1984 Targa rear window help

[rregan]

I was hoping that someone might be able to help me with locating a rear window and installer. I live in Southern Oregon and have called many of the glass companies in the phone book with no luck. None of them will even give me a quote. They say that they cannot get the glass. The window broke Saturday. The only thing I think of is that the lawn mower sent a rock off it. Bummmmmmer!

[Targa Me]

Wow, that is a bummer. I have an 84 Targa too and dread the day THAT happens.
Try these numbers:
L.A. Dismantler (Porsche only) 818-767-7243 They're a wreck yard for Porsche.
TRE 818-909-9220 Porsche repair shop.
PS Racing 818-840-0911 Porsche repair shop.
Good luck.

[rregan]

Thanks Targa me....I'll give those numbers a shot.

[don gilbert]

I have one, dont know how to get it to you though. Call me if you get desperate, Don, 901-832-9608

[rregan]

Thanks for that offer too Don. I believe that I found one from one of those numbers that Targa me posted.

[HarryD]

I have been told that the install of the rear window is a challenge for the glass guys. Be sure you find one who has done it in the past.

While not the most convienient for you, I used Apple Auto Glass in Portland to do my front window with very good results.

[jtfreels]

There are a couple of threads here (search on Targa rear window) that describe the installation with photos etc. You will at least know what you/they are up against. Yeah it doesn't look like the easiest thing in the world to do.

Here they are
Quick Targa window install trick
and

Targa window installation made easy! (long)

Sorry for you troubles, I'm going to close the garage from now on when I mow .

Jay

[rregan]

Hey JTfreels, Thanks for the post. I have searched the threads and have already determined that I will not be performing the installation. I have found a professional in the area who claims to have done many of them. My current issue is that no one around here can (or will) get me the glass. Thanks for the help though! I do appreciate it.

[Rob B]

Hey Central Point, Grants Pass here, also with a Targa! I can't help but I wish you luck and keep us informed. Rob

[rregan]

Okay...So I am having one shipped up from LA Porsche (dismanlter) $370 shipped. I have found a qualified installer in Medford $120. I figure that I am getting off easy! Thank you too all! Hey Rob - B let's hook up! What year is your Targa?

[don gilbert]

Mine was free. (for someone in need) I have 2 and no use for them. I would not trust anyone to put it in. Ive done 2 targa back glass, and that qualifies me as an expert. (just ask guys that have done 1 !!) GET the OEM seal, yes its very expensive, but trust me, the Asian seal will cost you lots of pain, swearing, and eventually heartache, because after about 3 hours you realize its not going to work, and the guy you hired to do it is gonna be really pissed off and put a boot through your glass. I had never done one, but after first hand learning what is involved (removing targa bar, interior, cutting out the old glass, which is a pain on the targa, getting the beading correct, major major pain, if it pops out, you have to start all over. It would be hard for me to trust one of these modern yank and squirt window installers. 120.00 to install a rear targa glass? he has no idea what he is getting in to. Its a all day job, if you know what your doing and work fast. Better get that price confirmed, before you go to pick it up and have a 500.00 dollar RO

[rregan]

Don, I appreciate the sentiment. I was surprised at that price myself. However, the guy sounded like he knew what he was talking about. He asked all the right questions about the seals and what condition they were in. He mentioned that I should bring them by for an inspection so that could determine if they would still work or not. He gave me a list of questions for the wrecking yard guy regarding packaging techniques for shipping. He said I should ask about the defrost wiring continuity, if there were good leads, and to make sure they were well protected for shipping. He said that he has been doing auto glass since 1978 and that he has done many of these over the years. The outfit is very well respected in this area. I have my fingers crossed. Thanks again....Ron

[don gilbert]

Keep us posted, I'm curious as to what he has to say after he is done. Hopefully all works out. And get a written estimate if you can before work starts. That price is insane, makes me wonder if he really has done a targa back glass before. I just had a front glass put in my chevy truck, took them about 30 min.---162.00 for labor.

[Davewjunior]

Ouch! Grab your Sawzall and make a permanent Cabriolet out of her (stay home on the rainy days).

[gtc]

In addition to replacing the seal, I would also suggest replacing the beading under the window trim while you're in there. It's pretty cheap - about $30 for both pieces.
$120 for the install is dirt cheap... mine was $450 last year. Luckily my insurance was picking up the tab.

[don gilbert]

One more thing on seals, the top rear targa seal must be removed to get the targa bar off, be very careful as it is the most expensive seal ever made.

[rregan]

Okay so the good news is that the window has been replaced and looks great. The total cost was $620. That was 250 for the window, 120 for shipping, and 250 for the installation. The people that installed it did and excellent job and obviously knew what they were doing. It took them 2.5 hours and that was with a lot of chit chat. I chose them over the guy with the $120 quote because they came to me. That was a lot better that having to deliver that window to a shop and then get the car down there too.
The bad news is that even though I told the guy at the Porsche wrecking yard that I did not want a window with a third brake light it came with one anyway. I'm sorry but that black border around the light is hideous. Also, there is one small hairline crack in the glass. All things considered (particularly where I live) I feel that the outcome is as good as could be expected. I will simply hook up that brake light and be happy for the increased safety. Kind of a "make lemonade" type of deal. Thanks for all your help guys.....Enjoy the nice weather!