Replacing Targa seals?

I need to replace the front and rear (rollbar) seals on my 88 Targa, anybody tackle this job before? Can a (true) novice handle it? I've heard the worst part is getting the old seals off and cleaning up all the old adhesive, etc.

Vic
88 Carrera

It is really straightforward.

Make sure you have the 3M BLACK weatherstrip adhesive; or, I also use Wurth Clear glue. Avoid the yellow types - icky.

For the front, you simply remove the metal strip across the top of the windshield pillar, where the targa latches attach. Just a few phillips screws. The seal is basically just glued into the channel at that point. Take your time and make sure you get it on evenly, and that the corners by the wing-windows are properly located and oriented; otherwise, it will leak (more than usual )

The rear is slightly more complicated but not much. Your car may have little plastic screws/plugs that will need to be removed. (My 70 car doesn't.) Then just pull the old seal off...installation is the opposite of removal, as they like to say in the Haynes manual.

To clean up the old glue residue, you can often get much of it just by rolling and scraping w/ your fingers! You may also judiciously use a fairly mild solvent like acetone (Goof Off or similar) -- but keep it off the paint as much as possible. I also use single-edged razor blades for detail work, but same thing applies: watch the paint.

If you have any specific questions/problems just give a holler.

Chris C.

OH -- and hold on to your wallet!!! As you may know these 2 seals are "crazy expensive".


[This message has been edited by campbellcj (edited 03-24-2001).]

Thanks, Chris!

The local dealer has a set that he'll sell for $240 ... however, I've been told that the front seal needs to be modified to work properly, don't really know what that modification would be, though. The Bentley manual doesn't cover the Targa seals.

Vic
88 Carrera

[LCorkum]

Chris,

I am also taking on this task of replacing my Rear Targa Seal. My question is how do you remove the plastic plugs? Do they just pull out or are there screws involved. They just jave a smooth black cap look to them.

The rest looks pretty straight forward as you have outlined in your thread.

Thanks,
Lloyd
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