How to install Cabriloet Hardtop

[C2cab]

I just bought a hardtop for my 996 C2 Cabriolet that should arrive this week. It did not come with a hardtop, and I wanted to check how hard it is to install. I have read about a hardtop tool...is this required or can I use standard hex wrenches? Is it a 1 or 2 person job? Any other things I should know? I have read the TSB on hardtop noises, so if I hear them I will have to order the new mounts.

Thanks in advance.

Edited March 6, 2008 by C2cab

[mpikounis]

You don't need any special tools - standard hex wrenches will do just fine. It is a 2-person job since it's quite bulky (not heavy). I am not sure but I think there are 2 different mounts depending on the year - have you checked the hardtop is compatible with the car?

I used mine for the first year and this winter I took it to my local porsche dealer to adjust it because it was making way too much noise. The result was equally annoying so I took it off and I doubt I will ever try it again - Athens roads are just too rough for 911s with a hardtop!

[C2cab]

You don't need any special tools - standard hex wrenches will do just fine. It is a 2-person job since it's quite bulky (not heavy). I am not sure but I think there are 2 different mounts depending on the year - have you checked the hardtop is compatible with the car?

I used mine for the first year and this winter I took it to my local porsche dealer to adjust it because it was making way too much noise. The result was equally annoying so I took it off and I doubt I will ever try it again - Athens roads are just too rough for 911s with a hardtop!

Yes, I did check it and it's off of an '02 996, so it should fit a '99 996 as well. Did you have the new mounts installed after the noises? Apparently that's a common problem with the old mounts.

[mpikounis]

You don't need any special tools - standard hex wrenches will do just fine. It is a 2-person job since it's quite bulky (not heavy). I am not sure but I think there are 2 different mounts depending on the year - have you checked the hardtop is compatible with the car?

I used mine for the first year and this winter I took it to my local porsche dealer to adjust it because it was making way too much noise. The result was equally annoying so I took it off and I doubt I will ever try it again - Athens roads are just too rough for 911s with a hardtop!

Yes, I did check it and it's off of an '02 996, so it should fit a '99 996 as well. Did you have the new mounts installed after the noises? Apparently that's a common problem with the old mounts.

I am almost certain my car has the latest mounts. It's been quite some time since I checked though, and I cannot remember if there is an easy way to tell.

[Dharn55]

If your car was sold without a hardtop (i.e. with the delete option as hardtops were standard in 99, and I think standard through 02 or 03 when they became an option) you may not have the hardware in the back under the cloth covered cover, but it might be there. A 99 would have the old style hardware, which is characterized by pins running horizontally though the shaft that goes into the car at the back. The new style is more of a screw. There are TSB's here that show both styles and how the update can be done.

Edited March 6, 2008 by Dharn55

[C2cab]

If your car was sold without a hardtop (i.e. with the delete option as hardtops were standard in 99, and I think standard through 02 or 03 when they became an option) you may not have the hardware in the back under the cloth covered cover, but it might be there. A 99 would have the old style hardware, which is characterized by pins running horizontally though the shaft that goes into the car at the back. The new style is more of a screw. There are TSB's here that show both styles and how the update can be done.

Is it safe to assume that the TSB will not be covered if the vehicle is out of warranty?