Proper installation of front targa seal?

I have put a new front seal(and rear) in my targa, thereis considrable gap at the front of the top, where it attaches to windshield. I heard that this is a hard seal to instal? I found it pretty easy-obviously wrong way. What is the trick to it?

Thanks
Shawn

I have heard rumors to the effect that all new front seals are not going to properly fit the older cars. I bought one but havn't tried fitting it yet. Supposedly all you need to do is trim it. Keep us posted!

Here is DanP's article from Panorama. Please thank him for his hard work.

Dan is owner of Cars Inc of NJ. He is along time PCA member with a business of Restoring Targa Tops and Selling Vintage Parts. Website carsinc-nj.com 609 298 2277

Pano tech article
Targa Windshield Frame Seal problem

A problem has developed for Targa owners from an unusual source. Somewhere during the last few years, when ordering a new replacement front windshield frame pillar seal, one receives a superseded seal. Problem folks, these superseded seals just don’t fit 89 and older Targa's. The proper part number is no longer obtainable. Old part #911 565 090 47 now superseded #911 799 565 80. You may, in fact, get the proper part # on the package but the seal will be the superseded one. I have been told that the official response to this situation is that the new seal will require cutting and shaping to get the proper fit. Since where to cut and shape has been a mystery, the choice has been either to retain your old seal or live with an ill-fitting top.
The difficulty with the new seal is varies from 2mm to 4mm too deep across the whole top and 4 mm too wide at the corners. This results in the seal not fitting far enough down into the body groove, thus the seal seats up too high and the top rides on top of the seal. Roller latches on tops from 86-89 can be adjusted but this is a Band-Aid fix because wind noise will result. There is no such luck for 69-85 cars. Damage usually occurs to the latch by forcing the top to fit. It would seem that the second rule of carpentry applied when the seal was made, “ cut it big and kick it into place”.

Now the fix: What needs to be done is the removal of material from the seal so that it will slip unimpeded into the channel. Material needs to be not only removed from the sides but also from the bottom of the seal, as mentioned. The best approach I have found for removing material from the seal is a bench grinder.

Side of seal material removal: Remove 2 mm on each side of the seal downward and inward 3 ¼”from the 90-degree bend. The proper width should be 10mm. New seals are 14 mm at this spot. (See diagram 1) Seal taper out to the regular thickness the last ½” or so. This includes removal of material from the large triangular corner knob. It needs to be shaved on the sides by 2mm to 3mm wherever it touches the V metal corner channel.
Bottom of seal material removal: The underside material of the seal needs material removed by 2mm to 3mm in the same corner area. In my modifications, I have removed material 2mm from entire windshield length with good results.
Test fit: You can test your work as you go along by periodically testing top for fit. The seal should not be forcing the top upward during these fittings. The seal dry should be just a tad loose for when you apply glue in the channel for installation. This space will be accounted for. I feel in order to get the seals bottomed out, it is best to install the seals with glue only in the channel and install the seal wet before the glue sets up. Until this seal situation is resolved with the proper sized one, this is our best chance of getting our Targa top to fit correctly.

Here's more from Dan on latch versions:

I had a call yesterday form a 91 C2 Targa owner. His top had been lost some
where between the body shop and the repair shop by the tow guy. any way he
was looking for a top which I said I had. He then asked me if a 89 top would
fit for he had been told by a parts seller it would. Folks it won't. Here are
the years and what fits what.

90-94 Roller latches covered side seals
86-89 Roller latches old style side seals
74-85 Hook latches, rear center pin, different years had different trim but
they fit
69-73 Hook latches, no center pin, bare rear pins
67-68 Hook latches, no center pin, bare rear pins, unique side seals, with 2
style one for soft windows and a different roof for hard windows cars.(L
version)

Questions and comments welcome
Dan
Carsinc-nj.com

When I put the new seal in for the front windshield, I had the sam problem. So I took it out and did it again. This time, I pushed the glass and seal up a little higher than the first time and installed it.

when it was done, the corners were a little low so I took some sealant and sealed the outer edge of the rubber. It secures the seal and glass in place. Also sealed the bottom where the glass and seal come together
to keep the water out. Havn't had any leaks yet.

Steve