Porsche Boxster roof repair for top that doesn't seat properly inside the frame

Porsche Boxster soft-tops from 1997-2012 have a couple of failure points. One is when an elastic strip on each side loses its stretch. This causes the top to seat itself outside the exterior plastic guard above the windows. It should tuck in behind that guard.
This video shows the failure and a very easy fix. There's no need to take the top apart or replace it when this happens: just a bit of new elastic banding or ribbon will restore normal function.
Inexpensive elastic ribbon: amzn.to/2J51ntd
Super cheap pre-threaded needle and thread: amzn.to/2E4Gk6b
Sold this car to Scott from Ohio in April of 2018. On to the 911.
(C) Copyright 2017, all rights reserved.
Music: “Weeper,” “Tony's Belated Breakfast,” and "Soft Focus" by Birocratic (www.birocratic.com), who does some really cool stuff. The songs used in this video were licensed via Birocratic License v05.2016. For info on how you can use this music in your project, check out www.birocratic.com/license-app. To download Birocratic’s 60+ song discography, visit
birocratic.bandcamp.com.

[@martinaltham2229]

Really well presented, thanks. Showed me the way to fix my own 987 hood. I can add the following that makes the fix easier: 1) After the hood is opened use a rubber band in place with one or both of the aforementiond velcro strips and hook it around rear draught screen latch: this pulls the material of the inner hood away and makes access to the parts of interest much easier 2) With a Torx T15 bit undo the far end of the old elastic: it is a screw and washer. Put something below just in case they fall. Doing this allows the forward flappy bit to be brought out sufficient to easily remove the old elastic and sew on new. 3) after attaching one end of the new elastic take the other to the point where the T15 screw and washer fits, about 10cm / 4", tension ever so slightly and mark the point where a new hole should be made (I used masking tape & a pencil), make a hole in the elastic and push in the T15 screw & washer 4) Fit the loose end and voila, the job is done. Remove rubber band, refit velcro strap(s) and that is that. Took me about 30mins to do both sides.

[@Gera_s2k]

Do you have pictures?

[@scootertxdfw]

"The yellow elastic made my car faster" - A true car guy

[@alpascarella8794]

Than you for this video. My 2010 Boxster has that problem. Up to now I would stop raising my top about 1/2 way up and tuck in the sides, then continue to close it. I can't wait to fix it!

[@gregsblade]

Fantastic how to guide. My elastic had completely disintegrated on my 07 boxster s. Stapled a new piece of 1" elastic to the flap (about 10 regular staples) and doubled over the other end and put the screw through. Roof now closes properly and took 15 minutes to repair both sides. Cheers for the inspiration!

[@zzbear]

I have a US 987.2 2010 Boxster Base. On my Porsche, the elastic was attached on both sides (of the car) via a snap system: The female snap end is on the triangular flap connected to the roof canvas and the male snap end is on a ~5” double-stranded piece of black elastic connected to the body by a Torx-15 bolt. I’ll take pics at some point. I found that the elastic still had plenty of elasticity but was just a tad loose. So, rather than go through a complicated replacement needing the removal of that internal Torx bolt (difficult to get to and with the risk of that bolt dropping down despite putting down a large cloth to catch it) or an elastic overlay, I decided on Plan B: I shortened the existing elastic by putting a small crimp/fold in the elastic and then I used a needle and thread (button thread - heavier duty) to make that crimp permanent, thereby shortening the elastic just a bit. Now works fine. If the elastic ever gives out I’ll need to either 1) replace the elastic part, or 2) sew/staple in another piece of elastic as suggested by this video on top of the existing elastic.

[@michaelramsey7208]

Noticed lately my 987 top was not fitting correctly and checked out for a fix and discovered your video. I took the hard way and restitched new 1" elastic and used the T15 screws so it looks like factory. You should be proud of yourself for showing how to. Best

[@jonathang7899]

Thank you for solving this annoying problem I've had on my 2006 for about 5 years. No one could fix it- even the dealer! I am pretty unhandy but fixed both sides today in 10 minutes. Now I know what to do if it happens again. I GREATLY appreciate the video. Best regards.

[@Jagerhund]

Find a new dealer

[@ian-ivey]

@@Jagerhund Or use local independent Porsche mechanics. In my experience, the independent guys frequently know a lot more than the dealers' service techs.

[@anastasiaberta7109]

This problem has been bugging me for most of the ten years I've owned my '12 Boxster S (987.2)! I've had to stop my top 6" from closed and tuck it in manually on both sides before closing. Can't wait to try this on my baby! Guessing this presenter is an engineer, my Dad was one and I'm definitely getting the vibe! : D

[@bionictulip]

Not an engineer. Much worse: Lawyer. But the procedure in this video does not constitute legal advice.

[@patrickongena7620]

WOW fantastic. Thanks. Took delivery yesterday of a perfect 2010 with exact same issue. Heading out to Michaels now. Well done

[@andyvarney1119]

Thanks!! Had this problem for about 5 years but was always worried how much Porsche would want me to pay to fix it but now I feel confident enough to try the fix myself.

[@willanthony875]

The elastic connects to the roof frame by a tork 20 screw. It is reachable from the side. I had the problem your video describes but in addition to the lost of stretch the elastic had come off the screw. I put a grommet in the new elastic section and reattached it to the screw with a larger washer. I then attached a 5/8" snap base to the other end of the section and the face of the snap to the fabric section. If I have further problems, this is much easier to replace. I'll be making the new sections in advance to I can offer the repair to other Boxster owners in my PCA region.

[@kbasa]

I had this issue with my 05 Boxster and used some mattress clips. They’re an elastic cord a few inches long with a broad flat clip on each end. They have a rubber ring in the center of the elastic cord that adjusts their length. As the elastic stretches, you can pull them a little tighter in a couple seconds. They were a few dollars on Amazon and are used to keep sheets from slipping off the corner of your mattress. Had mine on for a year and have made one adjustment so far.

[@mcdonaldbrown9776]

My 2005 987.1 has just developed this problem. Thanks for posting this. I'll get to work on mine today, with just a little more confidence.

[@Porsche987]

There is no need to replace the elastic. The Porsche elastic has 'button hole' slits in it. Using a T20 tool loosen the small T20 bolt holding the elastic to the frame then free the elastic & re-affix using the next, tighter 'button hole' in the elastic. Retighten the T20 bolt. Job done!

[@patijua]

Three holes in the factory elastic band and I am OK, thank you very much for your help !!

[@rafferafferaffe]

Thank you very much! I unscrewed the t15 and tightened the original strap on the problematic side. It now works perfectly. 987.

[@thefilmandmusic]

I had a brand new hood fitted because my original hood was vandalised in Switzerland .. it’s never been right .. it’s a pain..This video is a great help, thankyou

[@axelzadina7473]

Great advice thank you very much I wish there were more videos like yours for the 987. I live in Germany but most of the hands-on videos that I found so far are coming from the US

[@bionictulip]

You guys keep building them, and we'll figure out how to fix the older ones. I think that relationship is pretty good. :)

[@johnbeattie3146]

Greetings from Adelaide Australia. Mate, thank you for providing a fix for this problem; I’ve spent sometime using broad elastic between the existing fabric and as per your suggestion it works well. Thanks again.

[@aaronrogers1264]

Just wanted to say THANK YOU for such a well-presented video! Going to fix both sides of my 2011 Boxster this weekend.

[@DenisJust]

I've just done it. TIP: unscrew the bolt partially, just 3-4 twists. It's only maybe 1/4 inch long, so don't untwist too far. Untwist until you can move and just release the factory elastic strap from the bolt through the existing hole. Note that the elastic goes UNDER another thin strap (on 987 at least). Release the factory strap through the hole, locate next hole, hook it up through the bolt. Make sure it's hooked ok, re-tighten the bolt. Worked for me, I had to move it only 1 hole to fix it. Cheers.

[@bryanlennon3249]

This fix worked GREAT! We used 4" long piece of 1" wide elastic band. We didn't double the elastic. My wife has small hands, and sews way better than me so she did the hard part. We didn't try to remove the T15 socket screw because I didn't have a small enough tool and I was worried about dropping the screw and never getting it back.

[@bionictulip]

Glad it worked for you guys!

[@jeffreyroberts7438]

Really good vid. Get rid of those awful lump things on your rear bumper! We don’t have those in Europe, makes the back look so much better!

[@bionictulip]

Hahaha, isn't it great that the government is here to save us from nice, clean European bumper lines? We're so much safer.

[@sudheendrar]

Thanks for the detailed video. Well put together. I Pulled out the T15 screw holding the elastic at the other end of the “triangular”ish fabric, moved it 1 notch back to increase elastic tension and put the screw back. Viola! My top seats nicely in the trim once again. To reach that screw with a stubby T15, I undid the 2 Velcro Straps. It’s a hard reaching that spot “blind” but with a bit of dexterity and scaped knuckles, one can do it. Oh did I say it was free (DIY) fix! One day I will need to replace the elastic but for now this was an easy fix.

[@bionictulip]

Excellent -- nothing better than a free repair. On mine, there was zero elasticity, so I wanted to keep the intended functionality in place to avoid over-tensing the strap, but if you've got any elasticity left at all, yours is a simpler fix.

[@randomlonglegcat7973]

Yea, yellow rubber strip +10hp

[@peterkhambatta6241]

Great explanation thank you. It is all about the elasticity and getting the correct tension. I found it really difficult to use a safety pin, stapler or get in there to sew. Instead I made a very small hole in the triangular flap which is easy to access and fed a 50 cm length of 1cm elastic. Wrap it onto the sub frame and simply tie off giving it some tension. The old elastic is left on and is slack as it is worm out.

[@joemiles5638]

Great video. Wish I had seen it before I was talked into replacing my 2004 Boxter top to the tune of about $1,500.00.

[@bionictulip]

Ah, sorry to hear that. But I'm betting the new top will outlast the rest of the car. Not much of a silver lining, but it's something, I suppose. :)

[@skidave74]

Yes! Thank you! Just picked up my ‘07 (99k miles) and it had this on the passenger side. A little on the driver’s side. Unscrewing the elastic and finding a hole or two and reattaching did the trick.

[@soyabean911]

Loving the simplicity of this fix. I am now ready to go when this is needed on my car. Thx!

[@heinrichschroder2152]

That's exactly how I did it! Now works perfectly! Thank you and greetings from Germany

[@soundzilla]

This is awesome. Thank you! I just experienced this problem and was able to fix it in minutes using the next hole method and no stitching or stapling new material. I was fortunate that my elastic still has some life left in it. NOTE: the T-15 screw doesn’t need to be removed for the new hole method, just loosened. I got nervous I was going to drop the screw inside the top if I removed it but that didn’t happen because I was able to slide the hole over the screw head and the washer after just a loosening. Tightened after slipping it on. 👍🏼✌️ Thanks again.

[@alpascarella8794]

Thanks. I'll try your next hole method first.

[@aldinecole3078]

It took three tries to get the tension correct but I think I have it…time will tell…thank you!!

[@btr04]

People like you are truly fantastic! Too add to the greatness your video is real quality work. Big Thanks from Sweden :)

[@ragdollisabel5528]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video, very detailed and easy to follow. Will be doing this as soon as I replace the broken plastic ball joint.

[@raz592]

Great video. It would be ecen more helpful to get an exact side view of the roof opening and also a suggested measurement for the new elastic. Thanks for the inpiration. Job done!

[@cinemawerks]

Thanks for the video! I'd love to see a video on the 997 top (as you mentioned near the end of this video). Cheers!

[@raymondmumford6255]

Excellent video 👍👍👍👍👍

[@martinflook4159]

Thanks for this tip! My Boxster has the same issue.

[@macmethod]

This is awesome! I figured it was something like this and glad you were able to explain it so clearly. Being an experienced leather worker, I’m pretty comfortable with a needle and thread and my girlfriend has a lot of sewing supplies, so I’m sure we have some elastic band around the house! This will be a project for the coming weekend!

[@golfingstevie]

Many thanks. I've been putting up with it broken for ages and thanks to you it was a simple fix.

[@jeef16]

this video is great, helped me solve my issue!

[@thomasquinlivan5778]

Excellent repair video. I fixed mine exactly as you described very successfully within 10 min. Great procedure video.

[@freakerss]

Thanks for the video. My elastic wasn't torn through yet so I was able to move it up 2 notches to regain the correct tension.

[@combatcal]

Thanks! Great guide. Fixed mine with stapler and elastic and I have no skills with this sort of thing. Garage tried to charge me £90 for this!

[@peterhigh7421]

Brilliant. I have 2 Boxsters and my daughters to fix. Most useful.

[@mikesaxer711]

Worked perfectly on my 06 987 Boxster. Thanks. Will continue to monitor the situation.

[@marioguerra5322]

Mike Saxer thank u Mike. My was build in Japan 2000 boxster and the top stays farther out from the bottom edge so won't quite reach to get inside the Chanel I'll try to see the shape on the elastic strap and let u know what happen My name is Mario from Powell River Canada

[@NewArt1]

Nicely filmed and explained! Thanks!

[@Magnificent729]

Thanks for this video! I've got this problem on one side and now, thanks to you, I can fix it - probably do both because, if I've got the issue on one side, the others sure to follow!

[@richardstoddard6647]

Such a handy vid. Off to the garage to get mine sorted! 🙏

[@garybarton3215]

what a great fix...so happy to find this

[@The_1]

Grat video, i have a 3.4S Boxster and it just began to show the same issue, Glad to see you fix it :)

[@watkinspd]

Kudos and thanks for making this! Very helpful.

[@noell5095]

Great video. This will be my next job. and now I know how! Thanks so much for taking the time to make and put this out. I'll also be sure to use the yellow elastic like you did for the performance benefits 😉👍 Lovely looking 987 you have there too by the way.

[@whompittoya]

Great fix - little tough getting in there with the stapler but super easy to do once I could get the stapler lined up

[@stone8597]

Thanks for the help!!

[@frostyallan]

Excellent video. Just what I needed as I have (had) the same issue. Thank you !!

[@bionictulip]

Update: Since I did the stapled repair on the passenger side five months ago, it has become a bit too slack, so I've added a bit more elastic to increase the tension. At first, it closed properly on the passenger side consistently, but then it started to pull back out sometimes. This addition has returned it to normal operation. I'll update again if anything changes. The driver's side, where I used needle and thread, has performed properly since I fixed that side almost a year ago. I don't think it's down to the difference in attachment method (staple vs. stitching). I probably just made the driver's side a higher-tension fix at the outset. As a result, I'm less concerned, today, about applying too much tension. As long as the elastic is not 100% stretched out when you attach it, I don't think it will break, and the more tension you apply, the more likely it is to function correctly in the long term, I think.

[@vladimiralvarez1162]

bionictulip hello there I’ve noticed that the top of my 2001 Boxster the back part of it doesn’t quite align ...I noticed that it looks like it’s sorta sunk a little ..behind we’re back trunk goes ...I hope I do make sense ...it dips just s little were that trim the touches the trunk and top ...is that normal ?pls Advise

[@aklinyolu]

Hey, its been a year since your last update. Hows the stapled velcro holding up? Thx in advance!

[@bionictulip]

@@aklinyolu I sold this car not too long after the repair. I had repaired the driver's side months before I shot this video of the passenger side repair, and the driver's side held up well during that time. I've been in occasional contact with the new owner, and he hasn't mentioned any issues with the top, so I'm guessing it has continued to work, but I can't say first-hand.

[@jrdifferent]

Thanks for the video, I'm about to tackle mine with the same problem and now I have a much better grasp.

[@bionictulip]

Easy peasy. Let us know how it turns out!

[@DanielMoravec]

Such a well done video. Keep these up and you’ll eventually have a million followers, no doubt!

[@bionictulip]

Hahaha, one follower at a time. I don't aspire to KZbin fame, but I'm happy to share what I know if it's a problem that others are also trying to solve.

[@ajones2028]

Thank you, very helpful! More please!

[@jetskisurf]

Thank you very much!!! Your vídeo helped me a lot and solved my problem!!!!

[@waizenhoeferj]

Thank you so much with the video it was easy to fix this issue on my car . And it work like new .

[@ricks247]

thankyou!!! will do mine this weekend

[@steelydan133]

Great instructions, i wish there was more light. Too dark to know what you were doing, but i get the concept

[@johnpoo1662]

great looking car. lucky to have an owner like you :)

[@kurtsblue6075]

Nice video. Helped me locate the issue, luckily mine just needed unscrewing and moving up a level on the elastic adjustment.

[@bionictulip]

The elastic in most of these tops has lost its elasticity by now, but if your strap is still springy, you may as well continue to use the original strap! Glad it was helpful.

[@kurtsblue6075]

@@bionictulip Well, back again for the full fix. Elastic gone both sides/

[@oscarcolliedog5060]

many thanks having same problem will do your fix

[@richardsimmons6470]

Am also a bit worried about the Stapler - Think I will try the Needle and thread JUst sold a 986 needed doing NOw going to have to do my 987 THANKS FOR THE FIX

[@martinsmackes9350]

I double folded the existing to a Z and glued it together. Also works fine.

[@RaisedAce]

thank you

[@steffydog]

Will try this, thanks

[@scoazecjean-pierre3612]

Bravo et merci pour cette vidéo

[@ianthompson9058]

Thank you. Very helpful

[@nathalieouellet3404]

Thank you so much for this video ! Now, I have to find the time to do it for my 987 :-)

[@maxon_reels]

thanks for the video. amazing info

[@stevenelson312]

The screws on mine were T20 (2010), but yes, they can be removed with a T15, I found out by experience. The screws could have been changed in the past, I suppose. The elastic still had some elasticity, so I moved one hole tighter and tested and moved again until each side worked correctly.

[@ngkayui]

very helpful! thanks a lot! I'll do it today!

[@ngkayui]

And successful! Thanks again!

[@rumrnr78]

I had this issue with my 2000 996! Great video!

[@bionictulip]

Interesting - I don't think the 997 cab top exhibits this problem (it has some other issues), so perhaps they made some changes in the 997 that didn't make their way down to the 987.

[@rumrnr78]

@@bionictulip I was told by a top shop that I had a broken cable and tried to sell me a new top due to it's age- anyway this trick worked and now the left side shows no gap. But, the gap did help get the price down during the purchase. She is wearing her hardtop for winter now!

[@graemepaterson5337]

Best comment....the yellow elastic made the car faster... lol 😆

[@garthmcadam4509]

Same as Soundzilla. Working perfectly now. Anyone can do this with the T-15 tool. Many thanks!

[@xquizts]

Thank you

[@omarabreu09]

Thank you so much for this hack 👌👍

[@mikeag60]

Next hole for me also, worked perfectly. T15 just need to be loosened and next whole poped in and re tightened

[@leotang4789]

GOOD JOB !!!

[@richardsimmons6470]

IMPORTANT. The inside strap is fixed to the top main roof with a little T15 socket screw (987 maybe) If you remove this it is much easier to staple/ stitch a new piece on the outer part and then screw the new piece on. You can see when the elastic bit is stiched to the outer cover Wonder if Porsche provide this bit Much easier to do this way once you have found the screw

[@got2bharmony]

I agree that removing the small Torx headed screw is the best method. Good initial video to highlight a really annoying problem that is easy to resolve thanks to the advice given.

[@leslieshapiro8010]

I just did the repair on my 987. I removed the torx screw and pulled out the old, stretched elastic while still attached to the cloth flap. It was very easy to work on since the flap and old elastic were now outside the convertible top. I then sewed on a new 1" piece of elastic, about 8" long, through the the old elastic and cloth flap at the original stitching junction. I then overlapped the new and old elastic and stretched it slightly and placed it over the frame and the screw hole from the removed screw. I held this with 2 fingers and pulled it out of the top again. I then pushed the old torx screw and washer through the old and new elastic at the point I marked with my fingers. The elastic held the screw in place and I placed it back into the frame and easily screwed it back in place. It wasn't necessary to sew or staple the inner elastic as the screw held it securely. I don't think it took more than 10 minutes and it worked perfectly.

[@happypappy7309]

Leslie Shapiro Just looking at doing this job and you are correct, basically the inner part of the elastic is held in by the screw so no stitches needed at that end , it's looking like a easier repair now as I'm crap at sowing, but I will still have to stitch the outer part .. Got lots of 1" wide elastic only a £1 from hobby shop , this is my second boxster and this happens to all of them at some point, Porsche would charge a fortune to repair this but you can do it for maybe $5 lol

[@BrianSullivan]

Seems like the strap has notches so that it can be adjusted to get more tension. I just loosened off the T15 screw (a bit finicky -- needed stubby screwdriver to do it), undid the elastic and pulled it tighter and connected at a new notch. Bob's your uncle -- seems to work. The elastic is a bit flaccid so maybe I will have to do the sewed on new elastic fix in the future but for now fixed without sewing or stapling.

[@SkylersRants]

Excellent, thanks!

[@jonathanfoster9053]

Thank you!!!!

[@kenthill8489]

Superb

[@MrJustinhi]

cheers!

[@planquart80]

Merci beaucoup! J’ai le même problème sur ma 987 :)

[@XxBrandFlakexX09]

Thx

[@Vass881234]

My car was sent in to fix this, they didn't do the elastic but tightened the velcro, now my clamshell won't seat properly when roof open

[@ian-ivey]

That's why I recommend adding new elastic. Just advancing the torx screw to the next hole in the perished elastic only makes it a pull-string, which doesn't allow it to flex. I think it needs to flex, which is why the part was originally elastic. Advancing the screw seems to have worked for some people, but I suspect using new elastic is better for the top.

[@jeremyocampo1529]

I didn't know how to fix mine in my 986 so I would just try to reach my handout whenever I would close my roof and put the wire behind the frame.

[@garymoore488]

Great video! I have the same issue on the passenger side with my 2003 Boxster S. And today my wife and I, (mostly my wife cause she is the seamstress) are going to do same job. If I'm lucky I will see if she will do driver side at same time. How about changing out the cupholder in console? Any videos on that?

[@thunderroadadventures9533]

officially my new hero, thanks for posting.

[@bigbolo9374]

Hi loved the video but I have a 996 cab c4 my tension cable broke ,do you have a video showing how to repair i purchased the tension cables just don't kno how to replace

[@steve-on7kl]

Thanks. Any tips for respraying or getting the plastic arms sections looking better if they've been subjected to the hood rubbing on them over some time. I've fixed the hood now but the arms look terrible.

[@ian-ivey]

I tried scrubbing and also tried a couple of coatings (Mothers back-to-black and also a ceramic coating). Ceramic coating helped improve the appearance the most, but nothing was going to even out the wear pattern. I chose to live with it until I sold the Boxster, but the only solution I can think of would be to replace those arms.

[@jasonwalsh9211]

Good video run through, thanks. Can I ask if it continued to last

[@bionictulip]

I sold this car a few months after doing this video. But I had done the driver's side a year before, and it held up without issue. I think elastic bands just tend to wear out over time, so the OEM band has to be replaced, and this repair will also have to be replaced in time.

[@niallanugent]

My mother who is a seamstress identified that this part is called "button hole elastic" which can be ordered online size 18mm. I am attempting to completely replace mine - will update if successful.

[@nickkinson4730]

Fantastic VLOG, I have attached a new 1inch strip of elastic to both sides and it works really well Im very impressed, however at 3.47 of the vlog is where Im having an issue, that flap with the cord isn't tugging the hard edge into the roof frame to seat the roof properly which is driving me nuts, and letting in water😞

[@ian-ivey]

You see me pulling on a cord at that point but that cord isn't what pulls on the roof; it's mainly just the oddly shaped cloth flap thing, to which you would attach some replacement elastic. If the new elastic doesn't result in the rubber edge of the roof seating itself inside the plastic frame, you probably didn't create enough tension when you installed the new elastic, and you should remove and reinstall with more tension, or just install an additional strap with more tension.

[@nickkinson4730]

@@ian-ivey thank you so much