It's top down time, so a friend helped me pull off the hardtop this past weekend. It had been installed exactly in accordance with the instructional booklet with proper torque, etc. We lifted off the top very carefully, but once it was removed, I saw that it had rubbed through the paint on the car in a couple spots at the right and left rear, with the right side much more apparent than the left. I've touched it up with a touch up kit, but being pretty **** about things, I also took it in for an estimate to get it repaired right. $637.00 to repaint the panel!!! If and when I ever put the damned hardtop back on, I will certainly do some double checking on clearances and perhaps make a few mods before it goes on. GEEZ!!!

 

I feel for you! I purchased a hard top last fall for my 05 S and was ultra-paranoid about this happening. I scoured every forum I could for instructions and tips. I just removed it last week and not a scratch (not rubbing it in.) During the installation, after a couple turns of the bolts, I looked under the entire back of the top with a flashlight to make sure the metal strip between the rubber and glass wasn't touching the car. I was able to find a happy medium of the top not squeaking due to looseness and a nice buffer of space between the top and the car. There's a post here somewhere that's very detailed, even showing a micrometer at both sides. I'll try to find and post the link. Good luck with the touch up.

 

Here's the incredibly detailed link I used for my 996 retrofit to 997. The rear measurements are on page 3:

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...t-a-997-a.html

 

Sorry.

 

that sucks.

i've read of others who had similar problems with the hardtop.

perhaps wrong latch ?

 

That sucks, JB.

Useful link; hopefully it will help someone avoid this problem.

 

another reason not to have a hardtop

i dont care for it, living in california.

 

THANK YOU!!!

I'll be sure to "measure twice and saw once" before I put it on the next time - if there IS a "next" time.

 

hey jb, do you have a pic of your car with the top on? and what color is your interior, beige or nat brown, and a pic of the interior as well, love the macbrn, obviously...