Attack of the Targa Top

[HarryD]

Don't let this happen to you!

Yesterday, I was unfolding my Targa top to drive to work in the morning chill. Since I was already late for work, I was in a hurry and in a moment of inattention, I got my finger caught in the hinge. The good news was that I only had a 1/2 inch long divot pulled out of my finger tip but boy did it hurt!

My advice, take your time and watch where your fingers go. It only takes a split second and the trail of blood will start.

[clnilsen]

My heart goes out to you! I just did this a few month ago.. Darn did it hurt! You learn your lesson quickly to be careful!!

Chuck

[DByers]

Been there, Done that. You would think I would have learned after the first time.

[HarryD]

Originally posted by DByers
Been there, Done that. You would think I would have learned after the first time.

Me too. Just BTDT

Today, I had the family unit pout for a spin and they wanted the top on to warm up, I grab the top and snap... #@%% Ouch!! My wife (an RN) asks "What's wrong honey?", I say get the bandaids and she snaps into action.

[azasadny]

When I bought my car in the summer of 2002, I was so excited and barely remember anything but the ride home. I do remember the PO telling me to be careful when working with the Targa top and he showed me the "proper" way to fold/unfold the top while balancing it on my feet. He was adamant about watching your fingers and the hinges, then he showed me the scars on his hands, unbelieveable. So far, I've been careful and no injuries....

[k9handler]

in the K9 world we call it "One Trial Learning"...the kind of thing you only screw up once!

[twin plugged targa]

It's funny how soon we forget pain, whilst in the rush to get our babies ready for the street and some open top driving!!!
No blood yet but it's come close- blood blisters hurt just as much
Ben

See? Coupe's are better


I'd better run for cover

[bell]

actually it's all part of the process of becoming one with your targa...........this is an experience coupe owners will never have the pleasure of experiencing

[Shaun @ Tru6]

another word of caution: when you come out to the car after a particularly long day at work and you are very tired, pull out the top, put it on the car and drive away, remember that the safety catch on the trunk lid is not caught!

Damage is significant as the hood flies up, corners hit the horizontal windshield deck and hinges somehow bend such that the back corners sit lower in their place.

If I weren't already redoing the front end after a left fender swipe and someone backing over the bumper, this would be truly tragic.

Any ideas on how to better remember?

[targa911S]

It's a bonding thing. You're supposed to add some blood to the oil tank after you do it. Had to know the coupe guys would jump on this.

[Silveresrty911S]

I second the blood blister part of targa top ownership....
Now when it's time for a jaunt with the top off, it stays in the garage and never gets folded up
It seems to keep the top in better shape from the crease that forms when folded up.
my.02
Rick

[Crowbob]

There are two things you do just once; Targa finger snapping and over enthusiastic zippering up post voiding...

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Happened to me once too, even after the PO showed me the correct method and warned me about the hinges.

I put a JMPRO hard top on mine though, so it doesn't fold anymore. No more bloody fingers.

[VaSteve]

I was driving top off this weekend. Beautiful day. All of the sudden, it started raining.

If you pull over on the side of a busy road to reattach the top, do so parallel to the wind!! And don't stop on a bridge. There were no incidents, but it could have been much, much worse...

[john walker's workshop]

done that once. shades of closing the door on a '57 corvette i used to own, by grabbing the chrome post attached to the front of the door. tore a large chunk out of my thumb. the post closes into a notch in the windshield frame, with no room for fingers.

[masraum]

Just don't fold the top. It fits nicely behind the front seats.

[HarryD]

Originally posted by masraum
Just don't fold the top. It fits nicely behind the front seats.

Steve,

Quite true, but last Sunday, so did my Children. Unfortunately, I can't fold them up and place them in the trunk

[vash]

great! now i am writhing in imaginary pain! thanks.

[djmcmath]

But what about the car -- did you get blood on the car!?



Dan