Targa deck lid question

boston95 · 10-23-2003, 06:42 AM

Quick question.....

I just purchased a 70 Targa from the original owner. Great guy, says the car was never in an accident. I have gone thru it thoroughly and have found zero evidence of bondo, previous damage or rust. My deck lid, however, rubs up against the passenger's side quarter when closed. Is this common for early cars? Or could it be the results of some flex in the frame?

Thanks in advance. Here is a pic (yes, antenna has been removed!)

Marc

Early_S_Man · 10-23-2003, 06:53 AM

Marc,

Are both of the rubber bump stops in good shape at lower corners? Worn or broken bump stop can easily cause a misalignment ... and are easily replaced and adjusted by 'screwing' the rubber into/out of the panel.

boston95 · 10-23-2003, 07:17 AM

Thanks Warren, I believe they are good. Should an unmolested targa frame hold up beyond our lifetimes? How is Annie holding up?

BTW, high school sweetheart went to Angelo State.....dump me for some cowboy!

Marc

Jdub · 10-23-2003, 07:34 AM

It didn't leave the factory that way, so something has happened. Is the deck lid original to the car? Any differing paint noticed on the underside of the deck lid?

John

boston95 · 10-23-2003, 12:07 PM

John, deck lid original, the entire rear section of the car is original paint. Any more thoughts?

Series900 · 10-27-2003, 08:03 AM

If it is original paint, then the lid should fit correctly. There are only so many adjustments that can be made. If the lid was off for some reason in the last 23 YEARS! it may not have been aligned just so. The four bolts at the hinge will provide fore/aft and height with a shim inserted between hinge and lid. this shim will provide hieght at the forward line, and down the quarter. At the lower lid line, the rubber bumpers provide height and snugness. After a decent line has been achieved, the final adjustment of latching is accomplished via the plunger. this plunger has side and minimal fore aft/adjustment with the 2 m6 bolts. when the plunger is dead center to the lower latch, tighten the m6's. Correct latching depth of the plunger is achieved via the large nut between the spring and base. Use a correct fitting slotted screwdriver at the plunger tip, loosen the "locking"nut, and twist the plunger in/out for height of plunger to provide correct latching. It takes a bit of fussing for a quality click of the latch. I suggest this format to provide the "line" adjustment first, then the latching. therfore remove the upper latch first to eliminate any line changing via the plunger. When the lines have been achieved, install the latch and adjust. some of the replacement shock units can provide too much lift and affect the line by applying too much pressure to one hinge, these are the lids that come close to whacking you as they rise, as opposed to the others, that hit you in the noggin whilst under the hood! Lets see a close up of the lines on you lid, so we can desktop critique...

masraum · 10-27-2003, 08:28 AM

Quote:

lid was off for some reason in the last 23 YEARS!

1970-2003 = 33 years.

Series900 · 10-27-2003, 08:32 AM

Yeah I saw the math off after I hit SEND, Hows my speling and gramah? :>)

na2ub · 10-27-2003, 09:28 AM

I have the same issue on mine. I read (on this board?) that it can be caused by the lid shock (on the left side) pushing on the lid. This becomes a bigger problem if your lid, like mine, has a whale tail and consequently had double lid shocks (both on the left). You may need to bend the actual mounting brackets back a little. I read one post, whereby someone had welded a bracket on the right side, to mount his dual lid shocks one per side, to eliminate this problem. Mine is still ****ed because I have yet to correct the problem. Good luck.

Series900 · 10-27-2003, 11:12 AM

The right hinge/shock modification is pretty straight forward. cut a triangular piece, drill hole, weld and paint. The cool part is later cars have the other end of the shock mount already welded in at the forward bulkhead, it may be obstructed from view by the soundproofing. Earlier chassis will have to have that part welded in also. I strongly suggest any lid with wing needing 2 shocks make this modification.

Jdub · 10-27-2003, 12:14 PM

Damon:

Nice writeup on alignment of the lid. Many thanks!

John

boston95 · 10-27-2003, 12:41 PM

Damon, thanks as well. Do I dare start to tinker on another part of this poor car??!

Marc

Series900 · 10-27-2003, 12:52 PM

everybody needs a hobby, keep tinkering!

GB83SC · 01-02-2004, 04:38 PM

Todd,
why did you take the duck tail off ?

GB83SC · 01-02-2004, 04:40 PM

Opps. wrong tread.