Cabrio top latch too tight

[dfk911sc]

Folks need some help on this.

I replaced the top windshield seal on my SC and now the latches are difficult to lock. Even with pull down pressure from me grabbing the edge of the top with one hand and latching with the other, the passenger side is the worst. So bad that yesterday in near 100 degree heat, when I latched the top, the passenger latch lever broke (just ordered 2 new from Pelican).

Any advice will help. Thanks

[84_Carrera]

Hmm. When I had my cab top rear window re-sewn a couple of years ago, it was VERY tight, and the upholsterer who did the repair unscrewed the guides so they would angle into the holes - I was NOT happy when I saw that. Unfortunately, I can't zip the top & then close the top down on the windshield, I have to close it first, then zip the super-tight rear window.

Hope you're able to figure this one out, I'm due to replace the top soon, along with all the seals, etc.

[aj88cab]

Dan

I replaced my seal last year, and I don't know if there any differences with the SC & Carrera seal and latches, but this is what I recall. When installing the seal I had to "stretch" it from the middle as you install it. Otherwise the corners of the seal can sit too high on the windshield frame and closing the top could be tight. Even with the "stretching", mine was tighter after the new seal was installed, but not to the point of breaking the levers. I did have to press down hard on the edge of the top to latch it initially but not as much now.

Good Luck,
Andrew

[3.2 CAB]

When you go to put your top up and latch it down, do you have the zipper on the rear window section un-zipped, and then zip it closed after you lock the top down with the levers?

[Bob Kontak]

The Targa/Cab windshield seal that Porsche (and I am assuming PP) sells is for the 964 and you have to trim the "incorrect" seal to fit your car (74-89).

I will posts links shortly that explain the issue better and I have also seen parts supply houses that sell an after market original fit. I will try to get that link as well.

[dfk911sc]

All,

Thanks for the good input. I've included pics below. I neglected to say that I also replaced the cab lateral seals. The lateral seals were overlapping onto the top seal by about 1/2" after trimming this back all is working and no leaks.
This is the new cab top seal.


This is the PS corner fit.


This is the DS lateral seal before trim.


This is the PS lateral seal after trim.


I hope this will help someone else later.

[3.2 CAB]

I think PP has the two different seals:
one up to 85, 911 565 090 47
the other is 86-94, 911 799 565 80

[Bob Kontak]

Dan Pechtel's trimming technique link (I believe he has the correct (but non OEM) part for sale).

http://www.911t.org/articles/targatop/targa_seal1.htm

Problem Discussion links

http://www.pca.org/tech/tech_qa_question.asp?id={9676A07D-10A0-4A53-A9F2-674FC2A631F8}

http://www.pca.org/tech/tech_qa_question.asp?id={CE24278B-9876-4F48-977B-D087E58766A3}

http://www.pca.org/tech/tech_qa_question.asp?id={183A49B1-8E06-4E4F-AD54-3F6D63022B06}

See project #77 from this link

http://www.101projects.com/Porsche-101/corrections.htm

[Bob Kontak]

I am making an assumption these seal problems will apply to the Cab as well given the same part numbers.

[Bob Kontak]

To 3.2 Cab - Yes PP has two part #'s listed. However the Pechtel link states that the part number may be the correct one but the part itself will be the one that superceded the correct fit seal.

The 101 Projects link also states that you should trim the part.

If PP is selling the correct fit part I am thinking there should be mention of the fitment issue. If you buy that (911 SC) part number thru Porsche you get the fat seal - not the correct seal. I think PP has the fat seal as well for sale.

[3.2 CAB]

I found those numbers in my parts locater, I didn't check PP. Hopefully I won't be needing any of them for many years to come.