Targa Owners: Please advise

[universeman]

Hey team,

I posted some pictures of my newly rebuilt 82 SC targa top against the passenger window here:

https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A25yeZFhvcMhV

I have been adjusting the window to try and hit the seal without too much crimping or wind noise. Problem is I've adjusted the tilt all the way 'forward', but the front is still too high, and if I lower it to correct the front, the back of the window sits too low.

has anyone else solved that problem?

[Bob Kontak]

Have you tried adjusting the big fat rubber slats along the underneath of the targa top sides where they meet the window? They have quite a bit of travel.

[Jack Stands]

Do you have the factory information on adjusting the window seals? If not, PM me and I can send some information that explains the adjustments available.

[Wew]

Hey u man. I have the same problem. I am going to try the side targa bar bumper thingy. I guess we just we just loosen the screws and go from there. Report back and how you adjusted.
Thanks.

[DRACO A5OG]

Couple of observations:

1. The front over windshield seal, is shot and should be replaced but replaced with the proper OEM seal from Dan from CarsincNJ

You see, once the proper seal is in, the top should sit lower in the front channel then windows and quarter windows should be adjusted.

2. Window appears to stop to high and will eventually tear if not already torn the rubber stop at the quarter window.

The glass should follow the mold of the stop and not go past the molded form.

The parallelism will not work if the top is not seated properly and it will put allot of stress on your hold down clamps.

I could not tell but how are your doors opening, if allot of spring out movement or hard trigger action, the quarter window and window tilt is too much inward and pushing up against the top seal and the pilar. You need to adjust them out if needed.

Watch how the doors close on the top, if the top moves up, this verifies the above comment.

With the panel off, switches plugged in, open and close the windows then adjust the window stop and parallelism accordingly. I roll up or down about 2MM of space to insure it is aligned properly then snug everything up.

It is really difficult to write all the little steps but it really is allot of trial and error but it can be done.

For me, before I put the panel back on, I drive around and take her up to speed, listen for noise while rolling the window up and down, opening and closing the door.

You just have to make sure no day light shines thru at the seems and corner joints or water will get in during the rain or a wash.

Yes, the side seals can be moved out allot but you do not want to go to far out or you will have a huge gap.

Take this time to insure your doors are properly aligned. If they are out of alignment, it will make alignment impossible.

PM me if you want more specific details,

Jim

[universeman]

Thanks Jim

I thought about that front seal. Rear seal is shot also. Though I was really trying to avoid it, I may just have to bite the bullet and replace them both.

Dan did my top so I know that part is good

Doors are a little hard to close, you have to keep your hand on them when closing them. Top itself does not move as doors close, but the vinyl puffs up from the air (expected.) There is a tiny air/water gap along the top of the vent windows and yes the rubber stops are torn at the tops of the windows ($52 each and a total PITA to replace...ugh)

Doors seem well aligned, gaps are good and with windows down, they open and close real smooth.

As far as the top underside bumpers, I have not played with those yet. Do they travel up and down or just side-to-side?

[DRACO A5OG]

Side to side.

Here is a trick I used for those. I left them loose and closed the doors with windows down a bit then I raised the window then aligned the "bumpers" side seals.

When you do get your seals. try this, put the top on without the front and rear seals and of course after adjusting the side seals first. see how the quarter windows sit with the windows down. they should be even on both sides and as you look from the side.

If those quarter windows are to far inward, they can damage the door and paint at the weakest point where the window and quarter window meet at the bottom. So take care. There should be little to no effort when pulling the trigger of the door handle. Too much resistance on the trigger will eventual break the trigger or the inside door release handle.

Can you post a video of you opening and closing the door? I would be listening for the Porsche "PING".

I will post a video as I promised couple of other Pelican Targas

[86 911 Targa]

And "while you are in there", replace these parts:





Good luck,

Gerry

[DRACO A5OG]

Okay Fellas,

Here it is, sorry, I am not a pro videographer or a wrench, just a lowly DIYer. But I spent more time than I really wanted to in prefecting the seal on my top.

Top by Dan at CarsincNJ
Front Seal by Dan at CarsinNJ
Rear and side seal from our Host

Hint, if your stop is just split, use 3M weather sealant and glue it back together after the proper adjustment. In order to replace the stop you must dismantle the window and quarter window.

[universeman]

Excellent info all, and thanks for the video, Jim. Many targa owners will benefit from that for years to come.

My doors open easily like yours, but they are a bit tough to close - you have to keep your hand on them while closing or they will go into the "half-closed" state. I believe this has to do with window/top interference, since it doesn't happen with windows down.

[DRACO A5OG]

My pleasure, us Targa guys need to do a adjustment clinic and learn tips and tricks from other Targas.

Yeah, door should open like it has the window down. Try the fitting the sides loose. I was struggling with that for awhile until my SELF said why don't you loosen it. Ah Ha

[gulf908]

Jason,

The first thing you must do is to ensure the measurements of the top opening are to factory specs.
Otherwise you will be forever chasing your tail !
Does anyone here have a Porsche body shop manual to assist Jason with these measurements ?

HTH
Dennis.

[gazzerr]

Thanks Jim - my drivers window doesn't go under the seal so I need to fix that. My doors also open and close really nicely but the driver's door needs and adjustment so it lines up with the quarter panel properly.

[DRACO A5OG]

Pmed you Gazzerr

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by universeman

Problem is I've adjusted the tilt all the way 'forward', but the front is still too high, and if I lower it to correct the front, the back of the window sits too low.

UNIVERSE... Didn't have time to read what the guys have advised so far so am posting "in the blind." When you say you've adjusted tilt, there remains the question of how you did so. If you mean you've adjusted the window rails inside the door... then I would suggest there's some opportunity for further tilt adjustment by re-seating the glass in its lifter channel. Trick is the lifter needs to be supported underneath (inside the door) when doing this push down. Also, can't go to far with the tilt here as the glass needs to ride well in the vertical forward channel (as well as sealing to the rear targa seal.) Cut 2 x 4s stuck inside the door work to support lifter channel. The right tilt has to be applied just when the glass is finally seating. Can take a few tries to get the glass just right.