Adjusting window to mate Targa Side seal (angle)
 

A question on adjusting clearance between window trailing edge and Targa side seal.

Finished refurbishing my Targa Top with materials from PP. Much work, but looks good. Now attacking the Targa top leaky seal problems.

Problem:
From inspection of my properly sealing passenger door, it appears the upper window edge should be more or less parallel with the line of the Targa top side seals. Also, the window edge should be tilted inwards (off vertical) towards the car so the window upper edge catches the Targa side seal channel before the door closure tilts the window vertical and forces the window upper edge up into the seal channel. Specific problem: on my driver’s door the window upper edge is raised too much at the trailing edge to allow the window to get under the seal. If I adjust the window down, the leading edge is too low to locate up into the side seal channel. I’ve tried the side seal in/out adjustment to no avail: out moves the channel out and down too far. In moves the window the trailing edge so it misses the channel and ends up pressing against (outside) the side seal.

Is there an adjustment for the angle of the upper edge of a std/manual ’76 Targa window regulator?
From inspection: the window is clamped by a bottom rail whose angle is defined by the rail and three other links of the regulator’s four-bar linkage. Unless I slot the four mounting screws for the regulator (crank mount), I don’t see a way to readily adjust the rake of the window upper edge. If I conjecture the plastic sliders/ links are at worn, this also doesn’t fit since I can only rotate the slop out of the linkage to raise (worsen) the window trailing edge.

This window hasn’t been replaced, but I did re-stake the shaft after a case of classic 911 crank failure. It’s been five years or so, but I don’t think I recall an adjustment on the partial plate gear which the crank gear rotates to lift the 4-bar linkage. The only way I can think of the angle being wrong is a bent mechanism (unlikely) or the window has tilted up within the bottom channel that clamps around the bottom of the window. The back bottom edge of my door does occasionally bottom out on the bottom of my door if the window is down.

Alternative solutions I have in mind deal with modifying the rake of the targa side seal. I could lower the targa top pins relative to the top upper surface – raising the seal edge at the rear. But the top currently fits well -- as in level with the targa bar line and engages the rear seal. Or I could modify the seal by removing material on top of the seal (under the steel backing plate) towards the rear portion of the seal to decrease the height of the seal.

Hints much appreciated

Grant,

Its been years since I did this, but remember doing exactly the same adjustment you are talking about on my wifes 81 model. I assume that your car is the same.

I took the door panels off and ran the windows up all the way. One end was not aligned with the top and found an adjustment that would allow me to align it with the top.

Pull the door panel off and take a look, its been 10 years or more and I do not remember everything but I do not recall it being very time consuming.

JA

same problem as my 87 targa.
Windows engage targa top side seal more on the trailing edge than the leading edge.
Is it better to adjust the windows or make shims for the targa top side seal?

there's an adjustment on the arm which will allow the glass to be moved like you want. loosen a 13mm (wrench sized) nut, towards the rear of the lower arm, facing out, and rock the glass. it may help. sometimes it causes binding.

Grant, try adjusting the seals before you take the door apart. loosen screws holding the seals and move the seal sideways towards the edge of the top,there is a built in side adjustment feature. you may need to break the seal between the rubber and the top as it could be stuck . Adjust it, check alignment,adjust again as necessary. Don't make the gap to small, just enough so the window goes into that little groove in the seal Jerry 911SC Targa

[QUOTE]Originally posted by grant:
[B]A question on adjusting clearance between window trailing edge and Targa side seal.
<
adjustment on the arm which will allow the glass to be moved like you want. loosen a 13mm (wrench sized) nut, towards the rear of the lower arm, facing out, and rock the glass
>

Thanks to all for your replies. I suspect J Walker's hint was what I was after. Rather than fish the mechanism out of the door, I'll look for the 13mm nut. I'm assuming this is applies to my "original design" regulator. I mention "original design" to help the next person working on window adjustments on a less venerable 911 (say 1987); read on.

Interestingly enough, Up-Fixin Vol VII page 191 has a good A. Caldwell article on upgrading to 911.542.929.03, the newer regulator that supersede mine. It has an "Auxiliary slide" which can be adjusted vertically with a slotted hole. Calwell's article gives the location for making the slot in an old door. Obviously, newer cars got the regulator update (~1980++ cars) and the slot's already made. So, for the 1987 Targa... .

Pls see my prior reply post. The slotted (elongated) hole you want is located as follows (assuming the driver's door). At the bottom of the door is the large access hole, and just to the rear of this hole will be a door pocket attachment screw. Move up 97 mm from this rearmost hole and move back forward some inches to find the slotted hole. There will be another hole 195 at the same height just forward of the slotted hole. Lastly, both these holes are in a band of door metal above which is another door access hole.

I have recovered mine, pretty tight no leaks. Only problem I have is that the rear passenger side does not fit snuggly against the Targa Bar. Is there a way to align this so the top is even against the Targa Bar?
Thanks,
Bill
83 SC