Broken Targa Top Locking Pin

[OsoMoore]

While messing with my '79 SC Targa top last night, I split the locking pin. This is the bolt the targa key inserts into in order to lock and unlock the latch.


I think this is the piece I need:


I couldn't find it on our host, however. My locking tools are also rather worn, and only have one side of their cross-bar. I think that probably contributed to the break. Does anyone have an old unused locking tool?

[RSTarga]

contact Dan at Vintage Porsche Parts and Targa Tops for Porsche he can help you out for sure

[OsoMoore]

Got the mechanism out! If I am to replace just the single bolt (shown in my earlier post) I need to open this thing up further. Anyone already done this?

[rwest]

Hi,

I just posted a repair idea, have a look, might be worth doing before you take apart your latch. I don't know how to link, sorry. Title is: Repairing Targa Top Latch.

-Rutager

[DRACO A5OG]

Here you go Rutager.

Excellent fix: Repairing Targa Top Latch

[rwest]

Thanks for making the link Draco!

Both my car and I have limited computer experience.

-Rutager

[OsoMoore]

Sounds like a good plan. My wife is picking up the components today while I'm at work. I'm also going to try drilling out the broken pin in one of my locking tools and replacing it.

[rwest]

Let us know how the drilling goes; I tried to punch out mine with no luck. I think 5/32" rod will fit well, I was going to just cut the end off of a drill bit and JB weld it in.

Good luck on the latch fix, good thing about is it doesn't stop you from repairing it the other way if it doesn't work.

-Rutager

[OsoMoore]

I rebuilt per your suggestion rwest, and it seems fine. I just drilled one handle and I'm off to the store to get some steel stock to insert for the new crosspiece. Thanks!
The drilling only took me 10 minutes with a titanium bit. The cross piece was half gone anyway, so there was a little divot in which I could set the bit easily. I just put it on my vise and drilled away.

[OsoMoore]

I bought some stock for $2 from Home Depot. A few cuts with the bolt cutter got it about the right length, and then I super-glued it in as shown. I'm going to do a little metal filing, but I fitted it before I glued so I think I'm good to go! It feels a lot better when turning the latch compared to the half-broken handles.

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by OsoMoore

I bought some stock for $2 from Home Depot. A few cuts with the bolt cutter got it about the right length, and then I super-glued it in as shown. I'm going to do a little metal filing, but I fitted it before I glued so I think I'm good to go! It feels a lot better when turning the latch compared to the half-broken handles.

Another solution would be to use a right size drill bit and cut the smooth end off with a Dremel abrasive blade. Then you would have just the right size pin that also is made of very hard steel!

[rwest]

OsoMoore,

Nice job, saved a bunch of money too. I'll put it on my to do list.

-Rutager

[OsoMoore]

Originally Posted by rwest

OsoMoore,

Nice job, saved a bunch of money too. I'll put it on my to do list.

-Rutager

Thanks to you guys and my smart wife! Its good to be married to a mechanical engineer.

[bakke]

Time to wake up up this thread.. Same thing just happened to my '79 Targa. The tricky part is that the top is still on and in the safety position, so I cant fully lock it or open the latch. @techweenie and I tried all our tricks to open it up without any luck. My only idea is to pop off the handle rosette around the upholstery bolster and maybe I can access the hex bolts to latch mechanism ? I tried with a flat head screwdriver and applied as much force as I dared but I just felt like it was all about to break. Could anyone point me in the right direction? Thank you!

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

I would suggest contacting Targa Dan at Cars Inc.