Targa rear window install - issue with seal

[Eddyvdw]

Almost done restoring my 72, only the Targa window (and oil tank) to go.

I can't get the rubber seal fitted around the window. Does anybody have a suggestion / idea how to do it? There are in my seal also 2 groves for the window, which one to use?

THANKS!
Ed

[jsmithcds]

I checked out your location and the weather you have right now. Cold rubber ='s stiff rubber. Put it in the oven and heat it up to make it more pliable. Then try installing.

I did buy an OEM front and rear seal that I could not get to fit when I replaced mine. I bought genuine porsche seals to replace and they went right on. Still have them if anyone wants them.....

Good luck

Justin

[Eddyvdw]

Any final tips before I give it another go?
Thanks,
Ed

[JerryL]

I am with JC on warming it and genuine Porsche seals, one part that does need to be the real thing to work properly.
I like to mount the seal with the trim in it to the glass and let it sit in the sun to warm, while in the shape it will need to be in then pop it in and have a helper putting pressure on the area you are working while pulling the string.
Another tip / tool is a Chop Stick that I tapered to a point (flat pointed not round) then a slight radius around the "blade end you made" Is a great tool to pull the lip out to the proper location if the string is not getting it perfict. Use soap and water for lube, I like liquid dish wash soap with water say 75% water 25 soap

Best tip is the Porsche seals.

Good luck

[mcaterino]

I did this about two months ago on my '70 targa, using factory seals. I didn't have any issues with seal pliability - with enough soapy water it was easy to get it fitted on the window. My difficulty was getting the rubber to stay on the window all the way around. Once it starts to get tight, it pulls off very easily (unlike the front window seal). I used a lot of tape, which itself wasn't very easy because it gets wet and doesn't like to stick. But with enough it did the job. You can see some pictures in my blog (link in my signature).

It doesn't look like anyone's addressed your question about which groove to use. There should actually be three. The very outermost (but only on the lower half) is for the aluminum trim. For the glass you want to use the middle groove. The inner one is for the defroster wires, if you have them.

I put the aluminum trim in after getting the rubber on the glass. I can't comment on whether it would have been easier if I'd done it beforehand. It helped a little to keep the rubber in place, but not all that much.

Getting the rope in place was tricky with all the tape in the way, but I had a friend who helped, moving the tape out of the way as I was cramming the well lubricated rope in the outer groove. We kept the tape on until the window was sitting on the car. Then, with the frame pressing inward around it we were able to remove most of the tape and the seal stayed in place. But we didn't pull all of it off until we were nearly at that point in the rope pull.

Overall, as everyone says, not a fun job at all. But I'm a novice, and got it done following the good advice of people here. Good luck.

Mike

[Bearded Viking]

A couple of very informative threads in regards to the good ole rear targa window\seal\defroster.

Targa Rear Window Removal -- Observations and Questions

Quick Targa window install trick

[Eddyvdw]

Thanks for all the tips.
With lots of tape (I know, a bit too much I guess) I got the seal fitted.
Hopefully when the soap is dry the seal stays....
Tomorrow the trim and cord.
Wish me luck.

Ed

[Eddyvdw]

Thanks all, mission accomplished!

[jsalexander]

Hey Eddyvdw, How much do you want for the seals and will they fit a 1977 911S targa?

[jsalexander]

Sorry, my last post was for jsmithcds about the seals he has.