Hard Tops
From Boxster Tech
Any hardtop from '97-'04 will fit any car with the same model year range. For example, a 2004 hardtop fits perfectly on a 1999 automobile.
The '97-'98 tops have "ears" - small mounting plates associated with the Rooftop Transport System (Porsche factory roof rack) that have plastic covers over them. They are located low and behind each side window - about the size of a playing card. They were left off hardtops in later years giving a cleaner look.
Hardtops intended for S model cars have "platinum" window trim around the rear window to match that on the windshield.
If a boxster wasn't shipped with a hard top, it likely will not have the mounting points, or spinlocks. These spinlocks are the rear attach points for both the hard top and the speedster humps.
Part numbers:
986-563-713-02 insert, left, qty 1
986-563-714-02 insert, right, qty 1
999-219-041-00 fit bolts, qty 2
The spinlock is a small cylinder that just drops into the tube (which probably has a plastic cap on it), and has a notch in it where the bolt goes through to hold the spinlock in. Note that there is no way you can get to the bolt with the top down:
Below is an image with the top up, showing where you have to go in with the bolt in the baggie with the allen wrench. A flashlight was used to illuminate up in there to show where it goes:
To get those bolts into the tight space, it is recommended that you use the baggie technique. You insert the bolt into the tight space while holding it tight to the tool, screw it in enough to have it safely engaged in the threads and then simply pull the bag off, ripping it away. See below:
Related Instructions: How To: Installing Hard Top Spin-Locks (ppbb.com)
Related Document: Porsche Technical Service Bulletin: Installing Spinlocks: (Adobe Acrobat)
User comment: After an agonizing couple of days trying to install the SpinLocks, I finally found the tool for the job. It's the HEX KEY PWR TBALL 5(MM) by Eklind at ACE Hardware. The tool number is 64850 with a blue (designating metric) "T" handle, 7.5" shank, 9.5" overall. A round shaft, to prevent chaffing of fascia, would be perfect!
Rear Window Defroster The Boxster hard tops come with defroster strips in the rear glass. There is a short pigtail wire in the hard top that plugs into the socket on the driver's side. The receptacle has a small door that opens after flicking the little lever forward. Its location is a seen here:
Hard Top Storage can present a challenge due to the size and geometry of the top, plus the desire to protect it from dents and scratches while in storage. Porsche sells two storage solutions:
hardtop stand p/n 000.044.000.59 about $193
hardtop wall mount p/n 000.044.000.21 about $175
And here is a novel home-made stand built from wood.
There are also winch-type systems to suspend the roof in garages with enough clearance.
An interesting alternative type of hard top is The Zeintop (aftermarket hardtop, looks somewhat like a Cayman.
