Targa Top Side seal problem
 

Side Seal modification

I am not sure when the side seal problem began but we have one and it is been with us for sometime. This is true if you buy your seal from the dealer or one of the Porsche part houses. The side seal is too long by between 3/16” to ¼” when the side seal is adjusted all the way to the rear and out as it needs to be. This leads to the back seal itself being damaged or worse the rear roll bar seal damage. These are pricey. If the side seal is adjusted to the front there is interference with the front over the windshield seal and the top won’t set down properly. I have also found the front knob on these seal is too large and again interferes with the top properly fitting. I have also seen Latch breakage due to this.

Here is the fix: This job is performed with a thin blade razor knife.
1. Cut of the rear of each seal about 3/16 of an inch. Taper the cut so that it bends into the tail flap. You will be cutting a chunk of rubber off.
2. Turn the seal over to the under side and start at an angle cutting about half of the under side knob off. If you were to see a 74 style seal you would see that the knob is half the size of the new style side seals. Again start for front edge and take a triangle size piece out. End where it is attached to the seal it self.

If we ever get through Targa seal issues we are going to have a pretty darn good car.

PS I will be going after that side seal issue with supplier in future months.

Great information, Dan!

Do you have any pics of this procedure, so we can get a good idea of where the cutting should be?

Randy

Not yet I just wrote the article after a request this afternoon.

Is this on all Targas? or prevalent in early, mid year, Carreras & SCs?

Sweet tip Dan!

Brian Minson
Editor
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All replacement side seal appear to be too long.

Dan,
Could you please post a diagram of where/how to cut? I'm about to replace my side seals and don't want to mess them up.

Thanks!
Scott

I will be taking some pix later this week. Can't do it today for I am off to Jimmy Buffit concert.

Dan,

No fair, you get to go! LOL

Brian Minson
Editor
9magazine.com

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Hi Dan,
Looking forward to your posting the pics :-)

- Scott

Pics on where to make the cuts please. Thanks Dan!