Targa Top Pin Sheath Too Long

[KerryM]

I'm rehabbing my new to me '78 SC targa top and noticed I do not have the plastic sheath's covering the two rear pins. I bought a couple from the local dealer but they look too long.

My grandfather would say it looks like a Norwegian bought a Swedish condom. I would never be that crass.

Do I just push them on as far as they will go, or trim them so the tip of the pin sits inside the tip of the sheath?

Here's a picture with the pin attached and the sheath taped next to it.

[timmy2]

You need to remove the pin from the top to expose the full length of the pin.
Heat the new cover in boiled water to soften it up to help get it on.

[Targalid]

I used a Harbor Freight 1/4 inch deep socket and used that to hold the pin cover, then drove it on with a few taps from a hammer. Seems to work OK. No rattles like before. Never thought of doing what Timmy2 says. Sounds like a better solution.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by timmy2

You need to remove the pin from the top to expose the full length of the pin.
Heat the new cover in boiled water to soften it up to help get it on.

I watched Dan Petchel heat one of the covers with a heat gun and put it on the pin in his shop in NJ.

I would feel safer with the boiling water.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by KerryM

I'm rehabbing my new to me '78 SC targa top and noticed I do not have the plastic sheath's covering the two rear pins. I bought a couple from the local dealer but they look too long.

My grandfather would say it looks like a Norwegian bought a Swedish condom. I would never be that crass.

Do I just push them on as far as they will go, or trim them so the tip of the pin sits inside the tip of the sheath?

Here's a picture with the pin attached and the sheath taped next to it.

I just did mine a while ago.

All of the above posts are correct.

Good luck,

Gerry

[KerryM]

Thanks all for your quick responses.

Unfortunately I glued in the headliner last week so I don't have good access to remove the pin and do it correctly. I think I will cut off a bit of the base and then try the boil technique. I have a heat gun but I worry I will melt the sheath, so it will be plan B. If I cut off a bit of the base I will probably not be able to use the deep socket trick as there will be no lip for the socket to grab.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by KerryM

Thanks all for your quick responses.

Unfortunately I glued in the headliner last week so I don't have good access to remove the pin and do it correctly. I think I will cut off a bit of the base and then try the boil technique. I have a heat gun but I worry I will melt the sheath, so it will be plan B. If I cut off a bit of the base I will probably not be able to use the deep socket trick as there will be no lip for the socket to grab.

I don't think you will need the socket if it is soft.

When it cool/tightens bet it will be secure.

[MBAtarga]

Softening the tips in boiling (or very hot) water is the ticket.