Cab top frame removal questions

[SCWDP911]

I have a friend from the board here who is selling me his nice cabriolet top. It will come with frame and all (I am giving him my old frame as part of the deal). My question is this: I have found a few threads about cab top replacement, but for some reason, I am not seeing any that detail how to remove and install the whole frame assy. Can someone point me in the right direction? Maybe I am not searching the right words.

Trying to get this task done this weekend if possible.

[group911@aol.co]

3 allen head bolts on each side of the main bow. Across the back under the back window you will see 3 plugs you pull. Inside of each is an allen head bolt that releases the back bow.
You will also need to pull the side covers and release the "s" arms on each side.
I think that's it on a manual cab top.

[SCWDP911]

Thanks group! Now I need to figure out what the S arms are...

[group911@aol.co]

They are the arms that actuate the top- mostly hidden by the side panels.

[SCWDP911]

OK, thanks. I will take a look at it tomorrow. Is it straightforward as far as releasing them?

[SCWDP911]

Ha! Finally getting around to doing this project today - only a year behind. LOL

[kidrock]

a new thread with a complete write-up and some accompanying photos on your progress would be really sweet.

[SCWDP911]

working on it. trying to take lots of pics.

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by SCWDP911

working on it. trying to take lots of pics.

Well Shane, since you just did this and things are still fresh in your mind perhaps you can help me with this: I am ripping out my old and dirty carpet but I am stuck with that last piece that is attached to the firewall.




Are there screws hidden back there that would require me to mess with my top?
Did you see any while you had your frame out?

Replacing the window section of my top will be my next project, but alas the car sleeps in the driveway under a cover (a very nice on at that, got it from our host), so I can't take the car apart in one shot like I wish I could.
Looking forward to your write up!

[SCWDP911]

Gilles,

You might be able to pull the deck piece out, but not sure if you'd be able to slide it back under when reinstalling. There are no screws, but the back edge of the deck piece has a foam rubber type seal that the rear bow cinches down on. I think your best bet would be to lift that rear bow and then doe the work on your carpet. Should not be bad though - all you should have to do is remove the 3 allen head cap screws holding the back bow on, and then the two 10mm nuts near the front end of the rear bow, where it meets the front bow piece. You will also have to remove your snaps/tenax fasteners from the outside of the rear window section of the canvas. Carefully lift it up, and not even all the way. Slide your rear deck carpet piece out and then back in when ready and reverse the steps.

I got my old top off and new top partially installed in an hour today before having to leave for a daddy-daughter date. Will have to work some more on it later, but I think the biggest part will be in making any adjustments to get things aligned right. Hoping it will be pretty close. The only issue I had was the very last fastener loose on the pax side S-arms. It figured the last connection point would be the one that did not come right apart. A little WD-40 (my PB blaster was missing) and it came right loose. Awesome!

[Laneco]

Oh the roll of toilet paper just cracked me up - LOL!

angela

[SCWDP911]

Angela,

I figured a seasoned 911 vet such as yourself would know how senstive the voltage regulators on these cars are to snot. You can never be too careful! Your nose starts running, no TP, next thing you know, you're stuck driving from CA to ID with a voltmeter wired into the clock or something...

[SCWDP911]

Arrrggggghhhhh! Looks like I need to buy the Porsche Special Tool, Cabriolet Top Stretcher. Can't find the part number though.

I have my "new" top mostly installed but alas, I cannot get it to latch at the same time the rear window is zipped up. I have tried making a few adjustments, but no help. I am afraid to try the zipper with too much force for fear of breaking it. I have the car sitting in the sun right now, but not sure if ambient temp is enough to make this warm up a warm up. I was thinking if I got it all warmed up, get the zipper zipped and the latches latched, leave it this way for a few weeks and see if maybe it will stretch a bit. Any other ideas? I cannot find my cabriolet manual that shows the adjustment points. Not sure if an adjustment point will even help.

Any other ideas?

[msterling]

Hmmm, I always zip and unzip my window with the top up and I never lower (or raise) the top with the window zipped. The cold temps could be your problem. It could be an adjustment. Maybe try loosening most fasteners a little and then try latching the top. You don't want to tweak your new acquisition.

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by Laneco

Oh the roll of toilet paper just cracked me up - LOL!

angela

Actually it is a roll of paper towels... but thanks for the giggle!

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by SCWDP911

Gilles,

You might be able to pull the deck piece out, but not sure if you'd be able to slide it back under when reinstalling. There are no screws, but the back edge of the deck piece has a foam rubber type seal that the rear bow cinches down on. I think your best bet would be to lift that rear bow and then doe the work on your carpet. Should not be bad though - all you should have to do is remove the 3 allen head cap screws holding the back bow on, and then the two 10mm nuts near the front end of the rear bow, where it meets the front bow piece. You will also have to remove your snaps/tenax fasteners from the outside of the rear window section of the canvas. Carefully lift it up, and not even all the way. Slide your rear deck carpet piece out and then back in when ready and reverse the steps.

I got my old top off and new top partially installed in an hour today before having to leave for a daddy-daughter date. Will have to work some more on it later, but I think the biggest part will be in making any adjustments to get things aligned right. Hoping it will be pretty close. The only issue I had was the very last fastener loose on the pax side S-arms. It figured the last connection point would be the one that did not come right apart. A little WD-40 (my PB blaster was missing) and it came right loose. Awesome!

Thanks Shane! I'll try this after my motorcycle ride.
I was afraid to pull too hard and damage something...

[SCWDP911]

Got the top mostly done now. Probably take me longer to write it up and post than it took to do the work completed so far.

Still have some fine details to finish, but have a few small parts that I am replacing, will have to call PP tomorrow.

I did finally get the top latched with the window zipped. I started the car and let it idle for about 15 minutes with the heat at max and that seemed to do the trick. It gave me just enough extra to get it latched without feeling like it might break something.

So here is before and after shot:

before (duh)...




after...




and finally a gratuitous back from the car wash pic...

[SCWDP911]

So, next question:

Has anyone ever replaced one of the hand holds on the front of the top (by the latching mechanism)? The "new" top I received had both of these damaged but my originals are perfect. They look to be plastic riveted in place directly on the top somehow. I originally thought they would come off as part of the front latch assy, but no...

So, looks like they will need to be drilled out to remove them cleanly. Not sure how to reattach though to make it stock. I can always attach with a small interior screw I guess.

Here is the piece I am talking about:

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by SCWDP911

So, next question:

Has anyone ever replaced one of the hand holds on the front of the top (by the latching mechanism)? The "new" top I received had both of these damaged but my originals are perfect. They look to be plastic riveted in place directly on the top somehow. I originally thought they would come off as part of the front latch assy, but no...

So, looks like they will need to be drilled out to remove them cleanly. Not sure how to reattach though to make it stock. I can always attach with a small interior screw I guess.

Here is the piece I am talking about:

I am missing that same piece n the driver side and cannot seem to find a replacement on PP or anywhere else. My next stop will be at the LA Dismantler. Unfortunately I don't know how these things are secured and there nothing in the Bentley on that subject and the Haynes s totally worthless...

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by SCWDP911

Gilles,

You might be able to pull the deck piece out, but not sure if you'd be able to slide it back under when reinstalling.

Success, I pulled (a little too) hard and that piece came out... along with some of the backing (nothing I can't fix when I reassemble).
Thanks again for the tip!