targa front window seal reinstall

[47silver]

i bought the targa seal from our host a year ago...and installed it immediately. Did not fit...hmmm, checked this site and discovered that it needs shaved.
today i finally shaved it... I tried a dremel but that was dumb.

I have a heavy old bench grinder, so i took it outside and began to grind away according to the documents on this site.

Much to my surprise it worked and it was easier than i thought to shave it down and have it fit better.
Things i learned:
1. use a bench grinder. I would remove the shields see#5.
2. put something under it to catch the rubber dust. say a large piece of cardboard that you can throw out.
3. wear a mask and googles and a hat the rubber dust goes everywhere. I would not do this inside unless i had a powerful vacuum attached to the grinder.
4. I also had the old seal and used a carpeters duplicator to approximate the cut and depth. gave me some confidence but it is not necessary.
5. My grinder does not have a guard so i was able to slide it under the grinder and let the wheel pull it along.
6. make several passes. Be careful in the corners.
7. Dry install it as many times as needed until the roof fits even with the front roof. I did it 5 timesl.
8. use shop vac to clean everything.

I'll try to post some photo's tomorrow of the seal in place, the duplicator and the old grinder.

[rcecale]

Great info, thanks for sharing!

As for tomorrow....pics, pics and more pics, please!

Oh, and thanks again for sharing!

Randy

[47silver]

Randy:

you are welcome, but it is easier than i thought to do...i was really hesitant but was tired of my old top looking like a bad toupe

Just use a good bench grinder and go smoothly and slowly.

I am happy with the result , now i can put the carpet that i bought here in 2004 into the car.

[RFR]

I'd love to see pics as well!

[KCinBR]

Got them pics ready?????

[Zef]

Thanks a lot...That is the info I need because it is on the winter project list for me...Any pics !!!

[Mysterytrain]

47silver..great news in addition to the pictures what would be really helpful would be some measurements! I would be very interested in the dimensions of the old seal at various points from the center to below the corners.

[47silver]

The attached with notes are what I measured and how i tried to grind the seal. The old grinding wheel worked fine. Keep your fingers on the bottom of the seal. Do not wear long sleeves or a tie.

[47silver]

distance from b to c on the second photo is 7 CM.

[47silver]

forgot to post the distance on the window column part of the seal,,, i measured 10 mm down on the old seal.

[rcecale]

Thanks very much for posting the pics!!! Now to take them out to the car and compare. This just moved up to be my priority winter job. Followed closely by a rear wheel bearing replacement.

Randy

[JP911]

Kudos to you! I found dealing with targa seals and attempting to improve the fit of the roof to be the most painful part of the DIY 911 experience. I solved this problem by switching to a coupe. I do miss the open air experience, but I do not miss the leaks, the noise, and the frustration.