what is that thing?

[Meirschwartz]

When I put the top in the service mode, I found this piece of plastic lying around.
Part # is 98656165700.
By looking at the schematics, it looks like this part belongs to the top or the clam mechanism.
It is also stated 2 parts needed in the car. I have one.
Can somebody tell where this piece of plastic belongs to?

Thanks.

[mattatk]

The two plastic bits go on either side of the car on the metal lugs that the canopy arms connect to, I'll try & get a photo for you

[mattatk]

Looking at the left side of the car (photo taken from rear of car leaning forward into canopy space).
First photo shows the part in position behind the canopy arm & second shows the part fitted to the lug once the arm is removed.
Not sure if you can fit the piece without removing the arm (very simple, got to remove the metal clip first. Use a very thin piece of metal/flathead screwdriver to lift the metal fold over the lug & whilst pushing the clip off the lug. Hard to explain but very simple once you work it out!!)
I think the plastic piece holds the sound proofing away from the canopy operation?

[mattatk]

Sorry, had trouble adding the second shot, here it is...

[Hatzenbach]

WOW! I would have never figured that out

[Meirschwartz]

That was very helpful.
Now I have to get another one for the right side.

[One986mi]

On a different note and topic .... When putting the top/car in "service mode", using the pics posted .... do you remove both clips on each side or just the lower (or maybe just the upper)?? I have removed both (4 in total) and it really gets the hard cover out of the way but it's a real bear to get the arms to line up and go back on the studs. Any advice would surely be helpful to this new (2004) 986 owner.

[One986mi]

Ok .... maybe I have the "service mode" all wrong. Can someone tell me if I should be detaching the hard cover supports or not when accessing the top of the engine on a 2004 Boxster S?