Targa wind noise

[NYNick]

Here are some pix. I just got this car the other day and didn't notice the air noise, maybe because I had the windows down, or maybe because I took the top off and replaced it...incorrectly? It's pretty loud inside and coming from the windshield. Is this normal?
I took the top off again, lubed the rubber hoping for a better seal, but it's the same. The rubber looks in good shape.

Am I nuts?

Nick

[porwolf]

the front lip of your Targa top seems to sit too high over the windshield frame. That could be caused by an incorrect front Targa seal or possibly misalignment of front latches. I would check with Dan Pechtel, the Targa top specialist. He has a post here:

Targa Top Tech

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by porwolf

the front lip of your Targa top seems to sit too high over the windshield frame.

+1

What is the condition of the seal? Does it look brand spankin' new or kinda like 30 years old?

[NYNick]

Thanks Bob, thanks Wolf.

I put some electrical tape over the seam just to see if it would affect the noise. It limited it, but the noise was still there.
My seal is not brand spanky new...probably original. I'm thinking it needs a new one. I'll contact Dan.
Thanks guys.

Nick

[86 911 Targa]

Replacing these parts elimenated all wind noise & rattles on our '86.

Good luck,

Gerry

[Jack Stands]

Definitely get the seal from Dan. The one that Porsche sells is an updated part number for the 964, and doesn't fit correctly from what I've been told.

PCNA did have a booklet on sealing the 911s from wind and water intrusion. There is an additional seal that can be installed to help fill that front gap that is mentioned in the booklet. The part number is 911.799.565.25 and it fits along the front edge, 5mm below the top.

I think the PDF of this technical booklet is available as a PDF somewhere, though I don't have a link. Maybe someone has it available as it covers a lot of sealing issues.

[strikee]

Also note that if your top is old, the skin will lift from the frame at speed (Venturi effect) making lots of noise. This is my current situation, similar sounding to your issue. Rebuild necessary.

[NYNick]

Thanks guys.
Strike, I'm sure the venturi effect is contributing to the noise; no doubt about that.
Gerry, I'm not sure how replacing those pins and covers would affect the windshield seal, but I'll check them out.
Jack Stands, thanks for the part number.

I'm waiting to hear from Dan.

Nick

[Type911]

Spend the $1000 or so and have him restore the entire top from the looks of it, it's due.

I had Dan restore the top on my 82 and the improvement in wind noise and fit was dramatic. Take the car to him so he can do the proper measurements, renew seals and fitment.

[Tony V]

Nick,
To chase down wind noise in my coupe, I used blue painters tape. Easy on and off without paint damage. I was amazed how much wind noise was caused by an old windshield gasket. Try taping around the windshield first, then tape around the leading edge of the Targa top. I even taped off the passenger door and rear window. Replaced both the front and rear window gaskets. Made a huge improvement. Good luck,
Tony

[seamore2001]

Originally Posted by Type911

Spend the $1000 or so and have him restore the entire top from the looks of it, it's due.

I had Dan restore the top on my 82 and the improvement in wind noise and fit was dramatic. Take the car to him so he can do the proper measurements, renew seals and fitment.

Wow, that didn't look so bad to me. What makes it look bad enough to rebuild?

I need to replace the seals on mine, but holding off on the top itself for a while longer. I'd like an idea of what makes it necessary sooner than later (sound aside, of course).

Thanks.

[Breeang]

Targa is a German word meaning 'Noise is directly proportional to speed'

[gamin]

Our host lists 911-799-565-25 piping as NLA.

[petrolblue83911]

when the top ages, the webbing gets stretched, and this makes the leading edge rise up- that's what it looks like is happening on your top

[jimrs2000]

Check the hooks on the top are engaged in the recesses on the front beam, they can also wear and disengage when you are driving.

[Bob Clucas]

I had a similar problem with my '74 Targa. I fixed it somewhat by first pressing down hard on the top with one hand and then tightening the latch with the other while keeping the pressure on the top, then move to the other side. Just trying to tighten it down while inside the car didn't put enough pressure on the top to get it in place properly and it kinda looked like yours. It's still a bit noisy, but not nearly as bad.... try that before spending $$$$....

Bob

[Jack Stands]

If that part is NLA, it is a simple " P" shaped rubber seal. Should be available at McMaster-Carr and others.

I'd agree that Dan is your best bet as he's the best at getting these things together correctly.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by petrolblue83911

when the top ages, the webbing gets stretched, and this makes the leading edge rise up- that's what it looks like is happening on your top

Bingo!!!

This is exactly what Dan will say needs to be done. Guaranteed.

Got mine done by Dan in Feb and all of "other" irregularities were quickly identified.

[NYNick]

Here are some pix of the front seal. Upon inspection, the pin covers/receivers/plugs definitely need replacing, and certainly the venturi effect is a large contributor to the noise.

Does my seal look at least decent?

BTW, I took off the sun visors. I hated the look. Will put em back on if the sun starts to bother me.

Nick

[Chuck.H]

Nick writes:

>>>BTW, I took off the sun visors. I hated the look. Will put em back on if the sun starts to bother me.

I hated them also, so I cut them in half, right along the dotted line Porsche provided. Then I covered the whole thing, mirror and all, in alcantara (dash also). Now I really like how compact they are.



Oh, and to the OP, the Targa top is only to be used when you're parked!!!

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 362k miles (360k or so top off)