Targa top pins

Can anyone tell me how to replace the horizontal (rear) pin on a targa top? I have disassembled what I thought would get the pin out only to find that it seems to be set into place by some kind plastic. Anybody got suggestions?

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Well, the whole assembly, pin, the 'plastic' material you found, and the surrounding mounting plate ... is called a 'Silentbloc,' and is held in place to the aluminum frame of the top with three panhead screws. You will probably have to carefully pull the vinyl material loose around the pin area to get at the screws. If you drill out the plastic material around the broken pin, you may be able to replace the pin with one fabricated from say, a VW engine cylinder head stud ... But, I wouldn't want to use a spare Dilivar stud myself! I haven't done this myself, but I suspect 3M flexible epoxy (available at Automotive paint distributors) might be a satisfactory substitute material to hold a replacement pin in place and provide sufficient vibration-damping qualities. At around $100 for a new Silentbloc, it would be worth your trouble to do a bit of experimentation, but the replacement pin will need to be at EXACTLY the right angle/alignment with the frame/body of the mount, or this WILL NOT WORK properly!!!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Warren, If I wanted to buy the silentblock where could I find it? What about getting just the pin from a parts car and then drilling the broken pin out as you described? I can't believe this hasn't happened to someone else. Would it be better to just send out the top to be totally re-conditioned. The fabric sags slightly and I've been told the headliner is not original. Any idea of the cost of re-conditioning?

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The 'Silentbloc' is stricctly a factory part, though some of the advertisers in 'Excellence' may be able to get them. And, there is that plactic 'cover' over the pin that has to be ordered, too! Recovering the top and replacing the headliner are doable projects at home, I've seen several web pages on the subject. Prices for having a shop do it vary quite a bit, from about $400-$1000.

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Thanks for the info. I'll ckeck out Excellence. Mark

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[Alex001]

One of the rear alignment pins on my targa top is broken, so I removed the three nuts that hold it in place. No problem there, but the silentblock (pin and mounting plate) are still encased by the frame of the top. How on earth do you get it out of there? Any help much appreciated.

Cheers

Axel.

[cyprusx]

I am currently dealing with this issue. I have the three bolts out but just can't figure out how to remove the old pin/block assembly... Anyone have any tips/tricks?

[Jdub]

You've got to peel the fabric back and deal with the rivets to get to the silenbloc assembly. So start by peeling back the headliner, remove the fabric from the top (with the arms out of the way) and have at it. Drill out the rivets and have fresh stainless items at hand.

Easier than it sounds.

John

[cyprusx]

Wow.... I hope it is easier than the description. Kind of sounds extreme for replacing something that looks like it could be a common occurrence. Just added this to my winter project list.

I did make an attempt before finding and bumping this thread to no avail.. I removed the three bolts, then the rubber seal, then finally the rain gutter. Pulled back some of the headliner to get a look and nothing was obvious. I would not have ventured any further if you had not posted the procedure... Thanks...

Anyone else attempt this?

[Jdub]

Subject: Targa Owner Answer: Rear Pin replacement
From: CARSInc1@aol.com
Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2000 14:08:49 EDT
X-Message-Number: 49

Had a question last week about the replacement of the metal rear pin? The rear pins are bolted to side rail frame via 3 allen bolts. Problem is once allens are removed the broken pin can't be removed without drilling out rivets that attach rail to the metal rib. Here is what you must do to get to remove and replace metal rear pin.

This a level 6 difficulty.

1. Remove headliner material from that side of top area.
2. Remove Trim cover and side seal from rail
3. Remove rain gutter from rail
4. Remove Vinyl from 1/3 of side
5. Remove burlap reinforcement material from 1/3 of side
6. Drill out rivets on inside portion of side rail.
7. Squeeze broken metal pin out.
8. Squeeze new pin in.
9. Pull webbing back on top inorder to re-rivet the frame to rail.
10. Reassemble.


Long time Porsche owner, PCA member and enthusiast offering advice on to
Targa Owners. Top related question relative to top inter-changeability, fit,
wind noise, etc.
Dan
Targa Owner Only
carsinc-nj.com

[osidak]

I will also add that Dan Petchel (see post above) does Top restoration. The work he does is amazing. drop him an email

Dan Petchel Email

[MichiganMat]

i had this problem for a couple of months and finally figured out a simple and cheap solution. Use a C-Clamp and push the broken pin out of the plastic casing. It may put up a fight, but it will eventually fall right out with no problems. I then used an 8 inch bold, maybe 1/4 inch diameter, pushed it through the hole in the plastic left by the broken pin, and put a lock nut on it. Its not concourse, but I didn't have to tear my top apart to do it, _AND_ if it ever breaks again all I have to do is make another trip to the hardware store. Total cost: ~5 bucks.