Targa top rattling....

RyanH · RyanH's Garage

Hi. My Targa top rattles in the pin and receptacle join at the back of the top. Is this a common annoyance or can it be remedied? The top is in pretty good shape; but the fit isn't, the front sticks up and there are a few gaps. I have a 1970 911T Targa. Any suggestions I could try to adjust the top?

Jack Stands · Jack Stands's Garage

How are the covers over the rear pins? When I bought my 84 Targa, the rear pins only had some remnants of the plastic covers left on the pins. Replacing them is an easy job, and should help with the rattling. I assume your targa top has the same system.

Also, what shape is the rubber seal? If it's old and hardened, it may not be providing the needed flexibility.

BTW, if you are replacing the plastic covers, be sure to warm them up in some hot water or other means so they slip on easily. If yo try to do it with them at room temperature, you'll have a tough time getting them all the way onto the pins.

porwolf · 08-30-2013, 03:02 PM

+1 on the rear Targa top pin covers. When they get old they become hard and brittle, crack, and disintegrate. Pieces lodge inside the locator holes in the Targa bar. Those pieces also need to be completely removed with a pointy tool like a small screw driver before you install new locator pin covers. Ask me how I know.

RyanH · RyanH's Garage

Thanks Jack, there are no plastic covers on the pins. I wasn't aware there should be!!

MBAtarga · 08-30-2013, 03:48 PM

There are some older threads on replacing the pins. Easiest way is to heat a cup of water in the microwave til almost boiling and then set the pins in it for a few minutes. That softens the plastic and makes it much easier to slide them over the metal studs.

motogman · 08-30-2013, 05:46 PM

Well you learn something every day... I have lived with the rattle in my Targa for the 3 years I have owned it thinking it is what you live with having a Targa. Go figure rubber covers over the pins. Great idea. I think I will go to our host and find some now...

Thanks

porwolf · 08-30-2013, 06:07 PM

Here is one thread also dealing with the pin covers:

Targa wind noise

RyanH · RyanH's Garage

So, if the photos of that Targa top were sticking up. What are mine doing???

porwolf · 08-30-2013, 07:17 PM

Ryan, that does not look good! I would not drive like that. That top could leave you any time now. There must be something wrong with the left clamp in the front of your Trga top.

RyanH · RyanH's Garage

It doesn't look good but it is very stable. Clamps pull down and lock in ok, I think it is probably a rubber seal issue. The current ones are soft but have been squashed and deformed. I don't mind the top being a bit worn but would like to see it seated a bit better!

Jack Stands · Jack Stands's Garage

That front edge looks way too high. Did you replace the front seal? I understand the ones that Porsche is now supplying are not correct for the 911 series (they superseded the number to one designed for the 964) and are too tall.

Either way, the top should sit pretty much level with the window surround when attached.

However, if you drive with the top off (the whole idea of having a Targa in my opinion), all this is moot!

RyanH · RyanH's Garage

Your right Jack. I'm in sunny Queensland, Australia and the top is rarely on. Just tidying things up a bit and this was on the list. I agree with the your seal reply, I can't see how it would come down any further as it is. The car is a relatively new purchase and the top was as it is when I bought it.....

porwolf · 08-30-2013, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyanH

It doesn't look good but it is very stable. Clamps pull down and lock in ok, I think it is probably a rubber seal issue. The current ones are soft but have been squashed and deformed. I don't mind the top being a bit worn but would like to see it seated a bit better!

This is how the correct fitment of the Trga top against the windshield frame is supposed to look like. Anything else is off.

RyanH · RyanH's Garage

Porwolf, could you send an image of the front edge without the top on? Just for comparison, thanks...

porwolf · 08-31-2013, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyanH

Porwolf, could you send an image of the front edge without the top on? Just for comparison, thanks...

Sorry, right now I don't have that picture handy. But if you can wait I will take one of my all original 50k mile 79 Targa within the next days. I don't have wind noise problems.