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Porsche 997: How to Retrofit 996 Hardtop to 997

Retrofitting a 996 hardtop to the 997 brings new life to the car. Learn how to quickly retrofit a hard top on your Porsche 997 convertible.

By Neftali Medina - May 1, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 997 convertible (2005-2012).

The most popular model of the Porsche 997 is the soft top convertible. Many drivers like the curb appeal of the soft top 997; however, the option to switch out from soft top to hard top is hard to ignore. Hard tops offer a few advantages as opposed to soft top counterparts. They are more durable, keep outside noise down to a minimum, and allow for better insulation against the colder months. The retrofitting process is relatively easy to do at home and can save you thousands. Use the following instructions to learn how to safely retrofit a 996 hard top to a 997 soft top chassis.

Materials Needed

  • Porsche 996 hard top
  • Mounts
  • Screwdriver
  • 3/8 inch socket
  • Metric socket set

There are two versions of the hard top mounting brackets. The second generation 996 hard tops used screw-type mounting brackets, which offer a more secure hold. It's recommended you use those mounting brackets and retrofit them to the older hardtops.

Step 1 – Place the soft top in the service position

Partially open the soft top so that it reveals the mounting brackets and allows you access to all of the mounting hardware.

Figure 1. Partially open the soft top.

Step 2 – Remove the roll bar trim pieces

  • Fold down the carpet section near the rear of the roll bar to reveal the trim screw.
  • Loosen and remove the screw.
  • Use a flat head screwdriver to remove the plastic trim pieces covering the roll bar.
  • Loosen and remove the screws holding the rest of the covers in place.
  • Figure 2. Remove the roll bar cover screw.
  • Figure 3. Loosen the remaining trim.

Step 3 – Replace the top mounts

  • Loosen the three mounting bolts for the soft top.
  • Remove the old brackets.
  • Install the new mounting brackets.
  • Tighten and secure the four bracket bolts.
  • Connect the electrical connector for the rear defroster. The plug is found about six inches down from the mounting location.
  • Figure 4. Remove three bolts for the old mounts.
  • Figure 5. Install the 996 mounts.
  • Figure 6. Tighten the four new mount bolts down.

Step 4 – Re-install the roll bar covers

  • Screw and clip the plastic covers on.
  • Remove the small circular covers of the roll bar trim to ensure everything lines up.
Figure 7. Make sure the mounts line up properly.

Step 5 – Install the hard top

This is done easiest with two people. Carefully slide the top onto the car and tighten the mounting bolts down to 37 ft-lbs.

Figure 8. The end result.

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