[1982911SCTarga]

I've started the process of removing my Targa rear window as part of a seal replacement project. So far, I've got the Targa bar off (which I'll repaint) and I've started slowly cutting the seal back to expose the edges of the rear window. I like to work slowly at this because sharp utility knife blades and years of sun-hardened rubber make such a pleasant combination. It's also good to work slowly so the trim comes off with as little disturbance as possible.

Observations so far:

-- There is a good bit of a black nonhardening putty-like substance in the outer corners below where the seal makes the 90-degree turns on each side. I have no reason to suspect this is not a factory material. I'm guessing, but it looks to me like this stuff supports the two sharp corners of the rear window and seal.

-- On the outside of the glass, but below (inside) the edge of the seal, the glass seems to be treated with a very light coating of a gray nonhardening sticky substance. Again, I have no reason to think this is not a factory application. The material follows the rear outer edge of the window and continues up past the turn to the front top portion of the glass. Any idea what this material is? Is it needed?

-- Once you see how the rear window lays in there, the seal replacement doesn't look that daunting. The glass doesn't extend as far forward into or under the Targa frame as I would have thought. Still, I'm planning to use Kevin's ratcheting tie-down system to help coax the rear window and new seal into place when the time comes. I'll also have my son helping me (we did the front windshield/seal together).

-- I'm having a hard time seeing where the defroster connections are. I can see wires running about halfway around the rear driver's-side corner. Any thoughts on the exact location of the defroster connection on an SC? I may solder up an extension to make this connection easier during the replacement portion of this project.

-- Overall, the condition of the frame, etc., is much better than what I had to confront with the front windshield seal replacement. That is, I'm not being greeted with gobs of silicone or other extraneous goop as a quick fix to simply replacing the seal.

Brian