993 Convertible Top problem

[SoCal Wolfgang]

Hello, this is my first post & the 2nd forum I have joined today looking for help. I own a 993 C4 Cab & have loved every year & 1/2 of it. Maybe a little too much as I have worn out my convertible top. Top down in SoCal year round is a wonderful thing.

I am hoping for some good input regarding a problem with the bolts holding the convertible top transmissions. It appears that there are 3 bolts that hold each transmission in place on both sides of the car. One of the nuts welded to the body broke off and now I have only two bolts holding one of the transmissions. I was hoping two would be enough, but the cables become unaligned due to unsturdiness & vibration.

Has anyone encountered this problem & is there an easy fix? The Porsche mechanic I am using is looking into it but hasn't come up with a solution yet.

[Rob McConnell]

Hi Wolfgang

Looks like i can help you, I have a 964 but experienced the same problem. Here is how i solved it

Your gear packs on each side of the car are held in place by three long bolts. On the inside of the body there are 3 spot welded nuts, which can break free.

I changed the way the bolts are secured. The bolts are far too long and give the gear packs the oportunity to flex.

First if you loosen the large bolt in the centre of the gear packs on each side you can operate the hood by hand. Be careful its heavy, if your hood is out of line remove these bolts altogether.

When you want to fix the nuts remove the large bolt in the middle altogether and the arms will disengage (hood lowered). Remove the 3 bolts holding the gear pack. Now what you need to do is use the 3 holes in the body. Thread them to recieve m8 or m10 whatever the next sixe up from the existing bolts. Then I had a friend make up 3 aluminium spacers, As the gear packs are held away from the body by large spacers you need to replicate this.

The ally spacers are threaded at one end to go into the existing holes that you threaded in the body. The other end of the ally is tapped to recieve the existing bolts, although masively shortened.

This system removes the length of the bolts and flex when raising and lowering the hood.

You should take this oportunity to understand how the hood works, it is very simple. I have a complete diagram and will be willing to send to you and give you further direction offline. I can send some photos also (will be away on friday in Le Mans though)

robert.mcconnell@db.com

Cheers
Rob
91 964 Cab triple balck (taste is a wonderful thing Wolfgang)
Jersey, UK

[SoCal Wolfgang]

Rob:

Thanks very much for the details. I will let you know if I need more info.

However, the mechanic was looking for an easier fix to help save me $$ Since it is only one bolt on one side, he wants to keep it simple. I appreciate your help & taking the time to answer.

Take care.

[Rob McConnell]

Hi Wolfgang

This is a pretty simple fix, just sounds complicated. I found that when I went to tighten the gear pack, one of the other welded nuts broke free. This is why I replaced all the fixings.

If you do a search on the 993 rennlist or pelican boards you will find other people have had the same problem. This fix is to go to a body shop and have the wings taken off I think. Big $$.

Cheers
Rob
91 964 cab

[Sweet993]

Has anyone encountered this problem? I was in the process of removing one of the transmissions for the convertible on my 1996 993 and noticed one bolt spinning freely. Apparently the welded nut had broken free. The transmission is held in place by three bolts and it was the upper most bolt that is now gone. I am not sure how to complete the repair. This seems to be he only thread on the topic so any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[bell]

easy fix.......buy a rivet gun which does nutserts (a rivet with a threaded center for a bolt).
drill the holes to the correct size, rivet in the nursert.....bolt roof transmission to it.....
check the transmissions for cracks in the mounting tabs as when the bolts fail it causes stress and can crack them