Targa top handles question

[coldstart]

This is likely one of the dumbest questions but it bothers me about my targa top:

The driver side targa top handle on my car will not come out. It works perfectly though. The passenger side handle comes in and out with ease. I assume the handles are supposed to be removable.

Any suggestions to get the driver side handle out? Or should I just leave a working targa top alone?

As per my signature this is for a 1972 911T targa....

[drewr]

They don't come out. Its a cam locking system. Handle up is locked. Handle down is disengaged. With both handles down, the top should lift off. The pins go in the holes in the back targa bar.

[coldstart]

So the handles are not supposed to be removable?

The top operates perfectly otherwise-- unlatched with the handle down; latched with the handle parallel with the top. Pins are good at the back of the top.

[theiceman]

what ??? on my 78 targa both handles are removeable..

but that said I DO NOT REMOVE THEM

they are the perfect visual and engineering control that the roof is not locked.

with them pointed down the roof is not locked and you cant lift the visor as the handle is in the way.
This is an EXCELLENT indicator you are about to drive away with the roof not locked down, which is a VERY VERY costly mistake many have made.

[drewr]

Well, I've never tried to remove mine. It is not necessary to take them out to remove the top. Not sure what the point of removing them would be other than to give me a chance to lose them.

[salayc]

They're removable. On an early targa, the handle has two pins on opposite sides, there is a cylinder inside the top that they twist and lock into. You may have to take the top off and try to twist and wiggle it free.

[coldstart]

My passenger side handle would fall off if I leave it in place while driving. My driver side handle will not come out even if I pull on it while the top is unlocked. I guess my targa top is weird. But it works.

[theiceman]

Originally Posted by coldstart

My passenger side handle would fall off if I leave it in place while driving. My driver side handle will not come out even if I pull on it while the top is unlocked. I guess my targa top is weird. But it works.

go with it ... if its pointed down its not locked,,, if its up all is good !!!

a buddy of mine lost his roof as he was putting it in at a gas station while filling. As usual someone asked him about his car and they chatted, that moments distraction was all it took ,
pulling onto the highway away at went .. cost him about 6G

[86 911 Targa]

Having owned several Targas, the handles have always been removable.

Gerry

[Quickstep192]

Mine do the same thing. Passenger side comes out accidentally sometimes, driver side stays in. I get the impression if you turn it past the unlocked position and yanked hard enough, they’d both come out. I’ll soon find out because I’m getting ready to replace the trim pieces.

[Solamar]

An interesting thing I found when looking for a second Targa top key is they came in two different shaft lengths (also other style for early/late).

The short shaft flavor is more desirable if you leave the key in the top full time as it looks better / doesn't stick out so far.

Short 911SC style targa key -

[dhamilto]

There is a wire spring clip (like a wire circlip) wrapped around the key socket. This clip drops into the slot cut near the end of the key on two sides, to position and hold the key inside the socket. You should be able to pull it out. If not, remove the T-top to the bench and remove the latch mechanism. Pry off the wire clip and try to work out why the key is sticking.... best of luck!

[Larmo63]

I've had long and short handles, both with the smooth "peppered" finish.

There are also what I think are early handles that are flat on the front with almost an "arrow" type embossing on the front. I run those on my '78 because they are a matched set.

All the handles I've had fit my top, work to lock/latch it, and come out with some fiddling.

Hope this helps.