Newbie Owner...Need Hardtop Removal Assist...

I am a new owner this weekend of a 1999 996 Cabriolet. Very stoked with the car which is in super nice condition. However, it has the hard top but did not come with an owners manual. I am wondering if anyone can explain the correct removal procedure. I just don't want to fly blindly into this whithout knowing the correct method!

I'm not sure but this might help.... http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...stallation.htm

The top removal is quite easy: Remove the cover on the front latch (top center of the w/s) and release the lock Find the red-handled allen wrench in your tool bag Remove the two round covers at the rear corners of the hard top Insert the allen wrench and turn counter clockwise until the dot on the lock mechanism lines up the the red dot on the same mechanism (you will see it clearly when looking down through the glass). Do the same for the other side. Once you are sure that both the rear locks are completely released and the front is also unlocked, WITH A HELPER slowly raise the rear of the top about 7-8 inches, then back the top off the vehicle Reinsert the two round covers into the holes on the soft top Reward yourself by taking a spirited drive with the top down!

Great description above. The part about "with a helper" can't be overemphasized, as the pointy inserts for the top can easily scratch your new baby. There are options that will let you remove the top by yourself. https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...ferrerid=96313 Either way, you need to figure out what you're going to do with the top once you've got it removed. One option is to rig something up with a winch or pulley system and raise it to the top of your garage. Another is to buy the available rack that holds the top. Both will require a bit of planning but not too much. Enjoy! q

I have a 99 996 cab with hard top. I fixed up a hand turned hoist to the ceiling. I think I bought it via Amazon. It works well and I can remove and install it myself. https://picasaweb.google.com/mikulmu...25GarageHoist#

Quotes source post: 9389767

#2 might also be in the center console "glove" box. 6MM Hardtop Allen wrench

Thanks for all the assistance with this. I assumed it was as simple as that, and now am more confident as I sure did not want to scratch anything... One other question. My rear attach points do not have a "cover". Is there a "trim piece" that covers this metal fitting??

There are little round caps that cover the access holes in the hardtop and on the rollbar area when the hardtop is removed. Not sure of the part number for these.

Quotes source post: 9390358

I replied in your thread on 6speedonline also, download a copy of the owner's manual and turn to p. 154 to see a pic of the pieces you're asking about. WARNING: not cheap http://www.renntech.org/forums/files...wners-manuals/ PART #7 = 996 563 554 00 LINING (Right): A10 (Black) PART #8 = 996 563 553 00 LINING (Left): A10 (Black) PART #9 = 996 555 457 00 LID (L/R): A10 (Black) check if your car also has this (also NOT CHEAP). look in p. 10 here for actual picture: http://www.gtn-automotive.com/gtn/downloads/manual.pdf PART#27: 996 563 509 00: support for lining LEFT PART#27: 996 563 510 00: support for lining RIGHT

Awesome! Thank you very much!

BTW thats a great deal even with your high milage, a cab for $13,500 you did very well in that deal. Yes those plastic trim pieces get broke along the way. I leave mine off anyway when the hard top is on. I got the round pieces which show when the rag top is down from the net somewhere. They were only cheap. under $10 and I keep those inside the center glove compartment with the large alan key during the winter months.

JBSails, beautiful car!

Thank you, Jfin! I am enjoying it after only the first week!