DFC69

Do not operate the top in too cold of weather, especially with the plastic window, it becomes brittle in extreme cold. Also, the operation is slower (hydraulic fluid) and can put a strain on other components. Following the manual should be sufficient, but (due to a bad experience with a miata) I do not operate the top under 35 deg C. Regarding the top itself: The factory top for US MY 99-01 has a plastic window and is NOT replaceable with a factory US MY 02+ top and glass window. There are aftermarket tops that have a glass window for 99-01 cars, and yes, the window is significantly smaller (GAHH tops). The plastic window can be replaced on its own, it is a difficult and complex process, and not always successful (I do not recommend it, long story...). There are some trim shops that will sew in a plastic window. Porsche also now makes a factory top with a pre sewn in window (due to the difficulty of the window install - there is a bulletin on this). There are aftermarket tops including windows available. It really depends on what you want, are willing to accept, and want to spend... I have just gone through a long and difficult process getting a top replaced. In essence, dealer tried three times to install a new window in a new top - failed each time, then, without permission, sent the car out to have the window sewn in by a trim shop. I was not happy with the result, esp. since I paid for an OEM top and window ($$$), and there was other damage to my car. I finally had them (at their cost) replace the top with the factory top with sewn in window option and am very happy. I will now be selling the first top/sewn in window to cover the "other" damage the dealer did to my car... This link has pictures of the stitching so you can get an idea. http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/show...ad.php?t=455129

Ken, thats great to get the official word from PCNA, hope the rest of the process goes smoothly. Let us know how it all works out. As far as the '09, I am not to that point in my life yet (3 y/o daughter, trying to move my career along, ...), but if I ever sell my 996, it will be for another 911. -Don

Ken - sounds good so far, give us an update when you get the car back. Already thinking about an '09, uh oh... :D

Ken, that's great news on the motor, it could have been much worse. Also glad that things worked out at the dealer, personally, I will never go back... Did Mark mention how/why they were able to get the motor covered at n/c?

Ken, best of luck in this bad situation. I am surprised that Mark is considering the engine a total loss if Kern hasn't looked at it yet. Kern knows his stuff from what I have heard from a few trusted individuals, so he should be able to give a fair assesment. Again, be extremely careful with Mark, I would verbally explain how the car was maintained (change own oil every x miles, etc), and resist until necessary (or a better explanation is provided on why the records are needed) before providing written records. Not everyone, particularly those that perform their own service, maintain receipts - and who is to say it can be proved or disproved. My fear would be providing the last receipt for an oil filter, then Lavery turning around and saying that you have only changed your oil once so it's your fault for not maintaining the vehicle. Sorry to be so cynical, but very bad experiences there. Also, if they call the motor a complete loss, does this mean that you would not get a core refund? Absolutely contact and request help from PCNA. Arm yourself with answers, and get good explanations as to options. As for Sunset, they are my number one choice when buying parts, great guys.

I actually did this over the weekend - well, sort of... I am still waiting for the switch (I used the footwell light switch) to arrive, but I completed everything else. Did a quick test and was able to cycle through all of the menu, so once the switch arrives, it should just be a matter of minutes to complete the job. This was on a 2000 996. A few tips: > The spade connector for the ground should be a bit larger than the part number called out. > Be sure to protect the dash and steering column when removing the cluster, there are quite a few "protrusions" that can damage the leather. > Be extra careful if your interior is Savanna Beige, if you breathe on it wrong - it scratches (particularly the hazard trim). > As far as the step that rotates and flips the pod onto the dash, it's just as easy to remove the pod entirely, once the three plugs are removed from the cluster, the only remaining wires are the hazard socket which slides out easily. > Recommend doing a search here to find out how to remove the hazard switch if you have not done it before. This is a good start, read down to post 5. http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?s...5&hl=hazard

Kern at Lavery is a very good and well respected tech, that's probably who will need to look at your car. That said, be very cautious with Fred Lavery - particularly the service manager Mark, he is a lying snake. I will never do business with Fred Lavery again based on a bad experience, that turned into multiple bad experiences involving multiple parties. I had to get PCNA involved before they would even act on my problem. Lavery sent my car out for an inexpensive, unauthorized repair that they screwed up initially - which also led to additional damage. Lavery service managers are unresponsive and dishonest, fortunately the 1 tech is good. There are several better, yet less expensive options in the area. I would sincerely advise that after this repair, you select one of the others. Good Luck.

Thanks Alex. Just take your time, and the job will go fine. I found the prep and paint to be the only real time invovled, the removal and assembly was pretty straightforward. I occasionally see the latches on ebay for $200, my cost was around $15 and a few hours of time (and a lot of satsifaction).

It is really not too bad to remove the assembly and latches, and you will have much better access to paint them. I'd say it took me about 30 minutes the first time, including taking all of the pics in the post. Only downside is the loss of the little pics on the ends of the latches, which to me, really didn't matter. Good Luck.