Targa Top Latches

[carsinc]

Care and feeding of Latches
There are two styles of Targa top latches used on Targa Tops. The hook style used 67-85 and the roller style 86-94. Each has problems which need to be addressed with maintenance and care.
1. The hook style has two hooks per latch but only one actual turns. The other is an over center safety to prevent fly offs. This is the hook that needs lubrication and exercise so that it moves properly and doesn't bind. If allowed to go uncared for the operating finger will slip by the safety hook and make it difficult to remove the top. People then bend the safety hook over to get it out of the way which results in no safety.
2. The early roller latches were very complex and tended break allowing the roller arm to rotate more than the proper 90 degrees. If this occurs the roller could pop out of the receiver and unlatch itself. At speed, one latch will not hold the top on the car and thus a fly off. Latch needs replaced with a 964 Targa top style, which is a different design. Roller latch tops new cost over $25,000 from Dealer, so a $300 latch make a lot of sense.

If should have any Targa Top question feel free to ask.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by carsinc

Roller latch tops new cost over $25,000 from Dealer, so a $300 latch make a lot of sense.

Do you mean $2,500?

Good thread...

[steely]

Originally Posted by tcar

Do you mean $2,500?

unfortunately, Dan is correct, although you can save some by purchasing here from our host - it is still over $20K USD.

[steve911T]

Dan, I spoke to you at Hershey a few times. A Porsche person who knows more than I do, told me that the top on my car was a 964 top on the 3.2. He said the window (Door) to targa top seals did not look right. What is the difference between the two? The person that I bought the car from said the top blew away in one of the hurricanes if Fl several years ago. There was also enough water in the car to replace the computer under the driver seat. A woman! Thanks for any clarity that you can give on the 964 top vs. the 3.2 Carrera. Steve

[Bob Kontak]

Steve- women can be people, too.

[Poltergeist]

I recently purchased a 911 Targa - 1987 I am tossing the idea around to put a hard top on the car down the road if/when the current top needs to be replaced. I have not been able to find anyone who has done so, what is your feelings about a hard top? I see you can buy a new one on Pelican for around $500 plus some parts it looks like?

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated before I make a mistake if it is a mistake.

[vintagecarlover]

Dan, how do I get a latch open that won't release from drivers side? Im pissed...any help from anyone appreciated. Oh yea, merry Christmas all.

[carsinc]

If it is the main latch that won't turn it is the receiver. Try a very large screw driver to turn. If it is the safety try pushing it from out side front of top. There is a way to remove top by unbolting latch. call me

[vintagecarlover]

Dan, thanks, ill give those suggestions a pelican try. If not, ill be bugging ya, lol. Thx. We spoke this week on the phone and this is my spare albeit shot out top and the one being sent to u. Cheers all.

[Jack Stands]

Dan,

Where should the top latches be lubricated and is a lightweight oil like 3-in-1 Oil a reasonable lubricant to use for this purpose?

[sobamaflyer]

Small little ole world, I just had to coerce mine off last weekend from a non-moving safety latch. I was able to get it off, took the latch out of the top, bent the plunger back into place which wasn't engaging, oiled it up and reinstalled. Working great again.

My top really needs to go to Dan but it will have to soldier on for a little while longer as-is.