Quick Targa window install trick
 

Installing a Targa back glass is not all that difficult. First I always remove the defogger harness from the car and install it on the glass before putting the seal (new) in place. Be sure to route the wires through the seal just like the factory does.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/wiresclose.jpg
Once the seal is in place you slip the rope into the channel. I use a well waxed 3/16 cotton cord.
I use just plain soapy water in a squirt bottle to lube the seal.
With the cord in the channel, I slide the window into position in the window opening. Just like sliding your foot into a shoe, I position the leading edge of the glass so the seal engages the sheet metal flange being sure that the corners of the seal engage the flange.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/frontcorners.jpg
This is the important part. I have anchor chains in my shop floor, using a couple inexpensive ratcheting tie downs ( bike straps) I'll drape the tie downs across the window and pull them down tight.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/strap1air.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/strapair.jpg
You don't need a lot of pressure, about 100 lbs. The window will handle a lot more than that so you don't need to worry about it breaking. Be sure that any hooks or the ratcheting device DON'T touch the glass.
Now I'll take my upholstry hook and engage the seal over the flange starting at the top leading edge and work all the way to the lower corners I don't pull the cord yet, I'm just using the upolstry hook.
Once the front edge is place, the sides of the seal should be within a 1/4 of the flange. By slapping the glass with an open palm you can "coax" the glass and seal closer into it's final position. Once the seal is close to the flange on the sides and the rear start pulling it into it's final position using the rope. Pulling about 2 or 3 inches at a time and slapping the window as I go. Slapping the glass not only makes your hand sore and bruised, but it helps seat the seal as you progress. It's not very likely that you will ever pull the entire perimeter of the window and have the seal engage the flange correctly. Slapping it as you go makes it a lot quicker in the long run.
Once the window is in then you reroute the defogger wires and install the Targa band cover and reassemble the interior.
Thats how I do it. 20 some years of practice definitly has it's advantages, but it's not rocket science.

One important detail I should mention. In the pictures of the strap placement the Targa band cover is already on the car. This is only because as I was doing this, I got too involved in actually installing the window and forgot to take pictures as I progressed. It was just one of those days !!

Thanks Kevin...Very informative and will make it's way onto my subscribed thread list.

that strap idea is the shiat!

Thanks for th info, What does the upholstry hook look like? Also I am assuming the rope is pulled from the inside to get the seal to seat on the flange?

Yeah, baby! The slap part we had down, but the strap would have been a huge help.

Kevin, fix your web page, please. I'd like to check it out sometime.

Got any tips for installing targa door seals?

Verizon accidentally "lost" it !! Tech support will look into it as soon as their nap time is over, or as soon as they hire someone who speaks english !!

Is the rope actualy put into the seal channel so that you draw it out once? or does it run perpendicular so you are working the rope around the glass?

The rope is inserted into the channel that recieves the metal flange of the window opening. As you pull the rope it's supposed to lift the rubber edge of the seal and allow the seal to lap over the flange and hold the window in place.

Good pointer. When I did mine I wrapped two ropes in the channel. The Targa seal is difficult and it helps to have the second rope to pull in the event the first doesn't set the seal. I also made extensions for the defroster element. The wiring from the factory is very short and makes it difficult to connect before the window is intalled. By using extensions you can make the connection after installation.

Door seals are the easiest. Is there a specific detail your asking about?

Kevin,
Great job, will show my window installer tomorrow.
Thanks again

Kevin,

Very good info!

Joe

Kevin,
How hard is the trim to put back on. Also somone had told me there is a targa seal that does not have the slot for the metal trim. Said It looks better than than the original seal.

Joe

There is. I'm not sure of the part number though, it may be a 993 or a 996 number. I'll try to find it for you.

Part number for the moulding-less seal is 964 545 052 40

I replaced the windshield (coupe) but we had trouble keeping it tight while pulling the cord. I used factory seals but have an unusual amount of wind noise.

Will a similar strap set-up work for installing the windshield on a coupe?
Maybe threading it through the car somehow so it stays normal to the windshield.

I'm going to give it a try unless someone says otherwise.

Don't do it. The back glass is tempered, a windshield isn't. You'll crack the glass.

Great illustrations and instructions, Kevin. Thank you.

Would you, please, post a picture of your "upholstery hook?" I'm unsure what this means.

Thanks, again.