Need help with top replacement project

[RickKlem]

I'm in the process of replacing the top on my 2000 Boxster. I have read through the detailed instructions that came with the new top and I have read through the DIY that Mike Focke posted ( Good job Mike, Thanks) .

My question, The instructions say to use the 3M adhesive upholstery spray but Mike mentions to use the 3M double side emblem tape. Does it matter which I use ? Is one better than the other? To me it seems , that the spray would be less forgiving. Once it is on it is there for good. If I made a mistake with the tape I could just use another piece.

Is the tape strong enough to hold everything in place?

Thanks

Rick

[jcb986]

Most upholstery shops use the 3M Adhesive.

[RickKlem]

Both of the products that I mentioned are 3M adhesive. I need to know if I should use the double sided tape adhesive or the spray adhesive ?

Thanks

[Wayne 962]

I don't recommend the spray adhesive. We used the 3M-style double-sided adhesive when we did the top replacement for our article:

Pelican Technical Article: Convertible New Top - 986 Boxster (1997-04) - 987 Boxster (2005-08)

-Wayne

[RickKlem]

I'm in the middle of the top replacement project and it is going pretty good. I had some wrinkles on the passenger side when I glued the new top to the aluminum plate . So I removed that plate and am in the process of cleaning off the adhesive. I was able to remove it from the plate but I'm having problems getting it off the new top.

I use the double sided tape in some areas but here I used the 3M super yellow adhesive.

Any ideas on how to remove the adhesive from the top without damage?

Thanks

Rick

[RickKlem]

AND, If I cant get the adhesive off of the new top, Will it be okay to add more adhesive to both parts and then reinstall it? I know that it is recommended to clean off all old adhesive , but in this case if there is still some "cured" that cant be removed , will it be a big deal?

[cole930]

Don't have a boxster,I'm an old 930 guy, but I happen to be doing a boxster top transmission update for one of my son in laws on his 99 boxster.

I recently replaced the headliner and carpet in the 930 and used the 3M adhesive. I bought a quart can and applied it with throw away paint brushes. I found a heat gun works well for removing glued down pieces that need to be pulled up or repositioned. For cleanup and removal of the adhesive use final- clean
it is a prep cleaner for wiping down parts before paint. I have used it for years on everything for clean up and prep. You can get it at any auto supply, you'll find it referred to as final clean, final prep, oil and wax remover, surface prep. It works well on cloth, carpet, and vinyl surfaces. If the weather strip cement has dried just heat it with the heat gun and then clean it off with final clean on a rag. It will soften and lift the cement or ball it up and it will then lift off.

Cole

[RickKlem]

Cole,

Do you remember the exact name of the product or the manufactor name ? The auto paint shop has does not know of a product called "final clean" .

Thanks fro any help

[Wayne 962]

That 3M stuff is super-strong. It will sometimes tear carpet before it tears. I would probably try to scrape it off carefully with a blade.

-Wayne