Convertible Soft-Top broken and fix with pics

A couple of days ago I noticed my soft-top wasn't closing properly on the passenger side above the windows so today I thought I'd have a go at sorting it out. See here the problem where the trim along the edge isn't sitting correctly in the side tracks After having a play around with the roof half open and a few internet searches it looked like something was wrong with the left hand Cabriolet Hood Tension Rope. Apparently it seems like quite a common fault so thought I'd do a post on here incase anyone else has the same problem. One end is screwed into the pivot point of the frame behind the back left hand window and the other end is located underneath the side trim on the roof. So I started off by pulling off the rubber seal that runs along the underside of the roof and seals against the door window, then removing the front trim that runs across the full length of the front of the roof and holds the seal and canvas roof in place, also then removing the side strip that clamps over the canvas and the backing plate under the canvas. Once this was done, the canvas roof can be peeled back off the frame. After peeling the roof back and looking for where the cable fit I noticed a broken rivet sat inside the frame (you can just spot it on his photo to the right of the middle). The cable hooks on to the rivet and because it had snapped wasn't pulling the roof down at the sides as it should. Here's the little fella I don't have a rivet gun so decided to drill a 2.5mm hole through the middle and bolt it back together. Once I'd done that I found the hole it was riveted through and fitted it back in place. Then undid the cable at the bottom point to give me some slack. and hooked it back on at the top. Then put it all back together in reverse order of dismantling. Took about an hour and a half and hey presto.

Good job Have often wondered how difficult it would be to dismantle the soft top looks like it might not be to bad steve

Thanks for the step by step. I've got to do exactly the same on mine, except mine cable has snapped from the bottom end, so won't have to do the rivet repair. Did you find an optimum position to have the roof mechanism in when doing the work? Half way open or more etc? Any other hints or tips appreciated. Cheers

You might find that you need to replace the rivet to get the hook on it as the hook goes almost right round it but don't hold me to that. Optimum position for doing the work was with the roof open about half way so you have a bit of slack and plenty of room to work. The canvas is glued down in some parts but if you slowly pull it, it easily comes away. I always take loads of photos when dismantling so you have reference pics when putting it back together, also remember which screws went where. You'll need a Philips head screw driver and some Torx head bits for doing the job.

The step by step looks great as i have the same issue with my soft top, but i can't seem to see any of the photo's for guidance. Any assistance appreciated. Regards

If you're running on Chrome, you need to install this app that allows photos off photobucket to be viewed: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/...ed-fix/naolkcpnnlofnnghnmfegnfnflicjjgj?hl=en

Thanks for the response. I'm not using Google Chrome. The message I get where the photo's should be is 3rd party hosting has been temporarily disabled. I am using Apple iPad Safari so could be a software issue similar to Chrome.

Its not. Photobucket have put a block on 3rd party hosting. The chrome extension gets round it.

That Photobucket add on didn't work for me but the 'Photobucket Hotlink Fix' one did for my Chromebook although not for my ipad.

Excellent job and write up Alex . Roof just needs to be halfway open to reduce the tension for those that asked . Picture high lights below .

:thumbs: :thumbs: Cheers Iain.

What a great forum. My driverside failed the other day and I couldn't remember how to fix it. Thanks to this write up I've just sorted it in 40 minutes. :thumbs:

You are in the wrong job young man .. there is a shortage of Porsche mechanics in this country .. should you ever get tired of engineering .. you know where you can find work !!! :thumb:

Just repaired mine, thanks for the detailed description, all went well!

i'll just add that when doing this .. there is a roof pivot that can give a cracking noise which is right above your head .. As you already have the roof lining peeled back then its worth removing this pivot , greasing and refitting .. Position as per image .