top mechanism and working in tight spaces???

[doug_d (Cameron Park, CA)]

howdy,

'98 boxster...when closing the top, one side was lagging the other by an inch or two. i found that the ball (nut with a ball on the end) that connects to the red socket fell out.

it's such a tight space, i'm having a terrible time trying to get the nut started. I believe everything else is working properly and adjusted fine, so i don't want to take anything unnecessary apart.

any suggestions on how to get the nut started? the ball/nut goes back by the white arrow. any chance that i'll have better access if i remove the 3 big bolts marked 1,2+3?

thanks, doug

[doug_d (Cameron Park, CA)]

well, i decided that i had to take the top off to get my fingers in there, only to find that it isn't even threaded. there's a nut on the other side holding it. luckily, the nut was sitting just below. so, i've got the ball-piece back in place. now, the top is sitting on the floor of my garage.

next question.... i need at least a new plastic window, if not a new top. how much more work is it to remove the top from the frame? and more importantly, how difficult is it to fit a new top (or refit the existing top) if i replace only the window?

anything else i should check while i've got it apart? the spin-locks are certainly easier to install without the top in place :)