Just got Targa top back WOW!!!

clnilsen · clnilsen's Garage

I just got my targa top back from Dan Petchal from Cars, INC and all I can say is WOW!!!!! I now realize the way these things are supposed to work. What a miricle worker!

I went to put it on the car, and it was TIGHT!!! so I'm thinking, no leaks! yeah! It's duping snow here today, so I woun't be able to go out and test it yet, but I can't wait for it to warm up.

One quick question out there... Looking accross the front windshield to targa seam, it seems that the whole top is higher on the drivers side than the passenger side. now the passegner side has always been much tighter to latch than the drivers side, so I'm thinking there must be some kind of adjustment for the mechanism on the car? is there a way to adjust it so the front drivers side sits lower?

Thanks!!

Chuck

Jgordon · 03-22-2002, 06:06 AM

Not sure if this has any truth or relevence, but possibly for helmet reasons? If the seal's tight and you still want to set it lower, I'd sit in the car with a helmet on and check your headroom before making any changes.

Jdub · 03-22-2002, 07:01 AM

This is a great question. I too have a top whose one latch is harder to set and that side snugger to the seal/windshield.

I am not sure how this is done, but I seem to remember that the SC series of cars requires that you reshim the latch mech. with washers to tighten it down. This means pulling the latch, which means undoing the fabric and pins at the front headbar.

If anyone else knows this information and can provide a procedure I would be very grateful.

John

rfix'n · 03-22-2002, 07:38 AM

I'd like to add my Targa top adjustment question to the mix. Is it possible to adjust the vent window in / towards the car? I have adjusted the side seal out as far as possible but still have a slight gap on the passenger side.

I agree on the rebuilt tops being much tighter than my old. I got mine back from Dave Brown last month and it not only looks 100% better but is 90% more waterproof. It will be 100% if I can fix that gap on the vent window.

scedmonds · scedmonds's Garage

I had my top rebuilt by Autos International in Escondido, CA two years ago.

My top has the same "quirk" -- the drivers side is higher than the passenger side (like 1/4"), which causes wind noise and creates a gap at the top of the driver side vent window.

I've added weather-stripping to close that gap, but I'd rather it be adjusted properly -- and will look in to see if someone can provide details on how to do it.

Glad to see it's not just me!

Cheers!

C.

Jdub · 03-22-2002, 09:06 AM

I've mailed DanP to add his expertise to this post. Here's hoping!

John

Carsinc-nj.com · 03-22-2002, 10:29 AM

If the Targa top sits up higher on one side or both sides Porsche Targas from 69 to 86 the poblem is in the seal/gasket. There is no adjustment to raise or lower roof for this period of time. 86 and later when roller latches were fitted, an adjustment could be made.

There are only two situation I know of that would cause the roof to set up to high.

In the event of a recent paint job the seal/gasket was removed and never seated all the way in the grove and thus the top sits up.

The improper seal/gasket was installed. The proper size seal/gasket has not been made since 1995. The part will come from Porsche or the aftermarket with the proper # but the seal supplied is for a 90 newer Targa. The seal is just 25% to large where it must fit in to the grove. I have a tech article that explains the needed modification shoudl any one wish.

dan@carsinc-nj.com

Dan Petchel
List, PCA, Driver

schulr · schulr's Garage

I have an 87 targa and the top is in fine shape except is rattles when ever I go over bumps. I have lubed the fittings and the sockets which has helped but it still rattles. How does one adjust the top to make if fit tighter?

Bob

davis911s · davis911s's Garage

Dan I really hope you stick around this BB
Could be a great help to a lot of us, and it will drum up business for you I am sure.

Did I hear you jhave a Pelican members discount???

Shawn

Leland Pate · 03-22-2002, 01:32 PM

Chuck,
May I ask how much he charged you for the restoration?

My top has this thing at the sides... both sides sit too high right over the vent window.

I'm sure it is because of the side seals but can't figure out why.

I have already reupholstered it once by myself... but it needs to be professionally done.

Anyway, glad to hear that you are very happy!

masraum · 03-23-2002, 12:46 PM

Leland,

Dan did my top about a year ago. Much of the problem comes when only the surface vinyl is replaced. He gets into everything and replaces the under layers which make a huge difference.
His website spells out the costs. You can probably count on needing the whole shebang but it's worth it. Add to the costs on that site shipping one way (about $150 I think), he pays return shipping.

clnilsen · clnilsen's Garage

Leland:

My top was actually not in too bad of condition.. usable but leaked bad due to riped vinyl.

He did the "step 2" restoration plus updated headliner (which on my didn't need replaced, but I guess the update makes things quieter. Total was $890.

I know it sounds a little steep, and it was for me since i went in my budget from a $200 parts job to 890 (I usually like to do things myself..) but it really was worth it. Besides looking great, it fits really tight. Dan called me personally to check with me before he did the work to talk to me about what was wrong, what I could pass on perhaps, and what effected what. Basically I decided ot "do it right or don't do it at all"

It really is worth the $$... especially if you're like me and hate irritating stupid things like leaky tops. :-)

Good luck...

Chuck