Broken targa handle | What to replace?

[farleyd]

Hi, one of my targa top handle is spinning loose, which means it doesnt lock anymore. As i have to replace it fast - and dont have much time thses days to dismantle the top, what part could possibly be the culprit?

Thanks to all.

[Rot 911]

You know the handles pull out don't you? Just pull it out and see if it is the handle, shaft or the socket it goes into.

[rickeolis]

Kurt I've got the same issue:
I see two small allen-head screws right next to the handle's head. Is this what will remove the latch mechanism for inspection? (Once the top is off first)

[Westy]

Farleyed

On mine it's the socket. It has a T groove in it, and it has split. I did a quick fix by taking out the latch and tightening a real small radiator clamp around it. Not great, but it works. The only problem is you have to remove the strip of upholstery to get to the nuts. I asked on this board, but no on ewanted to sell one, and Pelican wants over 200 bucks. I'm hoping to find one at Ventura.

Good Luck!

[Bill Verburg]

I've seen the cross bar at the end of the shaft come loose.

[jpnovak]

Mine handle came loos from teh T shaft. It must have happened sometime before because it was no longer threaded for the screw. I just put it in place and brazed the two toghther. Watch out that pot metal melts FAST!

[farleyd]

I am the thread starter. I have a new skin and interior to fit as well. So i have to strip it apart anyway. Just wanted to order my parts fastest as possible. Ill check if i can dismantle the damn thing and see things clear.

Later.

[scottb]

Call Dan Pechtel. He's the guru when it comes to all things related to Targa tops. I'm sure he'll be able to offer you a more cost-effective solution.

www.carsinc-nj.com

[hook682]

Dont sweat it! Do what i did. Remove the mechanisms from the top, get yourself some 1/4-20 allen head bolts and have them welded in. Now just carry around a couple of allen keys in your glove box. I figured I saved about $300-400 on new sets. It just cost me a case of beer for the welders trouble.

[farleyd]

Me again. After studying the diagram, i cant see what else it could be apart a broken handle tip.

CAn it be something else?

[Westy]

Hook,,,were they welded to the existing broken sockets? Or did you take the latch apart and weld it in?

[hook682]

They were welded into the little sockets into which the t handles are put into. They became mushroomed and would no longer work with the stock handles. They work like a charm

[Westy]

Hook,

Good advice, Thanx

[farleyd]

I am the thread starter. Ok so i dismantled the damn thing only to discover that the handle is fine, but the latching mecanism is broken inside. Looks like the steel flat rod that connect to the locking hinge is broken.

Any one has ea used mecanism? On the driver side, unless they are identical.

Thanks!

[rickeolis]

Farley, that sounds like the same problem I must be having: Did the latch simply turn, but not catch?
If so, I'm sure the fault is this same broken part that you see now. Does it appear that you could have it welded to fix it? Thanks-

-Rick-

[Jdub]

I know this is too little too late, and probably would not have prevented this problem but I thought I would pass this tip on.

Whenever you are unlatching or latching the Targa top, you should always put your hand on top of the area directly above the latch to relieve pressure. Most folks just latch and unlatch from the inside of the car, which is probably fine. But ideally you want the "J" hook to operate with a minimum of stress.

Pressing on that area does not apply to final release of the top. All Targa latches have a secondary safety mechanism that is designed to prevent the top from flying off. This is why you need to push the handle fully over counterclockwise to disengage the latch. If your latch does not require this, it is halfway broken.

John