SC Targa Rear Window Seal Replacement

[AndrewMac]

I can see very small indications that I am getting a little rust under the paint at the base of the rear window of my '78 Targa.
What is involved to get the window out and the body and glass seals replaced after I deal with the rust? Can I do this myself if I can find someone to help me pull the glass? How fragile is the glass and am I likely to crack it in the process?

Advice and anecdotal info much appreciated.
Cheers ,
Drew

[pbs911]

I R&R my reat Targa window about three years ago.

Removing the window is simple. Cut the rubber seal away from the window and it will lift off. These windows are heavy!

Installation is a pain. The glass is solid and did I mention heavy! It is very difficult to get the seal around the window curves without it slipping off somewhere else. I ended up using tape to hold the seal on the window while I worked the seal on the window. You use the cord method of running the cord in the window/body grove, placing the window on the frame and pulling the cord to feed the rubber seal over the body sealing edge.

You also have to cut small holes in the seal for the rear window defroster. This posed a problem when trying to hook up the wires to the window because the conenctions are on the window which requires you to balance the window away from car and connect to two wires before beginning to pull the rubber seal onto the body. I opted to make quick connections that allows me to connect and disconnect the defrost element after the window was completely installed.

As for the outer lower trim pieces that go along the bottom of the window rubber, I was not able to get them in place before placing the window on the car. The seal kepp slipping off the window. If you can get them in after installation, I couldn't. The next time I will be going with the C2 trimmless rubber.

I had called several window places to have the window installed but was unable to find anyone who could do it. I triedto explain the window but after comming out they just scratched their heads. If I could pay someone to do it again, I would.

Since I will be doing this again, if anyone knows of a place in the Orange County / LA area that comes to the house to install rear Targa windows, please let me know.

good luck.