Convertible top latch house bolts broke!

[Metrochamber]

2000 boxster conv.

Anyone know how to fix the retaining bolts that hold the latch and done light assembly for the convertible latch lever? My screws won't tighten and I looked and the retaining nuts/bolts are in like 3 pieces on each hole and they are not tight together. What do I do? Can you even get to them to replace without cutting thru the metal?

Please email: blair@metrochamber.net

Thanks

Edited September 21, 2012 by Metrochamber

[wawaboxster]

I had the same problem. The hard part was wresling the small 3 pieces out of the hole with long nose plier and flat head screw driver. Once I fight for about 30 minutes and all pieces were out, my brother put some nice insert for new bolt. He use insert often at is job where they fabricate cabinet for truck and minivan. If you can have acces to those inserte its really easy to repair and very solid.

Chris

[wawaboxster]

Insert look a lots like these

http://www.directindustry.com/prod/stanley-assembly-technologies/expansion-threaded-inserts-22234-840177.html

Chris

[Metrochamber]

So how did you exactly get the old busted ones out and how did you get the new ones in???

I'd love for you to contact me if you don't mind-

901-461-7318 cell

Thanks do much. I really appreciate it. It's been a burden without any Info. The dealer suggested I take it to a body shop for cutting out and welding back in!! Didn't want to do that.

[1schoir]

Blair:

Bill Hall ("whall") recently posted this link, which is a comprehensive DIY fix for your latch bolt problem: https://f66b4128-a-6...&attredirects=0

Regards, Maurice.

[wawaboxster]

The DIY pdf is really good. That about waht we did. Like I said, the hard part is broking the old parts in small pieces and taking them out. I used screw driver and long nose plier. Then installing the insert is really easy.

good luck

Chris

[Metrochamber]

Yes. Thanks , Bill and everyone else for the help. I ended up trading the car in and getting a 2010 Boxster. But I will say this is a great help as I don't know why Porsche would have used those half cut retaining nuts anyway. 

I got by by ramming some drywall anchors in the holes and then using metric screws to tighten it back down and they worked. Good enough for me to trade it in! 

 

Thanks