Hardtop removal issue

Just tried removing the hardtop on my 2001 C4 for the first time ever and can't get the rear latches to release. Seem to turn all the way to unlock and raise up, but attempting to lift the roof off the rear latches are clearly stuck. After a quick search, I tried pushing the top toward the windshield and then lifting, also pushing down before lifting up. Windows are all down and front latch is disengaged. What am I missing?

You may need to continue to rotate the spinlocks. Sometimes if not done fully it can still catch. I had the inverse a few week ago and had it stuck to the windshield header.

How long has the hard top been in place? It sounds like the latches just are not fully unlatched. Are they the newer screw variety or the older twist and lock version? It�s possible it just needs to be fully unscrewed. I know when I have mine undone and fully unlatched I can verify it�s loose by lifting under the bottom edge of the top on the sides. Wonder if whoever put the top on last did so because the soft top was busted and the hard top was more of a permanent install. They may have put some locktite or other more serious adhesive on the latches to keep it from wiggling lose and squeaking.

I put the hardtop on myself in September. I had a post about it here: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-hard-top.html I did take it to a local Indy shop to adjust it, so possible they did something strange, but I doubt it. They are bayonet style and the rear ***** don't feel like they can be turned anymore to the unlocked position. I'm going to try a little WD40 today and then lock and unlock a few times to see if that helps.

The rear hardtop locks are a quarter turn anti-clockwise to unlock and release them. On my car, I just recently had a similar problem. To get the rear locks to release, I had to loosen the two (2) mounting plate bolts on each of the rear locks. That gave the locking mechanism enough freedom to release the top from the body. It seems to me that the mounting studs had become bound up by friction and could not release otherwise. The two (2) bolts that you have to loosen on the mounting plates have 10mm heads on them.

I loosened the 3 bolts on the mounting plate. Also tried some WD 40. Still stuck. This video is with the rear bayonets in the unlock position and the 3 bolts on the mounting plate loose. I'm filming with one hand inside while I lift with the other hand from the outside to get the video. I did try yesterday with two people. I'm several hours into this and very frustrated

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Watching the video, it appears in the video that the white dot on the bayonet it in line with the red dot (locked).

My colors are green is pulled down tight to the car (locked) and red is loose and raised up a couple inches (unlocked)

Yes, Red is the counter clockwise rotation from the green dot so that would be the unlocked position. Here are the two pages from the Hardtop manual on hardtop removal. It appears you are doing it correctly.

Seems like your only option at this point is to completely remove the three (3) bolts which hold the mounting plate to the hardtop on each side. Then loosen the hold down � spike� so you can rotate the mounting plates toward the front of the car so they are no longer holding down the hardtop. The hardtop should then be able loose enough so you can slide it to the rear and off the car. These hardtops only clamp to the body at the two rear mounts and the center latch on the windshield header. There are also two metal �tongues� which slide into the windshield header to align the hardtop in the front corners. That�s why you have to slide the hardtop to the rear an inch or two before the top can be lifted off of the body.

The hardtop is wired to a connector for the defrost, so I can't remove the plate and take the top off leaving the connector behind. I do see a pin (not sure if that's what its called) on the passenger side when I try to lift that looks like it lined up, but won't lift out. You can see it in this video through the back window. I'm not turning the tool, just lifting up from the outside and the tool turns a bit more from its resting point when lifting.

I took it to the dealer today, Porsche Main Line in Newtown Square, PA. First time there and they were awesome. Spent about an hour with it while I waited and didn't charge me. Working perfect now. Thanks to those who offered advice! Notes on paperwork read: Rear hard top locating pins are not properly aligned with the rear lower receiver. Loosen mounting pins in order to remove hardtop. Clean and lubricate mounting pins and receiving bore. Adjust rear locating pins so they lock and unlock with normal effort. Test function of hardtop release and hardtop now releases. Got to checkout some nice cars while I waited

Main line team is the best! It�s my preferred shop. They actually helped adjust my hard top to minimize squeaks and rattles a bit back. They are also a Porsche classic dealer meaning they are certified to work on all ages of Porsche. They are awesome and get some sweet rides through there. Glad you got it sorted and got introduced to the main line guys. They will always treat you right.