Convertible Top Latch

[mpikounis]

Hi, I am looking for the part number for the plastic cover of the main latch for the convertible top of a 2003 996. You can see in the 2 photos the part I need - in one of the photos I have pulled the plastic off to separate it from the latch. Without the plastic cover, the latch does not fully press the switch and the top cannot complete the close sequence.

Thanks,

Michael

[Loren]

Parts list seems to show this as all one piece?

Since I don't have a Cab to look at can you confirm?

[mpikounis]

Parts list seems to show this as all one piece?

Since I don't have a Cab to look at can you confirm?

Hi Lauren,

Thank you for your reply. I think I need part #12 in the pic. Is this sold separately?

[Loren]

996.561.787.000.1C Cap (black) -- US MSRP $19.73

[JeTexas]

Did the 1999 Cabs have this plastic cover on the hook as well? A little piece broke off the front of my hook a couple months ago, and it no longer triggers the microswitch in the windshield either. I have to push on the back of the latch with my finger as I close the top.

That would be wonderful if it was just a piece of a cover that sheared off as I was not looking forward to replacing the entire latching mechanism.

[Loren]

The part I quoted above was used on ALL 996 cabs.

[JeTexas]

I got my replacement latch cover from Sunset.

Porsche convertible top latch repair by ffacker, on Flickr

Here you can see the original broken latch cover, which I didn't even realize was there until reading this thread.

Porsche convertible top latch repair by ffacker, on Flickr

I was hoping it would just snap on somehow and be an easy replacement, but it seems I'm going to have to do quite a bit of disassembly of the latch mechanism.

Porsche convertible top latch repair by ffacker, on Flickr

My biggest question is, the bar that runs through the hole in the latch (and the latch cover) has flared ends. How does it work?

[mpikounis]

Hi! I just got the part and I am going to try and install it this weekend. Did you dismantle the latch mechanism? Was it easy? Any hints?

Edited May 13, 2011 by mpikounis

[mpikounis]

Apparently there is a Porsche TSB for this - you just cut off a small piece of the plastic replacement and glue it on the latch. No dismantling is required.

[JeTexas]

Apparently there is a Porsche TSB for this - you just cut off a small piece of the plastic replacement and glue it on the latch. No dismantling is required.

Thanks. I was dreading the disassembly.

[Charles Dailey]

I have a similar problem to this.

The plastic flange which enables the latch to shut has broken. Everything else is operable.

Can you direct me just to replace this piece of locking plastic?

Does it have a part number?

thanks

[Loren]

TSB 13/98 6119 Convertible Top Latch Cover Replacement -- dated 3-25-99

[Charles Dailey]

Awesome, any suggestions as to where I might get one of these? I have done a bit of searching and have had some difficulty locating one.

[Loren]

Awesome, any suggestions as to where I might get one of these? I have done a bit of searching and have had some difficulty locating one.

If you mean the TSB then all Contributing Members here have viewing access to all Porsche TSBs.

[denisoreilly]

Hi Guys, apologies for resurrecting this tread.

My 2000, C4, Cab roof has lost the run of its self over since last year! I took my hard top off over the weekend and tried to use the soft top, but just as it closes, and the latch engages the latch opens and repeats the cycle. I can stop it by pressing the micro switch inside the receiver with a pen.

So it seams many have had this problem so I purchased the latch cover part 996 561 787 0101C and using the TSB attempted it put it on the latch, it wouldn't fit? the replacement cover is the exact size as my latch, so the cover split putting it on!

I notice here http://www.design911.co.uk/fu/prod21302/Cabrio-Roof-Catch-Hook-Cap-Porsche-996/ there is reference to superseding part numbers, would you guys know if there are 2 parts available.

I cant see how the part I got could have fit over the steel hook???

[alabamatoy]

I love this forum for this kind of useful tech! I have same problem - hook cover has cracked, and I now have a finely crafted and carefully calibrated Popsicle stick with which I depress the limit switch when the top is closing in order to make the latch stay closed and not recycle. I have considered painting it black and adding the Porsche stenciled name, thereby dramatically increasing its value.

My question - I noticed that the latch hook is actually hitting its hole somewhat to the left of where it should, and this is probably what caused the latch cover to break. So when I replace the latch hook cover, I would like to remedy the offset position of the hook. Is there any method to adjust the hook left-to-right so that it hits the hole on target? The centering pads at each end of the leading edge of the top align the whole top correctly, but the hook itself is well off-center. Any advice would be appreciated.

[1schoir]

...

My question - I noticed that the latch hook is actually hitting its hole somewhat to the left of where it should, and this is probably what caused the latch cover to break. So when I replace the latch hook cover, I would like to remedy the offset position of the hook. Is there any method to adjust the hook left-to-right so that it hits the hole on target? The centering pads at each end of the leading edge of the top align the whole top correctly, but the hook itself is well off-center. Any advice would be appreciated.

I am not sure that the convertible top on the 996 operates the same way as a Boxster, but you might want to check this out to see if it solves your problem.

On a Boxster, the overall length of the front pushrods regulate how the leading edge of the convertible top lines up with the top horizontal frame of the windshield. You can get the leading edge to move to the left or to the right by adjusting the overall length of these front pushrods.

You could see if you can locate an equivalent mechanism on your 996 and make an equivalent adjustment.

Failing that, you could try to loosen the bolts that hold the B-pillar part of the convertible top frame to the body (on the left side) and push or pull that bracket forward slightly before re-tightening those bolts. That might give you the desired effect. Note that moving that bracket even 1 or 2 mm would have a much more pronounced result at the latch, where the top meets the receptacle.

Regards, Maurice.

[Shawnspi]

Help!!!

 

I am looking for all of Part 6, any idea where to get one?

 

Is you look at

 

The plastic piece above the latch broke.  It doesn't look like you can easily replace it.

 

 

 

[Redbaron]

On 4/14/2012 at 4:35 PM, Loren said:

If you mean the TSB then all Contributing Members here have viewing access to all Porsche TSBs.

Where can i find this TSB?  

[Loren]

TSB Lstings (only) only are here:  https://www.renntech.org/forums/partsfinder/

 

Sorry, no Porsche copyrighted materials are allowed on this site.

[Ed997]

Hi guys. My 997 cab is doing exactly the same thing. I tried pushing the microswitch with a pen and no different . The top tries to latch and unlatches and so on. I metered the microswitch and it is either open or closed, is this right ? My indie has had it and run it through a calibration and all seems ok no problems kicking up on the machine. They even swapped the control unit under 

Passenger seat,wasn't that. So still have this problem of latching and unlatching . The 997 didn't have the plastic cover and is hitting the switch ok in the windshield. Am I missing something here guys. Summers coming and I need it working!!!! ?

[Jabate]

On 4/13/2012 at 6:50 PM, Loren said:

TSB 13/98 6119 Convertible Top Latch Cover Replacement -- dated 3-25-99

how do I view this latch cover repair tsb?

[Loren]

1 minute ago, Jabate said:

how do I view this latch cover repair tsb?

TSB Lstings (only) only are here:  https://www.renntech.org/partsfinder/

 

Sorry, no Porsche copyrighted materials are allowed on this site.