Porsche 996 Hardtop install

A discussion about my 02 996 Hardtop and then onto an install/removal how to.
Skip to hardtop install 4:35
Skip to hardtop removal 7:58
music by bensound www.bensound.com

[@bobford7366]

I'm looking at buying a 911 Turbo now with your exact color specs with a hardtop so your video is very useful for me.

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Bob, thanks so much, great to hear the video was helpful. Best of luck with the purchase of the Turbo. The 996 turbo has to be one of the best bang for your dollar cars out there.

[@ilhermann]

Nice instructional vid. I think the removable top represented originally a marketing solution for those who cannot decide between Coupe and Cab. Garage is the only way to store a Cab safely, but once it is out, the option to open the roof at any time is want a Cab stands out with. The removable hard top kills this conceptually. The one of my current 02 C4 is a useless accessory in my garage from day one I had it removed from the car. I also find the silhouette of a 996 Cab - open or closed soft, so much more appealing than any 911 cabs prior 996.

[@AZdroptop]

Thanks very much. Mine is currently in my spare bed room. 😃. I like putting it on now and then to change things up, but it will sit in the rom most of the time. And I agree, the look of the 996 is beautiful.

[@robhabraken5188]

Thanks Rick, very helpfull video. Tomorrow I go check a hardtop I want to buy but had no idea how to mount it. The tool seems nog to be there but the guy told me he has regular tools which will fit. But now I know how to attach it, I feel much more comfortable. What I also like about the video, my 911(for 3 weeks only) is exactly the same color…. Regards, Rob from the Netherlands

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you so much Bob! Great to hear the video was helpful for you. Congratulations on finding a hardtop for your 911. I really like using it from now and then as it really gives the car a different look and reduces noise a bit. It can be a little bit fiddly to get it on at first, but once you get the hang of it you will do great. Have fun and enjoy the Porsche.

[@badrolkane]

The tool is behind the panel behind the back seats where you get Acess to the roof mechanism

[@koollee]

Hey man.. thank u soo much for makin this video 100 100 100!!

[@AZdroptop]

Hey brother glad it was helpful! The top install can be a little tricky the first few times you do it.

[@MiCuentadeYouT]

Great video! Thanks!!

[@alanparsonprojetapp3806]

Thanks a lot Buddy. Was looking for a video about this on the web and found yours. And I have exactly the same 996 cab, same blu color and same leather color. Just a comment.....it’s sometimes difficult for a french guy to understand the american accent ;-) Take care.

[@AZdroptop]

Glad I could help and thank you for watching!

[@talma6558]

I have the same too--same exterior and interior colors!!

[@alanparsonprojetapp3806]

@@talma6558 (One of) the most beautiful combination ;-) Where are you from?

[@talma6558]

@@alanparsonprojetapp3806 New York-where are you from?

[@wilkothewiz]

My understanding with the hardtops in Australia for 996's, They came as standard from a date period which I forget and customers at the time of purchase never wanted them physically fitted. So they got removed at the dealership and just left there and just forgotten about.

[@AZdroptop]

Wilco thanks for sharing. That’s a trip that they would just leave them at the dealer. I do imagine many people would never use them though and they are a bit of a pain to store.

[@PeterJUren]

Hi Rick, thanks for posting this video. Too bad about the damage. Some removable hardtops come with their own stand. I've always wondered how you would get the stand home if you lived some distance from where you purchased it. Cheers Peter

[@AZdroptop]

Hey Peter, my pleasure. The footage at the beginning and end are from when I went out to do some driving for you. The owner did have a stand, but I just couldn't get it home. I plan to build a wall mount once I get the top redone. I have it all apart now, 90% anyway, and plan to get it over to a shop for a quote here next week. Cheers

[@scottgraham2045]

The stand folds I believe

[@shaunny0208]

I like the way it looks with the hardtop better. Should help reduce road noise, yeah?

[@AZdroptop]

Shaun, thanks for watching...It does cut down on road noise for sure. I am looking forward to getting it repaired on on the car for the winter. Cheers

[@Jack-si2pg]

Do you know if I can pay a body shop to convert the convertible into a permanent hardtop coupe using the removable hard top? Or is it an entirely different part I would have to purchase?

[@AZdroptop]

Boy, I am pretty sure they could not use the hardtop for that. Most likely you would have to have a roof fabricated and I am sure it would be crazy expensive. I think you would be better off finding a coupe.

[@MickSoutherland]

You should make sure that the mounts are not in upside down. It would explain the gap. I had that issue.

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Mick, the gap is actually supposed to be there to prevent scratches. Mounts are from the factory so they should be good. Does your top sit flush? My buddies 99 hard too fits like mine.

[@cintra2]

I prefer the soft top, it looks strange at all with the hard top.

[@AZdroptop]

Is is a different look for sure...from some angles it looks a bit wonky, but overall it has grown on me. Probably won't use it much...

[@joelrogers7413]

997-563-551-00-01C is the part number for the latch cover......

[@Toysourboy]

What happens if you press the convertible button on accident with the hard top on?

[@AZdroptop]

I don’t believe it is possibly. There are sensors telling the car the hardtop is in. There is defrost built into the hardtop.

[@dono4598]

Thanks for the video Rick. Too bad you couldn't get the stand for storage, what do you think the weight is on the top? I haven't looked but there has to be some sort of ceiling pulley system to make it a one person job. I have a Jeep Wrangler and they make a ceiling pulley for removal/installation and storage. Again thanks for the video.

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Donnie you are welcome...I appreciate the suggestion for the video topic. Weight wise I am not 100% sure, but if I hold both sides I can pick it up and move it around with out any issues other than it being awkward. Maybe 75 lbs or so? Its funny you mention your jeep and hoist system..I had one many years ago and did make a hoist for it and it worked pretty well. I didn't do that for the Porsche yet because of the damage and when the jeep top was hanging it was kind of in the way. My garage isn't super tall. I am off right now to get the quote on upholstery. Hopefully the number isn't very big. LOL Cheers and thanks again.

[@mharper5522]

So came to your channel for the Porsche, but noticed the moots on your wall. How do you transport your bike with the 911? Just bought a cayman S and am trying to figure that out Thanks!

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Mike, I carry the bike on my Subaru Crosstrek. The 911 does have a hard top and I believe there are add on roof racks you can pick up, but I honestly haven't looked into them. Best of luck and if you think of it please let me know if you come up with anything. The Cayman is a beautiful car. We were out last Saturday in the 911 and came across 3 Cayman's out and about...Love the body lines.

[@chrisbagnatoesq.6440]

What year is ur car? Is it a 911? I’m looking at a 2002 911 with hardtop do all porsche convertibles have push button soft top? I’d rather have the ease of a soft too so if I get a car with a hard top. I’m going to take it off.

[@AZdroptop]

This is an 02 as well, C4. Yep, they all have soft tops standard and the hard top was an option. You can always sell the hard top since a lot of owners are looking to buy them.

[@user-fo2el6jm7n]

Wondering if there are any squeaks or rubs or noises when driving inside?

[@AZdroptop]

There are some...but not quite as many as the soft top. Overall it is a quieter experience.

[@pmgear]

Thanks for posting, just got my 996 in the same color as yours. Do you have electric heating of the window in the hardtop and if so, how do you connect it electrically? Also, looks like wood trim on your center console, is that aftermarket?

[@AZdroptop]

Congrats on your 996! Such a great car to just drive. The wood trim is stock, or an option from 02. As for the hardtop I believe it does have deforest, though I have not used it as of yet...hope to this winter. When you attach the top to the car one side has an electrical connection that is made and completes the circuit. Nothing to plug in or anything.

[@spinningreel]

Hi Rick, thanks so much for this video, I'm looking at buying a 1998 996 911 at the moment. I had to laugh about the mice issue, here in Australia we are having big mice and rat issues at present. You'll be amused to hear that they've been eating the engine insulation in my 2010 Volvo Xc90, but thankfully haven't touched my 2004 Porsche Cayenne or my 1989 BMW 735il! Can I ask if you had any IMS issues with your 996? Cheers Richard

[@AZdroptop]

Thanks so much for watching and best of luck with your 996. They are underrated and are a fantastic driving car. You will really enjoy it. Sorry to hear about the big mice invasion. :). Not good. They are so destruction and glad to hear they have not gotten to your other Porsche. A buddy of mine's Subaru Ascent had significant pat rat damage and they got to the air bag wire. Because of that by law they had to replace the whole wiring harness. Yikes! The car was barely a year old. I didn't have any issues with my IMS nor did the previous owners other than some notes in paperwork about replacing a seal. I ended up having it replaced at just over 100,000 miles. The bearing was still smooth, but there was no more grease and oil had penetrated into the bearing. I drove it for another 20,000 miles with the new bearing and all was well when I sold the car last year.

[@spinningreel]

Hi Rick, thanks for your reply! I also appreciate your mention of the so called "dreaded" IMS. Now knowing that rodents like Subarus I will avoid them...like the plague!

[@AZdroptop]

Ha ha. Definitely. And you are welcome.

[@michorolfo1157]

Wanna know where u bought the hardtop

[@AZdroptop]

I Michelle, it came with the car. Take a look on eBay and craigslist...they show up for sale on there quite often. Best of luck!

[@rumrnr78]

Great video. Could you provide a Part# of the latch covers in the back? I have 2000 996 with hardtop on for winter but covers are missing from previous owner. I ordered the round covers for the hole but don't know how to describe the latch cover to find the part in catalogs. Cheers!

[@AZdroptop]

I am not sure which part you are talking about exactly. Do you mean the "speaker" looking covers under the glass back there? My email: [e-mail]

[@AZdroptop]

If it is the covers you are looking for check out this link and scroll done 4 or 5 posts to see a diagram of the parts. Number 7 and 8 are what you are looking for I believe. Cheers. rennlist.com/forums/996-forum/784255-latch-cover-for-hardtop.html

[@rumrnr78]

Rick Hutton JThank you for the fast reply! I enjoy your channel! Yes, the cover that you put Allen key through- right now my latches are exposed so it looks unfinished. I am thinking of getting the hoist to hand top from ceiling- thoughts?

[@AZdroptop]

I think the hoist is a nice option for sure as in the summer I have been storing mine in my office. :) Not a great solution LOL. I considered making my own before we moved in April, but now my carport isn't quite tall enough to make it worth it. For the money the hoist seems like a nice option for sure. Hopefully the diagram will help you get what you need for your latches. Suncoast is supposed to be great customer service wise so maybe give them a call for the part number then look around. I can't seem to find that diagram on their website to get the part name sorry. Best of luck!!!

[@rumrnr78]

Rick Hutton thanks. I never thought I would like the hardtop but I really do. Plus our Golden Doodle sticks her face out the back window something she couldn’t do in the coupe I suppose.

[@En1337Rich]

how much did it cost to get the top redone?

[@AZdroptop]

$500 And a lot of time spraying out and un believable amount of mouse poop and acorns. :) He did a great job on the top.

[@_baller]

Painnnn

[@AZdroptop]

As in a Pain to install?

[@_baller]

Rick Hutton yep doesn't look like a good time

[@AZdroptop]

It isn't too bad only because I don't put it on very often. :) If it was a weekly endeavor it would be a drag for sure.

[@williamhouston4365]

I wonder how many hardtops are out there?

[@AZdroptop]

That’s a good question. My buddy has a 99 cab and he has a hardtop as well.

[@cleanasdirt6832]

A lot of $ because it says Porsche on it... aka Porsche tax! 🇨🇦

[@AZdroptop]

Ha ha. Yep the tax s real😀

[@manoyjentvusa1976]

Mercedes slk 350/lexus sc430 is a better hardtop convertible you don't have to do all of this,just saying

[@AZdroptop]

True, but they're not a 911. :)

[@manoyjentvusa1976]

@@AZdroptop exactly 911 should be a better hardtop not like this

[@manoyjentvusa1976]

It's a nice car though👍

[@AZdroptop]

Probably true...they have never done a true hard top convertible. I think this was just an option to allow a roof carrier etc. Most were taken off and stored and some were even left at the dealer. :) I put mine on this winter and have enjoyed it for the most part. A bit quieter and the look has grown on me. Prefer the soft top I think.

[@scottgraham2045]

So literally the entire first half of this video has ZERO to do with installing or removing the top. Please try to FOCUS!

[@AZdroptop]

Try fast forward. And surprise, this video wasn’t made just for. It was made for my followers who asked questions.