Needed for this action:
In order to access all the fastened parts, the top will need to be fully opened and occasionally just partially closed during this stage, which has the purpose of removing the top from the sides and window.
Remove all of the Phillips or Torx screws holding the front trim strip in place starting at the front of the top. By removing the side trim strips, you can see where the top is attached to the frame’s sides as well. You can locate the plastic screw mounts that the screws were in underneath them. Gently push these out with a little screwdriver while placing your hand over them to prevent them from flipping out and disappearing; replacements may be challenging to come by. More trim strips and more fasteners that need to be removed can be found when you investigate the frame’s edge all the way to the rear frame member.
Look for any additional locations that are keeping the top in place, such as the pop-riveted flap in the picture. Use a 1/8″ drill bit to remove the pop rivets by drilling out their centers. Additionally, the Cabrio has a frame strap with plastic fasteners that may be unfastened by delicately prying the two parts apart. Don’t lose these because it will be difficult to replace them.
Note the locations where the vinyl has been adhered all over, from the front to the back. Before removing the vinyl from these regions, pay close attention because the new top will be overcut and you will need to clip off extra. If it doesn’t fit exactly as you see it here, your top will wrinkle.
The top should now be free on the front and sides once you peel it off of these parts. It will now become even more obvious how thin the worn vinyl is—it resembles the skin of a dead reptile.
The following step requires some laborious removal of staples from the window frame inside and out using a small-tipped screwdriver. If at all feasible, remove the entire staple to avoid having your new installation hung up. Try grasping the remaining piece with needlenose pliers to pull the staple out if it breaks off due to rust. If you’re unable to completely remove it, make sure you tap it in or bend it so that it is flush with the window frame’s edge.
When finished, the top should slip back into place and only the trim strip will remain connected, as seen in image 5.
In This Article...
What is the mechanism of a convertible top?
The Honda S2000 roadster’s roof is comparatively typical of convertible roofs. The driver must physically latch and unlatch it from the windshield even if it is powered.
The dashboard’s single switch controls the roof. Release the latches, then press and hold the switch while it is in the open position to lower the roof. The windows will roll down before the roof begins to move if they are up. After that, the roof will automatically fold back into a space behind the seats.
The mechanism that raises and lowers the roof is propelled by a motor that rotates a gear on each side of the vehicle. A bracket with gear teeth in it serves as the gear’s engagement point (much like the mechanism used in power windows). The main roof structure is joined to this bracket. The roof is positioned as the gear spins.
The geometry of the roof structure entirely dictates how the roof moves and where each of its components is placed. A series of metal arms and brackets connected by pins form a linkage that resembles a pair of scissors. When the roof is open, the connection collapses into itself, and when the roof is closed, it expands to create the roof’s structure.
Once the roof is shut, the clips firmly lock it to the windshield and close any openings for air.
The back window of the Honda S2000 is constructed of transparent, flexible plastic, and the roof is soft. The window on the S2000’s roof actually folds to make the roof smaller. Some larger convertibles have non-folding rear glass windows. Even some convertibles have a defroster for the back window.
We’ll examine a retractable hardtop, a different type of convertible roof, in the section after this.
Could you change a convertible top on your own?
In the end, if you want to do the work yourself, keep in mind that you might still have to pay a lot for components and materials. It could be prudent to hire a professional because, aside from the convertible replacement top itself, you could easily spend $300 just to complete the task right. Additionally, most stores include a warranty in case something goes wrong. While the overall cost may be higher, the sense of openness and connection to the outside world are incomparably valuable.
Is the Boxster being phased out by Porsche?
Due to the potential for a connecting rod to crack, 190 of the coupes have been recalled in the United States. To solve the problem, some of them will get new engines.
- Due to the possibility of the connecting rod shattering, Porsche has announced a recall and halt sale for 190 of its 2021 Cayman (seen above), Boxster, and 718 Spyder models.
- Engine replacement may be necessary for the recalled models, which include the 2021 Cayman GT4, 718 Spyder, Cayman GTS 4.0, and Boxster GTS 4.0.
- 20 of these cars, according to Porsche, have already been delivered and will all get new engines.
The 2021 Cayman GT4, the 718 Spyder, the Cayman GTS 4.0, and the Boxster GTS 4.0 are among the 190 impacted vehicles. Of these, 20 were delivered to customers. According to the spokesman, all 20 of those vehicles will have their engines replaced, and the engines of the remaining vehicles, including those that have already been purchased but have not yet been delivered because of the stop sale, will be assessed to see if one has to be changed.
Porsche claims that all owners who have taken delivery of the vehicles have been informed of the recall and that it is not aware of any issues caused by the faulty connecting rod. Porsche learned of the recall on March 8, per paperwork submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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My convertible top won’t open; why?
If you get into your car one day and press the convertible switch in the console but the roof doesn’t go down, don’t be shocked. It has numerous causes and is a widespread issue. Of course, you could always try flicking the switch a couple of times to see if it helps. If you’re fortunate enough, it might just solve the issue, albeit frequently just momentarily. However, if the problem hasn’t gone away after a few tests of the swap, a bigger problem probably exists.
Remember that understanding how convertible tops function is the key to identifying the issue. The good news is that the logic underlying the functionality of all hydraulic convertible top systems is the same. The precise make and model of your car is much less important once you understand it.
Most convertible tops operate in a same manner. Let’s examine the convertible rooftop issues that come up the most often before going over the system in more depth.
- If a convertible top simply won’t go up or down when the switch is activated, a blown fuse, lift cylinder, or relay could be to blame.
- The most common reasons for a convertible top to become stuck during operation are a lift cylinder or a broken cable.
- Another frequent issue is an extremely slow-moving convertible top, which is often brought on by a faulty lift cylinder.
- Check the electric motor that controls the soft-top or hard-top roof if the previously identified problems don’t appear to be the cause.
- Ironically, there are situations when a faulty switch is the only problem.
Is there an electronic top on the Porsche Boxster?
Since its initial introduction in 1996, the Porsche Boxster has served as the industry standard for roadsters. The new MkIII has large shoes to fill, yet it immediately makes an impression thanks to its striking appearance.
The design is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, as you might expect from Porsche, but the Boxster now has a more assured sense of its own character. The body is broader, the screen has been moved forward and sloped back at a steeper angle, and the wheelbase is 60mm longer.
The car’s carved doors give it definition, and large wheels fill the arches (our example had optional 20-inch rims; the car comes with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard). From the back, where the automated spoiler seamlessly blends into the modern light clusters, it appears even more sophisticated.
The hood looks neat with the roof up, and the glass back screen is flush with the material. When a button is pressed, the fully electric roof opens in nine seconds to reveal a stunning interior that is just as upscale as the more expensive 911s. Even better, the hood can be opened or closed at up to 30 mph.
The interior envelops you as soon as you slide into the driver’s seat. High-end switchgear is present (albeit it is a bit overly dispersed), and the classic overlapping Porsche dials are positioned exactly in front of you.
Can the top of a convertible be fixed?
One of the greatest pleasures in life is driving down the road in a convertible with the top down. Driving in bad weather, however, is an unpleasant experience if your soft top has a hole in it. With a repair kit and a little know-how, you can patch a hole in your vinyl convertible top if you’ve noticed one. Here is a simple how-to for patching a vinyl convertible top hole.
Examining the damage in detail is the first step in repairing your vinyl convertible top. You should be able to fix the damage yourself with a repair patch from a Tear-Aid repair kit if the tear is shorter than 12 inches. A Tear-Aid 5-foot roll offers a longer mending option if the tear is more than 12 inches. You can start filling the hole once you’ve determined that the tear is tiny enough to be repaired with a kit.
Once you have the right vinyl convertible top repair kit, you should use rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth to clean the damaged area. After letting the alcohol dry, thoroughly clean the affected area once more using water and a lint-free towel.
You can then use the patch that comes with the repair kit after waiting for the water to completely dry. Applying the repair patch requires extreme caution to ensure that it is centered over the grip and thoroughly covers it. Apply the patch firmly to the tear once it is evenly spaced out. Both the inside and the outside of the convertible top must be used to apply it. To make it simpler, you might want to enlist help for this stage.
The repair patch’s adhesive should be strong enough to keep it in place. However, you might want to add some stitching to the patch to strengthen it for further security or if there is a very huge hole. In order to strengthen the patch before applying it, you can sew the vinyl top where the hole is.
Are Boxsters authentic Porsches?
Porsche is a German automaker that produces and sells mid-engine two-seater sports cars over the course of four generations. The Porsche Boxster and Cayman are available as two-door, two-seater roadster (Boxster) and three-door, two-seater fastbackcoupes, respectively (Cayman).
The first generation of the Boxster was released in 1996; the second generation, which included the Cayman, followed in late 2005; and the third generation, which debuted in 2012, was released. The two models have been marketed as the Porsche 718 Boxster and Porsche 718 Cayman since the fourth generation’s debut in 2016.
The plaque Boxster is a combination of the words “roadster” and “boxer,” which refers to the vehicle’s flat or boxer engine. A member of the alligator family, the nameplate Cayman is spelled differently from caiman.