targa top keeps unclipping itself HELP!

carlos · carlos's Garage

thanks in advance for your helps!
my 85 carrera targa top keeps coming unclipped at the front. there are the 4 or 5 clips that connect the frame and top, and when i go over a hard bump, or over a steep drive at an angle, they unclip. i have adjusted them so they are snug, but they still pop off. one of the two posts that go down into the windshield frame on either end is loose and apparently stripped (it won't tighten). could this be the problem? any advice will help, it's driving me nuts! it also started right about when i installed a new seal between the windshield frame and targa top. thanks again for your helps!

fastlos
85 carrera targa
68 amc amx

Dan Owens · 06-27-2002, 12:22 PM

Carlos,

I had a similar problem with the clips. I'd adjust them and they still popped open. I ended up replacing them with new ones and they hold great. Apparently the wear of opening and closing can add up over time and cause them to not hold properly. They weren't real expensive if I recall and aren't hard to replace either.

Dan O

stevelb · 06-27-2002, 07:52 PM

Carlos:

I used my Targa as a daily driver for 6 years. Spend the $ and buy the improved clips that have a longer reach to grab the Targa frame. They will not pop loose, although they are a bit pricey.

PS I am an AMC fan and previous owner of a 69 Hurst SC/Rambler...a wild ride in a straight line only!

zuerchers · 06-27-2002, 09:25 PM

i installed the longer clips and it stopped the wind noise. nice little surprise.

logician · 06-27-2002, 10:58 PM

I had the same problem, and solved it by adjusting the clips that hold the top to the frame. They can be adjusted. Just loosen the screws, and you will be able to push the clip forward or back a few mm.

-Juan

carlos · carlos's Garage

hey guys,
thanks so much. i have adjusted them many times, kept popping out. i ordered the larger aftermarket ones yesterday, hope it works. it howls when i'm going 135 plus!

fastlos

carlos · carlos's Garage

thanks for all your help! i bought the fatter, stronger aftermarket ones and they fixed it. i did keep trying to adjust it before i bought new ones, but it didn't work.

thanks,

fastlos
85 targa carrera
68 AMX
95 trooper

Kevin G. · 07-12-2002, 08:34 AM

Carlos -

As far as your post-that-won't-tighten goes, I believe that these are through bolts with a nut on the other side of the frame, so yours is probably not stripped.

Unfortunatly, I believe that partial dissassembly of the top is necessary to gain access to the nut.

I could also be wrong on either or both of the above, my Targa is quite a bit more ancient than yours.

Jdub · 07-12-2002, 09:09 AM

Yes, Kevin is correct for your front pins: they have a captive nut on the inside that is made of steel, the pin of aluminium. Typical bonding between these metals due to reaction of differing metals. Remove them by pulling back the material, holding the nut and after WD-40 or equiv., gently loosening VERY slightly; tighten, lubricate, loosen, tighten, lube until the pin pulls screws out. Replace both pieces.

New pins will help tremendously. You might also consider pulling the entire front edge of material and pulling it tighter. Do this on a hot day, use a blow dryer to "melt" the glue, and gently peel the material back. Pull it tight, use binder clips to set it, and make sure the front bead is oriented at a minimum level, preferably down, relative to the front channel so that it cannot "catch" the wind any longer.

Lots in the archives. I wrote up a long piece on this some time back if the database still holds the old posts.

John