Convertable Top Problem

Jtilden · 09-16-2009, 09:35 PM

Today while my wife was getting ready to head out she started to put the top down. According to her, when she hit the button she heard a snap and, before she knew it, the driver-side rail behind her was bent. After this happened, she said she was unable to get the top to stow properly. Since I am in Iraq:banghead: I told her to take it to an indy VW mechanic in town who says he services Porsche's as well. After looking at it, he told my wife that he did not want to touch it because he did not want to be liable, so he told her to have it towed to Austin, TX (about an hour away) since driving down the highway at speed would produce some really bad results. I guess he called himself being helpful and instead of leaving the bent rail intact, he decides to take it off leaving the drivers side drooping. I told my wife to take it home and I would figure out what to do. I had her take some pics so I could assess the damage. From what i can see the only damage is the bracket. I found one and ordered it right-away. So my question is this: Has this happened to anyone before? If so, what caused it? I am hoping my brother-in-law will be able to come down this weekend and install the part and fix the problem. I am going to tell my wife to leave the top up until I get back. When i do return, what should I look for as a possible cause for this happening? Thanks in advance for your help.

BTW...are there any members in the area who can lend their assistance if my B-I-L can't make the trip? A p-car guy, or gal might be able to better assess what happened.

A few Pics:

the bent bracket...that is the door seal on the right:

inside of car before the indy "helped her out"

the indy's handy work:

I ordered part # 8, is there something else that could have bent? According to my wife all else is good:

Hamptonsam · 09-17-2009, 01:32 AM

Did the B pillar break as well? On my 964, my B pillar snapped. This seams to happen on the 964's. The bracket that holds the seal on mine bent bad as well. If your B pillar cracked, finding a used one separate from the main top frame is almost impossible.

Good luck.

Jtilden · 09-17-2009, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamptonsam

Did the B pillar break as well? On my 964, my B pillar snapped. This seams to happen on the 964's. The bracket that holds the seal on mine bent bad as well. If your B pillar cracked, finding a used one separate from the main top frame is almost impossible.

Good luck.

She said nothing else seems to be bent,she felt all the way around the fabric. Would it be obvious by touch that the pillar was cracked? I will have her check again to make sure...Which one of these is the B pillar? Thanks

Jtilden · 09-17-2009, 09:48 AM

UPDATE: She got the top down with no problems. Thanks for the help

phil37 · 09-17-2009, 10:29 AM

Hi Jtilden.

I had the same issue with my 964. Only one advice before going further.
Check out that the main top bow is not broken. This is an usual problem on the convertible. If this part is broken this is less funny 'cos you need to undone all the sotf roof to replace this really expensive part.

Check also if the motors are correctly tighten on the arm and if the sensors are properly working.

Good luck

Phil

Jtilden · 09-17-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil37

Hi Jtilden.

I had the same issue with my 964. Only one advice before going further.
Check out that the main top bow is not broken. This is an usual problem on the convertible. If this part is broken this is less funny 'cos you need to undone all the sotf roof to replace this really expensive part.

Check also if the motors are correctly tighten on the arm and if the sensors are properly working.

Good luck

Phil

Thanks...if any other parts were broken would it have been evident when my wife either felt around for loose parts or put the top down manually then installed the boot?

phil37 · 09-17-2009, 10:58 AM

If this part was broken she might have had some difficulties to put the top down. Usually when this part breaks it is close from the hook.

Inspect this carrefully 'cos it's not really obvious to detect.

Phil

Jtilden · 09-20-2009, 10:14 AM

UPDATE: The top is up. My Brother_in_law found that the b-pillar is broke on the drivers side. So my wife will have to get by with the top being down until i return. I found a used b-pillar and will order it on Monday. Has anyone replaced the b-pillar or know where i can find some DIY instructions? Thanks

MURF · 10-09-2009, 08:18 AM

We've fixed 3 of these..what caused it..our 3 were defective top computers we used ecu doctor.com to repair brains....much cheaper than new..caution watch new top parts when first using!! If brain is bad..will just rebreak!! Ask me how i know!!

Jtilden · 10-09-2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MURF

We've fixed 3 of these..what caused it..our 3 were defective top computers we used ecu doctor.com to repair brains....much cheaper than new..caution watch new top parts when first using!! If brain is bad..will just rebreak!! Ask me how i know!!

Thanks!...I am going to keep it in manual mode from here on out...

nickd · 10-15-2009, 08:07 AM

Murf - I can't imagine what in the "brain" could go bad that would make pieces of the frame snap? That only happens if one of the two motors is not pulling the load. When a motor isn't working, it's pretty obvious by the groan of the one that is working and the binding of the mechanism.

MURF · 10-15-2009, 08:14 AM

Pretty obvious unless the customer is a moron!! The added draw of binding frame will unsolder cab top computer..started with broken top 2 new motors and computer had been damaged by or was cause of the failure

nickd · 10-15-2009, 08:35 AM

Ah, makes sense that the current draw could damage the computer. But I'm still curious what the computer has to do with the bits snapping? I honestly don't even know what the top computer does other than not let you raise/lower with the engine running.

RickKInSD · 10-20-2009, 10:19 AM

Years ago I had a bracket break as well. The main cause of the failure was that the transmission cables weren't in sync causing more force on one side of the top ... and ... snap.

Be sure your mechanic checks the cables when the repair is done.

Best of luck.

MURF · 10-20-2009, 10:30 AM

The computer only powers one side of top when it becomes unsoldered from excessive amperage..result:::snap

code7rpd · 11-01-2009, 10:27 AM

JTilden - where did you end up finding a used piece? I am in need of one as my driver's side is broken as well. Any help would be appreciated.

Jtilden · 11-01-2009, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by code7rpd

JTilden - where did you end up finding a used piece? I am in need of one as my driver's side is broken as well. Any help would be appreciated.

I found the part I needed here:
German Auto Dismantlers - new, rebuilt, and used Porsche parts

code7rpd · 11-01-2009, 10:32 AM

JTilden - if you are looking for a DIY on that bow check out the 964 forum on rennlist and do a search under "busted cabrio top" - there is a thread on the replacement procedure. It does not look to difficult but it is time consuming.

code7rpd · 11-01-2009, 10:40 AM

Thanks!

code7rpd · 11-01-2009, 01:28 PM

Were you able to get the part installed?