Hardtop Retrofit Kit Install

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.

This one https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...t-a-997-a.html Had to "search" what a pain

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Nice, post some pics when you get it.

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.

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

@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.

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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

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!

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.

I like the black - not sure you could go wrong either way!

Yes it is different. You know I think its growing on me also. I would keep it black at least into the summer and see how you feel about it then.

I love a good hardtop thread! Here is my hardtop saga from 2010 on my C4, with pics in black and red, before and after transformation: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...questions.html

I like the contrast with it black. What color is the rag top? I bet not red. My car & top are both silver. The rag top is Metropol Blue. I would love to have the hardtop blue also, but for $300-400 worth of paint, silver is fine. Bobby, Did you ever figure what was rattling in the "C" pillar?

No, still rattles a little. Got better with the screw in locks though.

I've got a rattle in my hardtop as well. It is definitely on the passenger side mounting. I suspect that after nearly 120K, the rubber bumpers have compressed enough that they no longer insulate the top from the body. I can lift the rear edge up and down about .5mm and duplicate the noise. I may try replacing the hockey puck rubber bumpers and see if it helps. They are very soft for the job they do, so I suspect they are shot.

BTW, does anyone have part numbers for the trim pieces that come with the hardtop. There's two trim pieces for the holes through which the mounts go, there's two trim pieces on top of the mount assembly and there's one by the top front latch. I guess the hardtop didn't come with any of these trim pieces. @2K3TTMIA - I made sure that it wasn't too tight. I'll recheck to ensure that there is no metal to metal contact. @Porsche87 - Yes, I'll keep this on the winter and then decide whether to change the colour.

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get ready to put a dent in your wallet (SUNCOAST has the best prices): http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-p..._911_parts.php * 997 563 551 00 01C FRONT LATCH TRIM $70 * 996 563 554 00 LINING (Right): A10 (Black) #7 in pic below * 996 563 553 00 LINING (Left): A10 (Black) #8 below

Kromdom - thanks for the part numbers! I'm shocked to see the prices on the plastic trims

I have a 04 C4S, hardtop delete, mo mounts of any kind under the small round mounting hole covers, I bought a used hardtop with the bayonet style posts, clean shape, color matching. I've read all the the threads, found the hardtop latch kit pn 000.043.300.46, but as there are no pics available of the kit can anyone verify for me that the kit includes the hardtop male screw posts as well as the receiving pieces. Can I order just the bayonet style receivers and take my chances on the odd rattle? And let me apologise first if I'm asking something already posted, first time in any type of line forum, First Porsche too but definitely hooked for life Cheers

Go to the link post #5 in this thread. https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...questions.html

Thanks Frank, I really appreciate your quick response and your very knowledgeable guidance to the right information, kits on order from Atlanta. And thank you to all the people on this site that have unknowingly guided me through all my other 996 issues I've encountered over the last 6 months, great site,

Ha Ha, flattery will get you everywhere. You are welcome.

i would paint it, or at least wrap it with vinyl. it looks pretty weird in black

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I agree. The black isn't terrible, but it does look a little mismatched. How about a carbon-fiber look vinyl wrap for some contrast? Or maybe a matching red vinyl wrap?

Another old thread resurrected. I did just put my hardtop back on for the monsoons we are having right now. Time for a drive to wash the dust off in the rain.

I really like having a hardtop. It's sort of two cars for a bit more than the price of one. Few 997s are ordered with the hardtops. Many many 996 hardtops from the early 996 days are out there to be had for cheap.