Targa top problem

[carsinc]

One of the problems that a Targa owner faces which I don't think has ever been addressed in a discussion before is the top has too small for the opening from front to rear. Somehow the top has shrunk.

The answer is simple it has. There are three levels of material under the vinyl and they have deteriorated and turned to dust. The vinyl then tightens up and now the top is too short. The top won't get too short at the front for latch will keep it close to being correct. Where it shows up is in the rear with a 3/8 gap at the roll bar.

The top should be 30 7/8" long front to rear in the center Instead the top will be a little over 30 1/2".

The top needs to have the foundation renewed and that means a Stage 2 & 3. There is no way around it.

Anyone with this problem? Other problems?

[Dave Colangelo]

I have had some what of a different problem that seems to cause the same outcome, that is the car expanding. From jacking the car up regularly I think my chassis has bent out a bit. Some one once described the Targa well,

"the chassis is like a piece of paper with a tissue box on either end, all held together with the doors"

Any one who has ever jacked a targa up has watched it flex. I think that mine has actually flexed out a bit and cause the roof to be a bit loose.

Regards
Dave

[carsinc]

The older cars were much more pron to flex sue rust in the rockers, you are correct. The cars from 77 on flex very little and yes when you jack them in front of the rear wheels you get a little. However when they come to the ground the gaps disappear.

PS We always jack 911 on the engine.