Targa rear windshield - remove or leave in place?

[gssereik]

As I prepare (mentally and otherwise) for getting a new paint job on my 1983 911sc targa, I have begun to research the work involved with removal and replacement of the seal around the rear targa glass. The original seal is in decent shape still but ideally I would love to have paint sprayed in this area properly without the window in place. I have removed front and rear glass on my old Beetle a couple of times, as well as all the glass on my 356 coupe, back in the day when I still had those cars. So I know the basic technique. And I am planning to take out the front windshield on my 911 before painting, as it seems pretty straightforward. But is it really that much more difficult to replace the targa rear glass with a new seal? Or is it so difficult to deal with the targa glass that it might be better to just get out the masking tape instead and leave the window in place?

[mike sampsel]

It's not a one person job, unless you get a strap to add pressure properly, even so two people are better and one on the inside on your back making the seal align. It just does not go in easy. There are other issues too. I had my glass out, and a glass specialist said he could get it in. Nope! He ruined my seal and I got another. Then three of us, my painter and his assistant and me managed to get it in.

One of the more difficult tasks on these cars is installing the targa glass. Many write ups on it.

I tried a strap but it just bent the hooks I made up. So it was out. You need to get the trim into the seal before the install, I go new black trim as was the original. Your painter might be able to pull up the old seal and paint around it. This was not to my liking ...

Good luck

Contact these guys, the four of them get it in pretty fast :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZKxcuLekjM

[mike sampsel]

This thread is one of the better ones FYI

Quick Targa window install trick

[mike sampsel]

I'd remove it FYI, just know you might need some help installing it. And or find a pro who has done one.

Cheers

[Flat6pac]

You’ll probably never get the wiring installed for rear defogger
NOT a fun job.
Bruce

[Dpmulvan]

Remove it, do it right.

[Showdown]

Remove it, you’ll only be disappointed if you don’t.

It’s definitely a hard job solo but it most certainly can be done and done well with defogging wires. I did it on my car in about 2 hours start to finish. This is not to say I wasn’t covered in sweat and inventing new swear words, but it is possible. I didn’t use ratchets, clamps, weights or any other gizmos.

The key with all window installs is to get the aluminum trim contoured to the frame as perfectly as possible before you install it into the seal. I repeat; spend extra time manipulating the trim to match the frame perfectly before you start otherwise everything will be futile.

In addition you NEED a new seal. I used genuine Porsche and wouldn’t bother with anything else.

I used two plastic coated steel braided wires coated in glycerine inside the channel to pull the seal and it was very capable; two as a precaution. In addition, I had a bunch of little plastic and wood tools to manually manipulate both the seal and trim.

The defogging wires are a pain for sure but you can do it: a bunch of German dudes in the 70s did it so you can too.

Check out Mike’s Restorations on YouTube as he has two excellent videos on installing the glass with tons of clear tips and techniques.

[GH85Carrera]

My local "Go To" Porsche paint shop owner says he charges a lot more for a full paint job on a Targa, because of the rear glass. He hates having to do them.

And yes, remove the rear glass, prep and clean the surface and be 100% sure there is not a speck of rust starting in the area. It is the only way to get a good paint job, and you will always regret the decision to leave it in place. Especially when the windshield and the other seals are new and pretty and the rear one is aged.

[gssereik]

Thank you all for your advice! I guess the bottom line is that it CAN be done, so when the time comes I will plan to just take the plunge and remove the glass. At least it comes out easy. And in the meantime I will keep researching install methods on this forum and elsewhere and build confidence that I will indeed get the glass back in somehow. Ultimately it will be a rewarding experience!

[targa80]

I did remove front glass and targa glass from my car a repaint over 20 years ago. I did the targa glass install by myself using two straps anchored using the seat rail mounts. Used new seal and did not install metal trim. Shattered the old front windshield while installing. Paid safe lite to install replacement. Honestly, I found the targa glass to be easy without the trim to install compared to the front windshield. I did a shot write up see below.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/824243-targa-window-one-man-install.html?highlight=Targa+glass

[mhurwitz]

Brings back memories. I owned a body shop in the 90’s and used to get inside the targas and push the back glass out with my back while someone on the outside held it as it came out. One weekend I was on my own, and thought I could do it by myself. WRONG. The glass went flying out, slide down the deck lid and bounced on the ground a couple of times. Miraculously it didn’t break or chip (tempered glass). No shaming please. I was in my 30’s. I used to paint cars in my thongs and bathing suit.

[Major Dad]

Please don’t post a picture of yourself in your working clothes, your description has scared us enough !

Putting screens back into 911s is a Pig of a job.

[47silver]

1 person can install it. I did it a couple of times as i forgot the heater wire.
I used good glass suction cups and ratcheting straps to sloooooowly pull it into place. I learned new swear words doing it