Boxster convertible frame on an 81 SC

[philipbolek]

Hello,

I posted this on the Boxster forum but figured I would also list here due to the knowledge available.

Would it be possible for a Boxster owner to give me a few dimensions:

#1 - Width of convertible frame at hinge mounting points.
#2 - Width of convertible frame at windshield.
#3 - Distance from windshield top rearward to elbow/horizontal distance.

Is it possible to put in my 81 SC that was chopped down to a Speedster, was going use a JH extra but came across a boxster frame on CL. Both would needed some modifying but if I could make a Porsche frame fit....20+ years newer then the JH frame as well.

Thanks in advance,

[SCWDP911]

Interested to see what you come up with. Good luck and please post pics of the car as well.

[Zeke]

A hot rod shop can make a custom frame faster than you can modify the windshield frame to take some kind of windshield that will fit the cowl and the head at the same time.
Or I guess you could buy two frames and kludge the 911 leading edge to the Box top.

I have one of each and they are nothing alike..... anywhere.

[philipbolek]

Thanks for the responses. I have looked at your projects Shane, thanks for the inspirations/aspirations! I have just solidified the hinge/rear latches for the clamshell and am having a plates fabricated to cover the targa bar opening stretching down to the top of the seatbelt inset. I do not know the history of the car..PO owner chopped windshield, targa bar and cut door vent window off. Car used the modified targa top attached to a brace at the rear. The brace was attached with sheetmetal scews to the interior body right below the targa bar cut. The targa top was "widened" at the front and rear to accommodate the new geometry from having the windshield cut. I am unsure how much was cut, if it was "raked" - angled more as well as what windshield was used or if it was ground down......so.....I have made a new brace that attaches at the seatbelt mounting points as well as the 3rd point on sills. No more sheetmetal screws. New plates covering the targa bar opening are going to be used to lock front of clamshell as well as mounting the convertible frame. Would like to go with a traditional accordion style convertible frame for feasibility of raising/lowering as well as clearance needed when clamshell is open. Clamshell used to open forward hinged on the front ears, now hinged on the rear and opens rearward. JH frame will work attached to the front sections of the targa top frame but will need to fab up corner, "knuckle pieces. So the summary is that I bought the car as is, unseen, undriven off of ebay two years ago. Painted, made new interior (carpeting, door panels). The speedster changes made by PO were probably pretty cool when first made but due to the low quality of material/installation used on the top......it had had seen better days. The opening of the clamshell forward was just wrong in my opinion and one thing leads to another...money is tight, some say install a real speedster windshield and top....that would cost more than I have in the car to date....so I go with what I have/can do and the great resources here. Thanks again - any suggestions, advice or comments are welcome. (I have removed all door window components as PO cut door frames and their window installation/design failed - I plan on going with lexan snap in windows)

[philipbolek]

So I bought the boxster top.....guy gave it to me for a hundred bucks, I couldnt refuse. Only thing wrong with is the rear window is gone. Zeke, you definitely are right when you say the boxster top is unlike anything I have seen. For the price I couldnt go wrong though....will probably have to use the JH top as well as the Boxster top. Just thought I would update in case anyone had any ideas.
Thanks

[philipbolek]

Zeke,

Can you take a few pictures of how the top attaches/rotates on your car. Guy I bought from had a boxster but would not show me how the top worked. I picked up the one I paid for peeked in the boxster window and loaded the top in the minivan. Odd that he wouldnt show me the top on the car in the parking lot. Anyways, any pics would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Philip

[dad911]

Here one of Wayne's Tech Articles on the boxster top: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Convertible New Top - 986 / 987
Check the other 'projects'.
Perhaps some of his pics can help you.

[Zeke]

If no one beats me to it, I will take some pics for you tomorrow. I just don't see how you're going to do this. I'm not understanding this car at all. More pics please.

[philipbolek]

Zeke,

I attached a couple of pics of the boxster top somewhat on the 911. May not be able to work as is but with some fab and other convertible frame pieces. Not sold on it either way just giving myself more options. Speaking of options, thinking about selling the car and all related items. Best offer over 13K can have car, large tool box in picture behind car and all Porsche related items.

[James Brown]

cool project

[Kevin Stewart]

I have one of the targa style speedster kits with an un chopped windshield,

anyway they can probably cut the door windows by sand blasting the edge, looks cool, how about a ferrari style top where the fab goes back on the sides but leaves the humps some what exposed, Kevin

[CabMike]

Philip,
How is the project going, any progress? The pictures with the boxter frame on the car look promising! Since the boxter top folds down under a clamshell, will you be able to do that on the 911?

Kevin has a good idea with the exposed humps, maybe a top from a Solstice or Sky would be a good starting point.

Mike

[Aron in Toronto]

Originally Posted by CabMike

Philip,
How is the project going, any progress? The pictures with the boxter frame on the car look promising! Since the boxter top folds down under a clamshell, will you be able to do that on the 911?

Kevin has a good idea with the exposed humps, maybe a top from a Solstice or Sky would be a good starting point.

Mike

For Sale
1981 911 Speedster/Roadster

[burch]

Originally Posted by Kevin Stewart

I have one of the targa style speedster kits with an un chopped windshield,

Kevin

What is a Targa style Speester kit?

[gsmith660]

This is intresting is it possible to custom fab a top to fit the frame and attach in the back ala the new speedster that Porsche just released where it is basically an umbrella top? Is this project dead since the car is up for sale?

[Kevin Stewart]

burch uses factory windshield with speedster clam

[gsmith660]

Originally Posted by Kevin Stewart

burch uses factory windshield with speedster clam

Pics please

[gsmith660]

I just looked the boxster convertible tops are dirt cheap for a nice looking top I am wondering if you cold adapt a boxster windshield frame to a 911 and mod the clamshell to accoma date the top and 993 seats since they are about 8 inches forward to allow for the top folding behind them. Anybody got any pics or skills that could give an idea of how this would fit? Shane this could be our answer to making a speedster that has some flair and I could put my wide flares on the car and really making it wild looking.

[SCWDP911]

Originally Posted by gsmith660

I just looked the boxster convertible tops are dirt cheap for a nice looking top I am wondering if you cold adapt a boxster windshield frame to a 911 and mod the clamshell to accoma date the top and 993 seats since they are about 8 inches forward to allow for the top folding behind them. Anybody got any pics or skills that could give an idea of how this would fit? Shane this could be our answer to making a speedster that has some flair and I could put my wide flares on the car and really making it wild looking.

I was wondering the same thing Gerry, about the Boxster windshield frame. Maybe someone could take some measurements to see how doable it might be.

[gsmith660]

I would like to see some pics of a boxster cab top folded I think from looking at it you will sacrifice the back seat to do this and it will not be covered under the clamshell either but it has some possibilities.