Update- 996 hardtop retrofit for 997

[dphatch]

Update to my earlier 996 hardtop retrofit to a 997 C4S- Top fits perfectly. Total cost of parts was $ 250, not including the top itself. Job took all of 30 minutes to complete and on a difficulty scale of 1 to 10

I'd rate it a 1. Once that parts came in putting them on the car is pretty straight forward. Pic below show key fitting areas. Top fits snuggly and all mounting points matched up perfectly without any adjustments to the latch points. Top was purchased off ebay and was made in 2003.

[rdmiller4me]

What were the parts necessary?

[dphatch]

What were the parts necessary?

All that's required are the mounts that bolt on to the car that receive the locks on the top. Mounts are specific to the locking pins on the car but for the '00 to '04 tops the parts numbers were 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. Mounts are left - right specific with the left mount having the electrical connection for the rear defroster included. Electrical hookup is plug and play as the 997 includes the harness for the defroster connection.

Edited September 18, 2008 by dphatch

[SVTHorsnake]

are 997 cabs not offered with a hardtop?

[rdmiller4me]

What were the parts necessary?

All that's required are the mounts that bolt on to the car that receive the locks on the top. Mounts are specific to the locking pins on the car but for the '00 to '04 tops the parts numbers were 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. Mounts are left - right specific with the left mount having the electrical connection for the rear defroster included. Electrical hookup is plug and play as the 997 includes the harness for the defroster connection.

How do you determine what year the 996 top is? Is there a specific number designation for a 1999 top? A 2000-2004 top? And a 2005 (996) top?

[Loren]

What were the parts necessary?

All that's required are the mounts that bolt on to the car that receive the locks on the top. Mounts are specific to the locking pins on the car but for the '00 to '04 tops the parts numbers were 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. Mounts are left - right specific with the left mount having the electrical connection for the rear defroster included. Electrical hookup is plug and play as the 997 includes the harness for the defroster connection.

How do you determine what year the 996 top is? Is there a specific number designation for a 1999 top? A 2000-2004 top? And a 2005 (996) top?

The tops are all the same part number. The early cars need to have the mounts updated.

[keninirvine]

are 997 cabs not offered with a hardtop?

The 997 Cabs are offered with hardtops, but very few are ordered with them. The 996 cabs all came with hardtops, but few owners used them and eventually sold them, or left them at the dealers who also sold them (very cheaply in some cases). I've seen many for sale in the $400 to $800 range.

[rdmiller4me]

What were the parts necessary?

All that's required are the mounts that bolt on to the car that receive the locks on the top. Mounts are specific to the locking pins on the car but for the '00 to '04 tops the parts numbers were 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. Mounts are left - right specific with the left mount having the electrical connection for the rear defroster included. Electrical hookup is plug and play as the 997 includes the harness for the defroster connection.

Do you have photos of the parts inserted into the vehicle?

[dphatch]

What were the parts necessary?

All that's required are the mounts that bolt on to the car that receive the locks on the top. Mounts are specific to the locking pins on the car but for the '00 to '04 tops the parts numbers were 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. Mounts are left - right specific with the left mount having the electrical connection for the rear defroster included. Electrical hookup is plug and play as the 997 includes the harness for the defroster connection.

Do you have photos of the parts inserted into the vehicle?

I don't have pics of the mounts but if you look in the 996 PET for the hardtop they show all the parts including the mounts .

[rdmiller4me]

What were the parts necessary?

All that's required are the mounts that bolt on to the car that receive the locks on the top. Mounts are specific to the locking pins on the car but for the '00 to '04 tops the parts numbers were 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. Mounts are left - right specific with the left mount having the electrical connection for the rear defroster included. Electrical hookup is plug and play as the 997 includes the harness for the defroster connection.

Do you have photos of the parts inserted into the vehicle?

I don't have pics of the mounts but if you look in the 996 PET for the hardtop they show all the parts including the mounts .

First, thank you so much for all your help and time. As I want to make sure I purchase the correct items, I wanted to confirm the parts you listed. 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. The dealer said they were the wrong part as I needed the 997 numbers. I figured they wanted me to purchase the 997 parts so I would have to buy a $5,000 997 top.

Second, the 996 parts will fit into my 2006 997?

Third, the dealer was quoting me $225 per part. I believe you said you purchased them for $125 each. Where did you buy the parts?

Thanks in advance,

Randy

[dphatch]

What were the parts necessary?

All that's required are the mounts that bolt on to the car that receive the locks on the top. Mounts are specific to the locking pins on the car but for the '00 to '04 tops the parts numbers were 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. Mounts are left - right specific with the left mount having the electrical connection for the rear defroster included. Electrical hookup is plug and play as the 997 includes the harness for the defroster connection.

Do you have photos of the parts inserted into the vehicle?

I don't have pics of the mounts but if you look in the 996 PET for the hardtop they show all the parts including the mounts .

First, thank you so much for all your help and time. As I want to make sure I purchase the correct items, I wanted to confirm the parts you listed. 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. The dealer said they were the wrong part as I needed the 997 numbers. I figured they wanted me to purchase the 997 parts so I would have to buy a $5,000 997 top.

Second, the 996 parts will fit into my 2006 997?

Third, the dealer was quoting me $225 per part. I believe you said you purchased them for $125 each. Where did you buy the parts?

Thanks in advance,

Randy

With all due respect to your dealers parts guy, if all he/she is doing is looking at the 997 PET they are going to see the 997 part numbers which end in .04 which will not work with the locking pins on the older 996 tops. I did a good deal of research on it and even the Sunset guys weren't sure if it would work when I ordered the parts. The part numbers I listed and you show in your post, which end in .03, are the part numbers I installed in my 2007 C4S Cab for a top from a 2003 996 Cab. I purchased them from Sunset Imports (think I originally said in one of my earlier posts Suncoast, my bad) ) for $ 122 and change each. (shipping was extra)

So long as the locking pins on the top are not the new threaded type ( looks like the threads on a bolt or screw) which would have had to be retro fit to a 996 top, than these are the part numbers you need if you are using an older 996 top. These locks have two pins sticking out from the sides of the end of the locking shaft which force themselves into the spring loaded mount. Should have taken pics of the install but it is simply a matter of removing the trim piece that covers the roll bars, removing the two black plastic spacers on either side and using the bolts that held in the spacer, plus one you'll need to supply, to bolt in the mounts which are marked left and right. It is not a complicated install. I'm sure I got that info from this site in the TSB section but I could walk you through it or take a picture or two to help you get started. PM me if you go ahead with project.

[rdmiller4me]

What were the parts necessary?

All that's required are the mounts that bolt on to the car that receive the locks on the top. Mounts are specific to the locking pins on the car but for the '00 to '04 tops the parts numbers were 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. Mounts are left - right specific with the left mount having the electrical connection for the rear defroster included. Electrical hookup is plug and play as the 997 includes the harness for the defroster connection.

Do you have photos of the parts inserted into the vehicle?

I don't have pics of the mounts but if you look in the 996 PET for the hardtop they show all the parts including the mounts .

First, thank you so much for all your help and time. As I want to make sure I purchase the correct items, I wanted to confirm the parts you listed. 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. The dealer said they were the wrong part as I needed the 997 numbers. I figured they wanted me to purchase the 997 parts so I would have to buy a $5,000 997 top.

Second, the 996 parts will fit into my 2006 997?

Third, the dealer was quoting me $225 per part. I believe you said you purchased them for $125 each. Where did you buy the parts?

Thanks in advance,

Randy

With all due respect to your dealers parts guy, if all he/she is doing is looking at the 997 PET they are going to see the 997 part numbers which end in .04 which will not work with the locking pins on the older 996 tops. I did a good deal of research on it and even the Sunset guys weren't sure if it would work when I ordered the parts. The part numbers I listed and you show in your post, which end in .03, are the part numbers I installed in my 2007 C4S Cab for a top from a 2003 996 Cab. I purchased them from Sunset Imports (think I originally said in one of my earlier posts Suncoast, my bad) ) for $ 122 and change each. (shipping was extra)

So long as the locking pins on the top are not the new threaded type ( looks like the threads on a bolt or screw) which would have had to be retro fit to a 996 top, than these are the part numbers you need if you are using an older 996 top. These locks have two pins sticking out from the sides of the end of the locking shaft which force themselves into the spring loaded mount. Should have taken pics of the install but it is simply a matter of removing the trim piece that covers the roll bars, removing the two black plastic spacers on either side and using the bolts that held in the spacer, plus one you'll need to supply, to bolt in the mounts which are marked left and right. It is not a complicated install. I'm sure I got that info from this site in the TSB section but I could walk you through it or take a picture or two to help you get started. PM me if you go ahead with project.

What is the process of removing the panel that covers the roll bars. Does it pry off or are there screw that hold it in place?

[dphatch]

What were the parts necessary?

All that's required are the mounts that bolt on to the car that receive the locks on the top. Mounts are specific to the locking pins on the car but for the '00 to '04 tops the parts numbers were 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. Mounts are left - right specific with the left mount having the electrical connection for the rear defroster included. Electrical hookup is plug and play as the 997 includes the harness for the defroster connection.

Do you have photos of the parts inserted into the vehicle?

I don't have pics of the mounts but if you look in the 996 PET for the hardtop they show all the parts including the mounts .

First, thank you so much for all your help and time. As I want to make sure I purchase the correct items, I wanted to confirm the parts you listed. 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. The dealer said they were the wrong part as I needed the 997 numbers. I figured they wanted me to purchase the 997 parts so I would have to buy a $5,000 997 top.

Second, the 996 parts will fit into my 2006 997?

Third, the dealer was quoting me $225 per part. I believe you said you purchased them for $125 each. Where did you buy the parts?

Thanks in advance,

Randy

With all due respect to your dealers parts guy, if all he/she is doing is looking at the 997 PET they are going to see the 997 part numbers which end in .04 which will not work with the locking pins on the older 996 tops. I did a good deal of research on it and even the Sunset guys weren't sure if it would work when I ordered the parts. The part numbers I listed and you show in your post, which end in .03, are the part numbers I installed in my 2007 C4S Cab for a top from a 2003 996 Cab. I purchased them from Sunset Imports (think I originally said in one of my earlier posts Suncoast, my bad) ) for $ 122 and change each. (shipping was extra)

So long as the locking pins on the top are not the new threaded type ( looks like the threads on a bolt or screw) which would have had to be retro fit to a 996 top, than these are the part numbers you need if you are using an older 996 top. These locks have two pins sticking out from the sides of the end of the locking shaft which force themselves into the spring loaded mount. Should have taken pics of the install but it is simply a matter of removing the trim piece that covers the roll bars, removing the two black plastic spacers on either side and using the bolts that held in the spacer, plus one you'll need to supply, to bolt in the mounts which are marked left and right. It is not a complicated install. I'm sure I got that info from this site in the TSB section but I could walk you through it or take a picture or two to help you get started. PM me if you go ahead with project.

What is the process of removing the panel that covers the roll bars. Does it pry off or are there screw that hold it in place?

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. IF you're a contributing member go to the TSB lisdting and search for hard top. There are a couple of TSB's for changing the mounts that will give you some pictures , worth a thousand words, that will make my written instructions easier to follow.The proceedure for removal of the cover is as follows:

1. Place the convertable top in the service position ( almost closed with the rear top cover still in the open position as high as you can get it.

2. Disconect the two tension cables on either side of the top. They are located very near the back of the top storage location low down on the outer panels near the top hinges. If you reach down in that area you'll feel them. The lower most end of the cable pops off the ball socket attachement points.

3. Lift up the back of the top and fold it over toward the front of the car. This section will rest on the top.

4. If you'll pull back the thin molded carpet section at the center near the roll bar cover you'll notice a single screw that holds down the center of the roll bar cover. Remove the screw.

5. Now pry off the top oblong covers directly over the roll bars. Work from the rearward side of the covers not the front side. There are three spring clips, left , center and right so if you work with a wide bladed screw driver start at one side, then the middle, then the other side and the covers will pop off.

6. Once the covers are off you'll see one screw under each cover on the outside edge. Remove them being carefull not to drop them in side the roll bar frame. Lot's of room to work here so that shouldn't be as issue.

7. The entire cover will lift off now and exposing the roll bars and the carrier frame rails where the mounts bolt in.

That's all there is to it. (You can remove the entire section of molded carpeting in the top storage area if you want to but I found I didn't have to as once the rolll bar cover is off you have complete access to the area where the parts bolt in. ) You'll notice once you have the cover off two plastic zig zag shaped spacers on either side of off the roll bar carrier frame. Each is held on with 3 threaded bolts despite the fact the mounting locks require four . Take one to your favorite hardware store and you should be able to match them up. You'll need one for each side. The mounts just bolt in, in place of the spacers. Note that the mounts are marked left and right. The left one ( drivers side) has a wire attached. Once installed the wire plugs in about 4-6 inches below the mount on the back side of the frame rail it is attached too. You'll may need to pull back the molded carpet to see the plug. It's a little bit a reach but do able. Plug only goes in one way so you can't mess it up. Be sure to note where the "L" shaped attachement points for the roll bar covers go as you'll need to re-attach them when you're bolting in the mounts as they hold the roll bar cover in place with the two screws you removed from either side of the cover.

Reinstalling the roll bar cover is the reverse of the removal. The cover has a channel along the front side of it to receive the trim piece that goes across the back of the car's rear bulkhead. It's easy to line up just ends to be done before you start screwing the roll bar cover back in place. THe smaller covers go in front first ( where the hard plastic positioning clips are) then push down on the backs to get them to seat in. I used the screw driver blade to apply some pressure to the springs clips to ease the covers back on. Just be carefull not to scar the fabric covering on the cover.

[andreik]

What were the parts necessary?

All that's required are the mounts that bolt on to the car that receive the locks on the top. Mounts are specific to the locking pins on the car but for the '00 to '04 tops the parts numbers were 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. Mounts are left - right specific with the left mount having the electrical connection for the rear defroster included. Electrical hookup is plug and play as the 997 includes the harness for the defroster connection.

Do you have photos of the parts inserted into the vehicle?

I don't have pics of the mounts but if you look in the 996 PET for the hardtop they show all the parts including the mounts .

First, thank you so much for all your help and time. As I want to make sure I purchase the correct items, I wanted to confirm the parts you listed. 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. The dealer said they were the wrong part as I needed the 997 numbers. I figured they wanted me to purchase the 997 parts so I would have to buy a $5,000 997 top.

Second, the 996 parts will fit into my 2006 997?

Third, the dealer was quoting me $225 per part. I believe you said you purchased them for $125 each. Where did you buy the parts?

Thanks in advance,

Randy

With all due respect to your dealers parts guy, if all he/she is doing is looking at the 997 PET they are going to see the 997 part numbers which end in .04 which will not work with the locking pins on the older 996 tops. I did a good deal of research on it and even the Sunset guys weren't sure if it would work when I ordered the parts. The part numbers I listed and you show in your post, which end in .03, are the part numbers I installed in my 2007 C4S Cab for a top from a 2003 996 Cab. I purchased them from Sunset Imports (think I originally said in one of my earlier posts Suncoast, my bad) ) for $ 122 and change each. (shipping was extra)

So long as the locking pins on the top are not the new threaded type ( looks like the threads on a bolt or screw) which would have had to be retro fit to a 996 top, than these are the part numbers you need if you are using an older 996 top. These locks have two pins sticking out from the sides of the end of the locking shaft which force themselves into the spring loaded mount. Should have taken pics of the install but it is simply a matter of removing the trim piece that covers the roll bars, removing the two black plastic spacers on either side and using the bolts that held in the spacer, plus one you'll need to supply, to bolt in the mounts which are marked left and right. It is not a complicated install. I'm sure I got that info from this site in the TSB section but I could walk you through it or take a picture or two to help you get started. PM me if you go ahead with project.

What is the process of removing the panel that covers the roll bars. Does it pry off or are there screw that hold it in place?

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. IF you're a contributing member go to the TSB lisdting and search for hard top. There are a couple of TSB's for changing the mounts that will give you some pictures , worth a thousand words, that will make my written instructions easier to follow.The proceedure for removal of the cover is as follows:

1. Place the convertable top in the service position ( almost closed with the rear top cover still in the open position as high as you can get it.

2. Disconect the two tension cables on either side of the top. They are located very near the back of the top storage location low down on the outer panels near the top hinges. If you reach down in that area you'll feel them. The lower most end of the cable pops off the ball socket attachement points.

3. Lift up the back of the top and fold it over toward the front of the car. This section will rest on the top.

4. If you'll pull back the thin molded carpet section at the center near the roll bar cover you'll notice a single screw that holds down the center of the roll bar cover. Remove the screw.

5. Now pry off the top oblong covers directly over the roll bars. Work from the rearward side of the covers not the front side. There are three spring clips, left , center and right so if you work with a wide bladed screw driver start at one side, then the middle, then the other side and the covers will pop off.

6. Once the covers are off you'll see one screw under each cover on the outside edge. Remove them being carefull not to drop them in side the roll bar frame. Lot's of room to work here so that shouldn't be as issue.

7. The entire cover will lift off now and exposing the roll bars and the carrier frame rails where the mounts bolt in.

That's all there is to it. (You can remove the entire section of molded carpeting in the top storage area if you want to but I found I didn't have to as once the rolll bar cover is off you have complete access to the area where the parts bolt in. ) You'll notice once you have the cover off two plastic zig zag shaped spacers on either side of off the roll bar carrier frame. Each is held on with 3 threaded bolts despite the fact the mounting locks require four . Take one to your favorite hardware store and you should be able to match them up. You'll need one for each side. The mounts just bolt in, in place of the spacers. Note that the mounts are marked left and right. The left one ( drivers side) has a wire attached. Once installed the wire plugs in about 4-6 inches below the mount on the back side of the frame rail it is attached too. You'll may need to pull back the molded carpet to see the plug. It's a little bit a reach but do able. Plug only goes in one way so you can't mess it up. Be sure to note where the "L" shaped attachement points for the roll bar covers go as you'll need to re-attach them when you're bolting in the mounts as they hold the roll bar cover in place with the two screws you removed from either side of the cover.

Reinstalling the roll bar cover is the reverse of the removal. The cover has a channel along the front side of it to receive the trim piece that goes across the back of the car's rear bulkhead. It's easy to line up just ends to be done before you start screwing the roll bar cover back in place. THe smaller covers go in front first ( where the hard plastic positioning clips are) then push down on the backs to get them to seat in. I used the screw driver blade to apply some pressure to the springs clips to ease the covers back on. Just be carefull not to scar the fabric covering on the cover.

Hi, I have just purchased a 996 hardtop for my 2008 997TT cab---thanks to your detailed explanations I knew it would fit. I also inquired from Sunset Imports about the mounts, and they confirmed they would be $122.5 per, plus shipping. The only other questions I have is this: both 996 and 997 owner's manuals talk about fitting 'both protective covers into the trim panel' covering the rollbar, before installing the top; these are designated with the letter J on the diagrams. Do you happen to know the part number for those, as I do not think the top came with them? Many thanks in advance.

[dphatch]

What were the parts necessary?

All that's required are the mounts that bolt on to the car that receive the locks on the top. Mounts are specific to the locking pins on the car but for the '00 to '04 tops the parts numbers were 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. Mounts are left - right specific with the left mount having the electrical connection for the rear defroster included. Electrical hookup is plug and play as the 997 includes the harness for the defroster connection.

Do you have photos of the parts inserted into the vehicle?

I don't have pics of the mounts but if you look in the 996 PET for the hardtop they show all the parts including the mounts .

First, thank you so much for all your help and time. As I want to make sure I purchase the correct items, I wanted to confirm the parts you listed. 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. The dealer said they were the wrong part as I needed the 997 numbers. I figured they wanted me to purchase the 997 parts so I would have to buy a $5,000 997 top.

Second, the 996 parts will fit into my 2006 997?

Third, the dealer was quoting me $225 per part. I believe you said you purchased them for $125 each. Where did you buy the parts?

Thanks in advance,

Randy

With all due respect to your dealers parts guy, if all he/she is doing is looking at the 997 PET they are going to see the 997 part numbers which end in .04 which will not work with the locking pins on the older 996 tops. I did a good deal of research on it and even the Sunset guys weren't sure if it would work when I ordered the parts. The part numbers I listed and you show in your post, which end in .03, are the part numbers I installed in my 2007 C4S Cab for a top from a 2003 996 Cab. I purchased them from Sunset Imports (think I originally said in one of my earlier posts Suncoast, my bad) ) for $ 122 and change each. (shipping was extra)

So long as the locking pins on the top are not the new threaded type ( looks like the threads on a bolt or screw) which would have had to be retro fit to a 996 top, than these are the part numbers you need if you are using an older 996 top. These locks have two pins sticking out from the sides of the end of the locking shaft which force themselves into the spring loaded mount. Should have taken pics of the install but it is simply a matter of removing the trim piece that covers the roll bars, removing the two black plastic spacers on either side and using the bolts that held in the spacer, plus one you'll need to supply, to bolt in the mounts which are marked left and right. It is not a complicated install. I'm sure I got that info from this site in the TSB section but I could walk you through it or take a picture or two to help you get started. PM me if you go ahead with project.

What is the process of removing the panel that covers the roll bars. Does it pry off or are there screw that hold it in place?

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. IF you're a contributing member go to the TSB lisdting and search for hard top. There are a couple of TSB's for changing the mounts that will give you some pictures , worth a thousand words, that will make my written instructions easier to follow.The proceedure for removal of the cover is as follows:

1. Place the convertable top in the service position ( almost closed with the rear top cover still in the open position as high as you can get it.

2. Disconect the two tension cables on either side of the top. They are located very near the back of the top storage location low down on the outer panels near the top hinges. If you reach down in that area you'll feel them. The lower most end of the cable pops off the ball socket attachement points.

3. Lift up the back of the top and fold it over toward the front of the car. This section will rest on the top.

4. If you'll pull back the thin molded carpet section at the center near the roll bar cover you'll notice a single screw that holds down the center of the roll bar cover. Remove the screw.

5. Now pry off the top oblong covers directly over the roll bars. Work from the rearward side of the covers not the front side. There are three spring clips, left , center and right so if you work with a wide bladed screw driver start at one side, then the middle, then the other side and the covers will pop off.

6. Once the covers are off you'll see one screw under each cover on the outside edge. Remove them being carefull not to drop them in side the roll bar frame. Lot's of room to work here so that shouldn't be as issue.

7. The entire cover will lift off now and exposing the roll bars and the carrier frame rails where the mounts bolt in.

That's all there is to it. (You can remove the entire section of molded carpeting in the top storage area if you want to but I found I didn't have to as once the rolll bar cover is off you have complete access to the area where the parts bolt in. ) You'll notice once you have the cover off two plastic zig zag shaped spacers on either side of off the roll bar carrier frame. Each is held on with 3 threaded bolts despite the fact the mounting locks require four . Take one to your favorite hardware store and you should be able to match them up. You'll need one for each side. The mounts just bolt in, in place of the spacers. Note that the mounts are marked left and right. The left one ( drivers side) has a wire attached. Once installed the wire plugs in about 4-6 inches below the mount on the back side of the frame rail it is attached too. You'll may need to pull back the molded carpet to see the plug. It's a little bit a reach but do able. Plug only goes in one way so you can't mess it up. Be sure to note where the "L" shaped attachement points for the roll bar covers go as you'll need to re-attach them when you're bolting in the mounts as they hold the roll bar cover in place with the two screws you removed from either side of the cover.

Reinstalling the roll bar cover is the reverse of the removal. The cover has a channel along the front side of it to receive the trim piece that goes across the back of the car's rear bulkhead. It's easy to line up just ends to be done before you start screwing the roll bar cover back in place. THe smaller covers go in front first ( where the hard plastic positioning clips are) then push down on the backs to get them to seat in. I used the screw driver blade to apply some pressure to the springs clips to ease the covers back on. Just be carefull not to scar the fabric covering on the cover.

Hi, I have just purchased a 996 hardtop for my 2008 997TT cab---thanks to your detailed explanations I knew it would fit. I also inquired from Sunset Imports about the mounts, and they confirmed they would be $122.5 per, plus shipping. The only other questions I have is this: both 996 and 997 owner's manuals talk about fitting 'both protective covers into the trim panel' covering the rollbar, before installing the top; these are designated with the letter J on the diagrams. Do you happen to know the part number for those, as I do not think the top came with them? Many thanks in advance.

Actually I noticed the same thing but was unable to get the parts. I believe they were designed to protect the cloth covering on the roll bar covers from being damaged if you missed the mounting hole when you put the top on. As no part of the top actually rests on the roll bar cover, these protective pieces only work when the top is being installed or removed. If you find them let me know but to date I haven't had any issues installing the top so it's not a critical issue.

Edited December 19, 2008 by dphatch

[dphatch]

What were the parts necessary?

All that's required are the mounts that bolt on to the car that receive the locks on the top. Mounts are specific to the locking pins on the car but for the '00 to '04 tops the parts numbers were 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. Mounts are left - right specific with the left mount having the electrical connection for the rear defroster included. Electrical hookup is plug and play as the 997 includes the harness for the defroster connection.

Do you have photos of the parts inserted into the vehicle?

I don't have pics of the mounts but if you look in the 996 PET for the hardtop they show all the parts including the mounts .

First, thank you so much for all your help and time. As I want to make sure I purchase the correct items, I wanted to confirm the parts you listed. 996-561-653-03 and 996-561-654-03. The dealer said they were the wrong part as I needed the 997 numbers. I figured they wanted me to purchase the 997 parts so I would have to buy a $5,000 997 top.

Second, the 996 parts will fit into my 2006 997?

Third, the dealer was quoting me $225 per part. I believe you said you purchased them for $125 each. Where did you buy the parts?

Thanks in advance,

Randy

With all due respect to your dealers parts guy, if all he/she is doing is looking at the 997 PET they are going to see the 997 part numbers which end in .04 which will not work with the locking pins on the older 996 tops. I did a good deal of research on it and even the Sunset guys weren't sure if it would work when I ordered the parts. The part numbers I listed and you show in your post, which end in .03, are the part numbers I installed in my 2007 C4S Cab for a top from a 2003 996 Cab. I purchased them from Sunset Imports (think I originally said in one of my earlier posts Suncoast, my bad) ) for $ 122 and change each. (shipping was extra)

So long as the locking pins on the top are not the new threaded type ( looks like the threads on a bolt or screw) which would have had to be retro fit to a 996 top, than these are the part numbers you need if you are using an older 996 top. These locks have two pins sticking out from the sides of the end of the locking shaft which force themselves into the spring loaded mount. Should have taken pics of the install but it is simply a matter of removing the trim piece that covers the roll bars, removing the two black plastic spacers on either side and using the bolts that held in the spacer, plus one you'll need to supply, to bolt in the mounts which are marked left and right. It is not a complicated install. I'm sure I got that info from this site in the TSB section but I could walk you through it or take a picture or two to help you get started. PM me if you go ahead with project.

What is the process of removing the panel that covers the roll bars. Does it pry off or are there screw that hold it in place?

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. IF you're a contributing member go to the TSB lisdting and search for hard top. There are a couple of TSB's for changing the mounts that will give you some pictures , worth a thousand words, that will make my written instructions easier to follow.The proceedure for removal of the cover is as follows:

1. Place the convertable top in the service position ( almost closed with the rear top cover still in the open position as high as you can get it.

2. Disconect the two tension cables on either side of the top. They are located very near the back of the top storage location low down on the outer panels near the top hinges. If you reach down in that area you'll feel them. The lower most end of the cable pops off the ball socket attachement points.

3. Lift up the back of the top and fold it over toward the front of the car. This section will rest on the top.

4. If you'll pull back the thin molded carpet section at the center near the roll bar cover you'll notice a single screw that holds down the center of the roll bar cover. Remove the screw.

5. Now pry off the top oblong covers directly over the roll bars. Work from the rearward side of the covers not the front side. There are three spring clips, left , center and right so if you work with a wide bladed screw driver start at one side, then the middle, then the other side and the covers will pop off.

6. Once the covers are off you'll see one screw under each cover on the outside edge. Remove them being carefull not to drop them in side the roll bar frame. Lot's of room to work here so that shouldn't be as issue.

7. The entire cover will lift off now and exposing the roll bars and the carrier frame rails where the mounts bolt in.

That's all there is to it. (You can remove the entire section of molded carpeting in the top storage area if you want to but I found I didn't have to as once the rolll bar cover is off you have complete access to the area where the parts bolt in. ) You'll notice once you have the cover off two plastic zig zag shaped spacers on either side of off the roll bar carrier frame. Each is held on with 3 threaded bolts despite the fact the mounting locks require four . Take one to your favorite hardware store and you should be able to match them up. You'll need one for each side. The mounts just bolt in, in place of the spacers. Note that the mounts are marked left and right. The left one ( drivers side) has a wire attached. Once installed the wire plugs in about 4-6 inches below the mount on the back side of the frame rail it is attached too. You'll may need to pull back the molded carpet to see the plug. It's a little bit a reach but do able. Plug only goes in one way so you can't mess it up. Be sure to note where the "L" shaped attachement points for the roll bar covers go as you'll need to re-attach them when you're bolting in the mounts as they hold the roll bar cover in place with the two screws you removed from either side of the cover.

Reinstalling the roll bar cover is the reverse of the removal. The cover has a channel along the front side of it to receive the trim piece that goes across the back of the car's rear bulkhead. It's easy to line up just ends to be done before you start screwing the roll bar cover back in place. THe smaller covers go in front first ( where the hard plastic positioning clips are) then push down on the backs to get them to seat in. I used the screw driver blade to apply some pressure to the springs clips to ease the covers back on. Just be carefull not to scar the fabric covering on the cover.

Hi, I have just purchased a 996 hardtop for my 2008 997TT cab---thanks to your detailed explanations I knew it would fit. I also inquired from Sunset Imports about the mounts, and they confirmed they would be $122.5 per, plus shipping. The only other questions I have is this: both 996 and 997 owner's manuals talk about fitting 'both protective covers into the trim panel' covering the rollbar, before installing the top; these are designated with the letter J on the diagrams. Do you happen to know the part number for those, as I do not think the top came with them? Many thanks in advance.

Most probable part number would be 996-563-421-01 as that's the only part on the PET that refers to protective cover and I couldn't find anything else in the diagram.

Edited December 19, 2008 by dphatch

[Cyotee01]

IMHO...I can't get past how ugly those hardtops look on the cab. I prefer the look of the coupe to the cab, but I wish someone could design a hardtop that looks better than this.

[996turbotim]

Hi Guys,

just an update to all your threads, in the uk the part numbers that were stamped on the mounting brackets for an 00-04 my were as follows, 996.561.656.01 (right Bracket) and 996.561.655.01 (left bracket), if you try and search these part numbers in the uk or abroad the pet system doesnt recognise them for some reason, after reading your threads i bought a 996 hardtop off ebay in basalt black from a 2002 car for £102, amazing eh? i then went to a renouned porsche breakers who were breaking a 2003 carrera 4 cab and obtained the mounts for £100, however i was mindfull that the part numbers mentioned previously in this thread were different and as i said before when i tried to cross reference them with porsche they didnt exhist, so i just figured i would give it a try. I fitted the brackets which took about 40 mins then travelled 100 miles to pick the hardtop up.

upon arrival the seller said to me ' didnt you read the advert, this will only fit a 996, youve had a wasted journey', i dropped the soft top and said to him lets fit the hardtop and to his amazement it fitted like a glove, he was gutted and claimed if he had of known it would fit a 997 he wouldnt have sold it with no reserve.

In total including petrol to pick up the hardtop the whole job came to £223, the biggest bargain ever, and the colour of my car is basalt black, what a result, without your thread this would not have been possible, many thanks, well worth the contribution to the forum to see the fitting instructions too. :thankyou:

[dphatch]

Hi Guys,

just an update to all your threads, in the uk the part numbers that were stamped on the mounting brackets for an 00-04 my were as follows, 996.561.656.01 (right Bracket) and 996.561.655.01 (left bracket), if you try and search these part numbers in the uk or abroad the pet system doesnt recognise them for some reason, after reading your threads i bought a 996 hardtop off ebay in basalt black from a 2002 car for £102, amazing eh? i then went to a renouned porsche breakers who were breaking a 2003 carrera 4 cab and obtained the mounts for £100, however i was mindfull that the part numbers mentioned previously in this thread were different and as i said before when i tried to cross reference them with porsche they didnt exhist, so i just figured i would give it a try. I fitted the brackets which took about 40 mins then travelled 100 miles to pick the hardtop up.

upon arrival the seller said to me ' didnt you read the advert, this will only fit a 996, youve had a wasted journey', i dropped the soft top and said to him lets fit the hardtop and to his amazement it fitted like a glove, he was gutted and claimed if he had of known it would fit a 997 he wouldnt have sold it with no reserve.

In total including petrol to pick up the hardtop the whole job came to £223, the biggest bargain ever, and the colour of my car is basalt black, what a result, without your thread this would not have been possible, many thanks, well worth the contribution to the forum to see the fitting instructions too. :thankyou:

Most curious about the part number differences as I pulled the numbers from the PET for the 996 and the Porsche dealer I got them from matched those exact part numbers. In any event sounds like it worked out for you. I was glad to be able to disprove the myth about the 996 tops not fitting the 997. When I decided to tackle it I knew I might have to put the top back on Ebay if it didn't fit but was convinced it was the same part and decided to give it shot. For Indiana winters it's a great addition to the car but

storing it during the warmer months is kind of a pain as the top was much larger than I would have guessed before it arrived.

[jimenablx]

Update to my earlier 996 hardtop retrofit to a 997 C4S- Top fits perfectly. Total cost of parts was $ 250, not including the top itself. Job took all of 30 minutes to complete and on a difficulty scale of 1 to 10

I'd rate it a 1. Once that parts came in putting them on the car is pretty straight forward. Pic below show key fitting areas. Top fits snuggly and all mounting points matched up perfectly without any adjustments to the latch points. Top was purchased off ebay and was made in 2003.

Thanks for the post I installed the hardtop brackets on my 2004 turbo and it was a 1on a scale out of 10 job. Your step by step instructions were perfect. Thanks Jim

[t32b]

Someone does. Here it is:

http://www.gtn-automotive.com/gtn/sites/start_e.html

I'd love to get one, but it's a bit pricey.

IMHO...I can't get past how ugly those hardtops look on the cab. I prefer the look of the coupe to the cab, but I wish someone could design a hardtop that looks better than this.

[tekky]

Someone does. Here it is:

http://www.gtn-automotive.com/gtn/sites/start_e.html

I'd love to get one, but it's a bit pricey.

IMHO...I can't get past how ugly those hardtops look on the cab. I prefer the look of the coupe to the cab, but I wish someone could design a hardtop that looks better than this.

how much?

[wiggy]

I read somewhere it was originally $10,000, but the price is closer to $6,000 now.

[wiggy]

I just did this last weekend and it was very easy. I took a bunch of pictures following the instructions above. I'll post them up soon.

[soulreaver12]

Hey Wiggy, can you post those pics? I'm about to try it on a 2004 Carrer4S.

Thanks