help! Hardtop won't lock in back

[bavarian]

I am trying my new hardtop on my '04 C4S cab, and the front is latched in position at the windshield, but the back won't catch when I turn the allen key handle. I've tried leaning on it while latching but it clicks without catching inside. is there a trick, or am I doing something wrong? I saw a TSB which mentioned newer locks for a retrofit, but I wonder if there is a way to adjust the older style locks (my top was used) to make them work.

Thanks for any help, especially Don, Loren or TP.

Edited December 7, 2004 by bavarian

[Jameslovesporsches]

Hey Bavarian,

I have a 98 Boxster with the optional hardtop, and though I'm not sure, the mechanism for attachment should kinda be the same. In my Boxster, you line up the front two hooks first above the windshield. The trick I use to get the rear spinlocks to line up is when the two hooks are in their windshield sockets, I shove the hardtop from the rear both left and right to "better seat" the hooks in the windshield sockets. Then, the rear spinlocks line up perfectly! When I just have the two hooks seated in there, I couldn't get the spinlocks to line up in the back either! Try this out, it should work. By the way, for my car at least, you're supposed to lock down the rear first and then attach the latch at the front. Make sure your key is not in the igniton when you do anything hardtop related. You don't want any broken pieces. Good luck.

James

[bavarian]

This is getting more interesting. It appears that my convertible does not have the fittings which receive the lock from the hardtop. According to my dealer, if the car was not delivered with a hardtop since MY '04 there is no receiving mechanism installed! Aside from the cost (about 150.00 each, plus new locks for the hardtop as it is older than '02 @ 100.00 each!) I am concerned about how complex the installation will be, partly because the left side connects to the heated rear window. Am I the first to discover this problem with new convertibles?

Edited December 7, 2004 by bavarian

[Loren]

This is getting more interesting. It appears that my convertible does not have the fittings which receive the lock from the hardtop. According to my dealer, if the car was not delivered with a hardtop since MY '04 there is no receiving mechanism installed! Aside from the cost (about 150.00 each) I am concerned about how complex the installation will be, partly because the left side connects to the heated rear window. Am I the first to discover this problem with new convertibles?

Have a look at TSB 1/02 6117 Modified Rear Hardtop Locks (dated 10-11-02). This TSB shows how to replace them so it should give you an idea as to what would be needed to install them.

[bavarian]

Thanks Loren, that's the TSB where I found the parts numbers. How hard is it to get the covers off the softtop housing and install all the hardware etc.?

[Loren]

Sent you a PM...