the sides are tracking outside the plastic when closing the roof, this is usually down to the elastic straps just behind where the 'B' pillar would be. There is probably a triangle of fabric with an elastic section that should be attached to the frame.
Depending on your vehicle year, later 2004 models have a different hood arrangement with an extra 'hoop'.

Bush Pilot

My elastic straps are hanging with broken tabs on the end of the elastic. Not sure how those broke off but thank you for pointing out that this is most likely my issue.

Specialist1

Hope this helps:

Bush Pilot

Thanks so much Specialist1.