Targa Top Driving Me Crazy

gedk · 01-30-2005, 06:27 PM

Hi All,

I'm three months into my "new" '74 Targa. It's my second 911- I had a '70 T- and so far, I like this car does a better job as a daily driver. Except for one thing- the top! I have been trying to get the seals right since I got it. On to the question:

Does anyone have a manual, advice or just a few words of encouragement? I can't figure out how to adjust the latches. I also have been unsuccessful at keeping water from leaking in at the from quarter windows.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

BTW, great board- thanks Pelican.

Thanks,
Ged
1974 911 S Targa

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Ged,
Do a search here for "trga top" and you should get alot of info. Targa top adjustment is a very popular subject here among us Targa owners. Good luck and welcome aboard!

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Ged,
Do a search here for "targa top" and you should get alot of info. Targa top adjustment is a very popular subject here among us Targa owners. Good luck and welcome aboard!

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

I will include a few words of encouragement as a fellow Targa owner. "Keep the top off and move to California. " Seriously, which seals are you having problems with, seals on the top or seals on the car. Take some photos and maybe someone here can get an idea of what seems to be causing your problems. My Targa does leak in the rain and it is coming from this part.

KobaltBlau · 01-30-2005, 07:52 PM

mine leaks a tiny bit and it's in that same spot. there is a lip that comes down to cover that corner and it's split. some gluing might be possible on mine but I figure I'll need to replace it eventually. $$, but worth it for the ability to take the top off!

gedk · 01-30-2005, 07:53 PM

Same problem! Seems to run across the front window sill and somehow get into the car. Seems to seep in between the chrome frame and the seal.

If new seals will do it, I'll buy them. Just hate to spend $100's, and then still have the leak. I'll post some pics tomorrow.

Thanks!

midlife · 01-30-2005, 09:23 PM

I've got new seals, and it still leaks a little in the same place. I got tired of messing with it, and I can park under a cover at work, so I'm living with it for now.

Rufblackbird · 01-30-2005, 09:41 PM

Welcome fellow targa owner! Here is the Ultimate Targa Top tinkering thread.

K. Roman · K. Roman's Garage

Plus when you open a door all the water drains into your door pocket. Great design, only it's a cardboard water-catcher.

Sean Hamilton · Sean Hamilton's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by K. Roman
Plus when you open a door all the water drains into your door pocket. Great design, only it's a cardboard water-catcher.

And they then go all soggy and deformed! As happens to all targa owners

Just give 'em a healthy spray of fabric water repellent every six months.
Also, silicon spray the rubber seals every so often. They love it - brings 'em back to life.

alan911 · 01-31-2005, 06:52 AM

Had the same problem years ago.

Actually the water drip starts at the front of the top (above the winshield) and runs down, either by gravity or wind pressure when driving, and then to the area circled in the pic.

With the top off you can see the path the water takes. It runs inside the gutter along the top length of the seal and then down to the window frame and eventually inside the car.

What I did to solve it was to build up a dam, a little at a time, with Black RTV silicone goop to stop the dripping in that area.

I used vasiline on the window frame as a release agent so the silicone wouldn't stick to it.

Add a layer and close the door to help form a seal. Do this 3 or 4 times or until the build up of the RTV forms a seal to stop the leak. Worked for me.

You have to patient so when your done it's almost invisible and the black RTV matches the seal color.