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YOUR RESEARCHHardtop fitment questions
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same part number
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Reported cause · Original poster
I checked before buying and it was the same part number.
Leading evidence: 'same part number' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'same part number' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Adjust mounts' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Check before buying and it was the same part number
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I checked before buying and it was the same part number.
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Replace of the bolt/catcher design, just the bolt geometry
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Suggestion · Original poster
I am not talking about 2004-2005 change of the bolt/catcher design, just the bolt geometry change.
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Suggestion · Original poster
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.
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Suggestion · Original poster
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.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
24 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
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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!
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?
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 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!
Well, Porsche could have done a better job with the overall design. And, the fact that the lower edge of the hardtop doesn't sit flush and curve with the car's rear "clam shell" is a let down.
Here's an nice example of an aftermarket targa style hard top for the 996 and 997.
Much better look.
For those of you that have squeaks-and-rattles when your hardtops are on, I suspect that most of the noise is coming from where the side windows meet the rubber seals at the top of the windows. To test this, just lower the windows about a half inch and then go for a drive. If the squeaks-and-rattles go away you have found the cause.
If the noises are caused by the window seals, try conditioning them using Zymol Seal. A bit expensive, but it works.
http://www.zymol.com/seal.aspx
When I have the hardtop on my 2000 Cab, the interior is very quiet.
You're right. It does look like an afterthought and I always felt that Targa conversion was gorgeous. Just never got around to considering that upgrade.
Just an update to my original posting. I looked carefully and found out that both plastic "catch covers" had some problems - one was not fully inserted, and the other had a broken clip. So I re-seated one and removed another (that is a >$110 piece of plastic 20 sq. in!). Rattles are largely gone now. Thanks!
I would like to know too. Fitting my hard top took a lot of finessing and curses. Still not perfect enough for me.
20160928_182352_resized
by
brianbbs67
, on Flickr
Here was the original issue
20160928_180314_resized
by
brianbbs67
, on Flickr
I love the way that looks but it's about a $10k mod and you lose the automatic top-up and top-down feature. I had a removable glass top on my 1978 Monte Carlo. No thanks.
Edit-That site isn't easy to navigate but it looks like this is a straight-up hardtop replacement. The convertible top is unchanged.
