Installing a Cayman hard top - Porsche 986 Boxster V8 engine swap track car build 30

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[@mclarenjohnf1]

I have to agree who in their right mind wants a soft top, more so with kids. Good work again Jeff, Race car.

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

Night time, clear sky, roof down, heater on full if it’s winter. A criminally underrated convertible driving experience.

[@att0987654321]

Maybe you could go a race car inspired wrap instead of paint this time?

[@_Bram]

Great roof! You do want the panel gaps somewhat ok, otherwise you will go crazy from the wind noice on the track. Or I at least would.

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

I will definitely need to refine it a bit before paint :D

[@timdunn2387]

Or you could wear earplugs with your comms in them.

[@stuartcollins4473]

Wow!! I am so surprised on how much better it looks now with that roof.

[@glennarnold3970]

hi jeff get some sikaflex 260n for your windows they also have a bottle of black primer put this stuff on and it will stick like shyt to a blanket. Now for the lexan if you put it under a heat lamp and get it hot then srew it to the panel and let it cool it will conform to the quarter window shap then unscrew put the sealant on and screw back up being a panel beater myself i use this sealant all the time cheers from broken hill

[@ashgranger8359]

Looks so much better with the hardtop!!!

[@fredericrike5974]

Your wife's oven is your friend on those perspex side lites; make a slick form with the curve you require, lay your cut perspex on it at say 300 Fahrenheit degrees, say 145-150 degrees local- for about 45 minutes to soften it and let it lay down on the form. Take it out, let it cool and glue it on- at some point, your screw holes will start cracking out. AMHIK. On the fitment; maybe you have just discovered why so many track cars are painted bright colors.

[@mikl911]

I never knew those roof conversions existed, wow! Looks a lot better, but I'm not convinced you can leave it that way, lol.

[@Michael-gr6fv]

I agree. The imperfect gaps are going to drive Jeff mad 🤣😂

[@alman6581]

They are super expensive - about AUD $8k without freight Sometimes as low as AUD $6k - but with all the shipping, and fitment changes. You have to be sure you REALLY want to do this, OR instead buy a cheap Cayman.

[@ahg965]

Mine came fitted thankfully. But yes have seen for over 10k not delivered or fitted or painted!

[@itstroy4145]

@@alman6581I’ve seen a lot of them for only 2k USD

[@neo-filthyfrank1347]

@@ahg965 Are you guys nuts? They're 3k on ebay

[@jrlittle2]

The Cayman profile looks much better! I like the new look!

[@glensgraphix]

Been looking forward to this episode since I saw it on Instagram! It looks fantastic. Sooo much better than the convertible it was before. A lick of paint and look at it from a distance and it will be killer. Nice work.

[@EliteRock]

Surprised such a kit exists, and it's a nice bit of design, actually looks as good or better than most production Porsches!. Automotive glass is bonded with polyurethane glue, that's what I would have used, you wouldn't have had the problems with the rear quarter panels popping out.

[@ronr6450]

Looks WAY better!

[@shanehiggins3033]

Great project Jeff Looking at those small windows, I can't help but think that they would be better for air-scoops. To funnel fresh air at the engine back there

[@lauriedooker1031]

No mrs Jeff ? Oh ! Ripped off again by you tube 🤬😢🥺😕😀👍🇦🇺❤️ ps, I’m a roof man too , hanging out of a car going down the road isn’t me . 👍🇦🇺❤️

[@jamest5149]

If you carefully heat the Lexan with a heat gun when clamped it will take the shape, 👍

[@Yosemite_Sam]

In South Australia there are convertibles everywhere but, except for this year, our weather is usually ideal for top down motoring. I have 2 sports cars with heaters for winter and air conditioning for summer and enjoy driving them roofless. I would not have an open top car for racing for many reasons. Your conversion is ideal. Good job mate.

[@SuperJacknyc]

I bought one of these tops in 2009. Was called a "Zeintop," and shipped from South Africa. Company went belly-up soon after. Installation didn't require removing the soft top.

[@lindsaydobson]

That's what I've got, from 2008. Beautiful fully finished bit of kit, very expensive. Designed purely to enhance the car, very plush compared to this. This is not a Zeintop but a later derivative (most likely the Z-Art kit) sold as a DIY kit - you have to get it painted, fit the glazing etc.

[@SuperJacknyc]

Lindsay! Seems like we're the only people on earth who remember Zeintop! 🤣

[@lindsaydobson]

@@SuperJacknyc We're showing our age Jack! 🤣 I remember both our experiences like it was yesterday, including the trouble you had getting yours off the docks. We were definitely pioneers! It's still much admired, much more so than my Cayman in fact. Bambi still looks great and is currently waiting some age-related repairs (aren't we all).

[@SuperJacknyc]

@@lindsaydobson Fortunately, we're getting better with age, just like a Porsche 😉

[@bentandre5524]

looks better than an original boxster hardtop

[@123shaunstodd]

Sikaflex is a better option it's what the OEMs use.. sorry, for gluing in your windows.. Excellent kit though and looks the proper job.!

[@wesleycardinal8869]

That looks really good. I was sitting on the edge of my seat though, when you were waving that porsche rear window around with one hand!

[@quemada100]

Hi there you two.. Crikey it makes so much difference.. Looks very sleek.. Well done again..👍

[@jimclarke1108]

Great looking hardtop Jeff, the yellow and silver car in the background looks even better from a distance, the colour looks slightly darker/deeper🤩

[@Roland_Rohrle]

That’s a good kit. I seriously considered doing this when good 986 Boxster S’ where so cheap just before Covid, as I too am not a convertible guy. So glad I coughed up the extra for a 987.2C… Really looks good on your track car Jeff. Roland

[@Peo_Sahlin]

It looks so much better now.

[@mackellmo1083]

Love the roof! really makes a big difference.

[@MagPel1]

Really transformed the car. Looks great! Much better than the rag top.

[@lindsaydobson]

Not better as such, just different. I have the original Zeintop on my 986 (which this is based on) which went out of production in late 2008. It can be tricky to live with at times and it isn't for novices, but it does look beautiful. I also have a 987 Cayman and I think the 986 plus top looks a little sleeker and more classic. Since I didn't fit my top for the purpose of weight reduction (racing), my soft top remains in situ, undisturbed.

[@vech400]

That’s cool AF! I’ve always thought they sorta look cool but sorta don’t. That top flows sweet. It’s a fair bit of work to get it to fit good but I reckon it’s well worth it

[@SteveGrin]

Nice touch on the black outline for the windows

[@mrh6577]

With the glass in, the new roof will be heavier than the cab roof you took off, but aero dynamically better. It’ll be great to see it on the track👍

[@tomthompson7400]

that kit looks great

[@alexanderchristow7829]

12:02. love the screws on the stubborn perspex..brilliant

[@chrisoo8998]

Wow what a difference that made looks good as

[@plus790]

I still have one of these Z-Art roofs but no Boxster to put it on. I was just about to install it last year--did the prep, getting ready for paint and then I found my dream 987.2 Cayman S so I sold the Boxster.

[@lindsaydobson]

Any regrets selling your Boxster? I couldn't part with mine so got the 987.2 Cayman alongside. I haven't really warmed to the Cayman, but it's a useful daily driver.

[@Fbrown911]

I have a 986 also. Are you interested in selling your Z-Art roof?

[@ScottWaring]

Man, you're awesome, great video and thanks for sharing it with us.

[@ppx4243]

Proud owner of one of the door stop diffusers here, car is looking fantastic mate, great job.

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Be careful how you use it, as it is know to cause extreme downforce ;)

[@co2588]

this is what every Boxter needs😂😂😂

[@Mark-vn7et]

Maybe now that it’s not a convertible anymore you can add something like a rollcage? Not only because of safety but it might really help with the stiffness of the car

[@markstevens6002]

thats looks so much better Jeff! where the little rear windows are, could you make some custom air ducting in perspex for the engine, probably wouldnt do much but would look cool :)

[@danijuggernaut]

Wow, Jeff man, this Hardtop is Awewsome!!! I never have seen it before. I love the Cayman and Boxster, they are modern 550´ers. The mold is stunning accurate, i would let it like it is. Filler and paint or maybe Foil with a cool design???

[@TR4Ajim]

It does look much better! I would be cool to fabricate some type of ductwork to pull the engine compartment heat out through the back window area.

[@rdza-korozja_sp.z.o.o.]

5:39 I like this look without cayman hood. This set with original boxster hood could be look really good 👍

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Nice upgrade!

[@janbauer4667]

These actually fit good if you prep them to fit. For some reason he didn't mount it with the spinlocks, as its made to be installed. Would fit alot better doing a correct prep and mounting it the correct way.

[@wikuscombrinck512]

Looks Awesome!

[@2512MaTHias]

De-Uglyfying … one of the best words I heard on KZbin… 😂 👍 Congratulations Jeff, great progress!

[@oldieman730]

wow huge difference to the look of the car.

[@johnnyresistance]

looks great, congrats!

[@ronr6450]

I gotta add, I'm a little surprised you're not planning on painting the roof. I get that it's a race car, but it wouldn't take much to hit it with a couple of coats so that it matches the rest of the car. Still...it does look much better than before.

[@turboslugfiero]

Thats looks a whole lot better👍

[@oliovlov1874]

Much better than the original hairdryer version! Quick question; Why not heat-gun heat lexan to achieve a small droop/bend for the needed shape?

[@pashakdescilly7517]

It looks like the engine bay is open to the interior. I imagine the next job will be making or installing a cover

[@vogs72]

Hoovering that tree out of the roof surround was a major weight saving!

[@masbeetleboy9169]

WOW, that looks great. Are you going to paint the roof to match the rest of the car, do a 2-tone scheme, or leave the roof raw?

[@alanpaulick7815]

Looking great.

[@rjung_ch]

Hi Jeff, will you be fitting a nice spoiler and wing on the Roxter, you know, since it's a race car? BTW, love the new roof and trunk, it really looks way better than original. Bravo! 👍💪✌

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Yep ;)

[@DavidTYork]

Great project that I have only just discovered - I have been distracted by your 911 and Alferarri projects. I am in the UK and I also don't understand the whole convertible/sunroof thing. Give me a car with a lid!

[@Torch4ya]

What an awesome kit. Caybox? Boxman?

[@RichW240]

The Cayman hardtop looks great on your Boxster! Instead of making side windows for the hardtop, I was wondering if it would be better to make scoops to duct cooler air to the engine and air-filter?

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

It already has them in the sides of the car ;)

[@apolloravindran]

I never watched the Porsche 986 videos when Jeff dropped them because in my eyes those convertibles are awful to look at, now putting a hardtop may convince me to watch the progress on this car. Looks good already

[@FanatikBuilds]

Looks much better! Hopefully the improved aerodynamics cut some time for ya! 🤞👍

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Thanks mate. We will see.

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

In the U.K. 99% of the time you see a convertible, it’ll have its roof up, even when it’s the perfect weather for it. People like the idea of them more than the actual experience.

[@stuartd9741]

Yep convertible are more a status symbol rather than functional in the UK.

[@1one3_Racing]

I'm with you, Jeff. I'm hard all the time. Don't understand why guys go soft.

[@jonasthemovie]

"doorstopdefusor" is a good password. Or metal band name.

[@dericknash6127]

I love it!

[@MR_equis]

If you want to mold the lexan, put it in the over 250 degree (f).

[@grahamr56]

It adds a nice profile to the car. But is the engine exposed inside the car behind you? That doesn't seem like a good idea, or did I miss you fitting an engine cover in there?

[@nickmassey9104]

Changes the whole look of the car .as you've got the parts away from the engine bay now how about making some air to engine bay cooling features or increasing your access

[@rongeernaert1208]

The dimensions of the polyester roof should be better, the seams differ quite a lot, but it is a nice transfer !

[@SkylarkCamperAdventures]

Don’t use silicone to stick the windows, use something like TigerSeal

[@jiwik731]

I would use the heat gun on the plastic glass once pinned in with those clips. :D

[@chrissiebeneck3294]

Any thoughts about a spoiler/wing Jeff?

[@HillSideKonnection]

Any concerns about engine heat into the cabin now? Or is there a engine cover still to go back on

[@lonerider5982]

Very cool. Also if you clean all the dirt you can save 2 kg and go even faster😂

[@rj3969]

So is the cabin totally exposed to the engine now?.. Looks amazing!!! -but I wouldn’t want to drive in an engine bay…

[@1one3_Racing]

So, Jeff? Where are you going to race with the engine firmly mounted in the cabin? Don't think that'll pass tech.

[@Wideridezzz]

Will a roll bar/cage act as a brace now that the factory top is gone?

[@jamesbuckingham8073]

Finish off the roof with a checkered flag or an Australia flag wrap

[@alman6581]

Hey NATHAN where did you get this from? Any preferred supplier?

[@robin_marriott]

I wish Porsche had built a 986 Cayman. I’ve just bought a 987 but the 986 is a better shape IMO

[@MicahBell_1860]

To be honest, when you revealed you bought a Boxster to build a track car, I thought you should have bought a Cayman. PS Didn't know there were Cayman hardtop kits for Boxsters. Looks great

[@lindsaydobson]

The 986 is lighter, and lighter still with this top and the soft top mechanism removed.

[@MicahBell_1860]

But the Cayman is more torsional strength, so has less twisting @lindsaydobson

[@dunniss]

Can’t you mold the Perspex with a heat gun?

[@wswan81]

Possibly....very easy to cook it though.

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

I tried it, but it didn't work.

[@wswan81]

@@HomeBuiltByJeff i think they use heated plates, similar to polywelding. Not something that DIY has available.

[@napoliarmy]

Love a mid week episode Thank you

[@guy_autordie]

I'm a roof guy too.

[@worldofrandometry6912]

I'm surprised you didn't give it a coat of paint first.

[@trapjohnson]

Engine/Cabin isolation coming up down the line? Don't wanna think about the fumigation.

[@francescotrovato4340]

Jeff perche hai attaccato i vetri senza verniciare prima la struttura?'

[@shiftsport]

Where can you find these hardtop kits?

[@alexposegil]

So who originally made this kit?

[@user-jy8mo5fi5q]

Wouldn't it be much easier obtaining a boxster hardtop to replace the rag top. Less hassle and less work.

[@N911GT2]

It would have save you so much work if you just removed the roof from the start.

[@andymills5963]

Why don't you add air ducks for the filters where the rear windows are?

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Because it already has side scoops ;)

[@andymills5963]

@@HomeBuiltByJeff Porsche must have missed that on the gt4rs 🤣

[@TECsta76]

This video confirmed that i'm a nut and bolt restoration guy really... I mean think about all the dust and faults that could be lerking inside these things?

[@TECsta76]

PS HAS to be white with stripes!!!!!!!!

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

If you have watched any of my videos, you will know I will never paint a car white ;)

[@TECsta76]

@@HomeBuiltByJeffLol I've watched quite a few of your videos throughout the years, and still believe White with racing stripes (say Martini) would complement this project Big Time!! or how about light blue then??

[@richardculbertson8027]

Who makes the conversation hardtop

[@moglie360]

I said “it doesn’t matter it’s a race car” when I did my brakes, did not turn out so well 💀

[@1859ddd]

Are the $3000 fastback hardtops on ebay worth gambling on if its going to be a track car? I cant find a reliable source to buy a fastback kit for a boxster anywhere else. Anyone have a source?

[@scblue01]

Spoiler Alert! Caymans have a discrete little spoiler right out on the back of the boot lid. Guess it's there to reduce the lift created courtesy of a curved back, Audi did something similar with the first TTs, and that was after some journos managed to crash a few at high speed. I'm sure you can come up with something with function plus a bit of unique form.

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Still has the Boxster pop up spoiler just like the Cayman ;)

[@scblue01]

Of course, silly me. BTW, the hardtop makes the Roxster look way better.

[@michaelholland3757]

Where do I get one, besides ebay?

[@mawe42]

Open between the engine bay passager compartment? Seems smelly and dangerous...

[@rogerreynolds1719]

Where can I get one?

[@roccolombardi7809]

Hey, is that a race car?

[@timdunn2387]

Is it just me, or were we missing something special at the end of this post. (Hint: Has a strong Kiwi exxunt).

[@prakashdayanandan3176]

are you aussie?