Possible cure for 964 Targa With Wind Noise ;

[nabfa1]

Dear 964 Targa ( approx. 1988-1994 ) owners,

If you are one of those who finds themselves driving more with the Targa roof on rather then off ( 75 % on vs. 25 % off ) I may have a possible cure for the wind noise, if you feel you are experiencing some in excess or more then you would like.

In a perfect world there would be no gap between the targa roof and the metal frame of the windshield in-front of it. However, as perfect a Porsche is ( very close ) , sometimes this gap exists. When driving, wind gets in and noise picks up. The solution, no gap, no wind, and less noise.

I found the answer in looking for a second seal. One, that raps around the top of the targa roof ( just the part where it is double stitched, or where the stitching ends or the targa roof ) and follows the roofs contours to form a seal with the metal frame of the windshield.

The seal I found is made by Hecht Rubber Co. in Jacksonville, florida ( http://www.hechtrubber.com/ ) . The item number is # 1106 ( http://www.hechtrubber.com/Catalog/Pages/Page-54.htm ) and it looks like the attached picture ( hopefully the picture comes out )

.

The top part raps around the targa roof and the bottom part forms the seal between the contours of the targa roof , steel frame and the existing seals which exists already. The material is black, so it does not stand out, and it is neoprene plastic, which very easily bends , allowing it to form a tight bond without putting extra pressure on the roof, its existing seal, and the clasps which hold the roof down.

This neoprene seal fits nicely in the space and is held down tight through the force of roof pushing down. You don't have to use sticky stuff.

As for results, I can say that the wind noise which I heard at 40 to 50 MPH , can now be heard at 80 to 90 MPH ( kindly note, where these speeds are legal. Please drive according to the speed limit and always wear your seat belts ).

I thought I would share this finding incase some may be interested. Thank you and have a safe drive!

[ehab997]

That's a great idea, wish I knew that when I had my Targa!!!!!

[nabfa1]

Thank you so much. I so appreciate it. I am trying to find a digital camera to take pictures and to explain and clarify the steps more in detail ( Although there really is not much to it at all ) .

I just want to make sure that others will have the same success which I have noted or even improve on it . Same car, but it feels like a whole new experience . I wish you still had the Targa too. I am so thrilled about finding this seal that I would have just sent one out to you. Thank you again .

[dan79brooklyn]

Good link and idea...I will have to try this on my 79 sc Targa and see if it helps with the wind noise..maybe solve some water leaks also..? Could the seal help with the gap on the rear of the targa top as well? Do you think you could post a few pictures?
Thanks!

[nabfa1]

Hi,

So I finally was able to take some pictures, and hopefully it will shed some light into this procedurel. And it "seems" from one of the pictures that the design ( Targa Roof ) for the Targa was similar from 1965 to 1994 , so hopefully it will also work for others . Please note that in some pictures the seal may appear not fully seated. Although that may be the case, it is being held down tight through the force of the targa roof. One may improve on this by using a sealant ( sticky stuff ), however, I did not wish for this to be a permanent procedure ( just incase I made a mistake, I did not want to be stuck ! ) I do hope these help. Thanks again.

P.s. Sorry, I can't draw to save my own life. Thank you for understanding.

[unclebilly]

I just adjusted mine and the Targa is now quieter than my coupe.

[cjoenck]

I looked at your pictures and it looks like your top is actually riding above the window frame. I don't have any room for your seal so I am wondering if my top or frame is bent. I have a '91 Targa with a Dan Pechtel refurbished top.

[bryanfish]

does this work with the 91 targa (964)?

[sig_a]

I'm going to try this temporary sealant from Red Devil. Easy to apply and remove.

http://www.reddevil.com/productDetail.cfm?id=0606RT&c=cs&cat=42

[donohue964]

I bought some of the Hecht rubber mentioned by nabfa above - (Hecht part number 11062) - to try it on my 1990 964 targa top. it's $8.92/foot. my top's leading edge has undulations, so it's been a challenge to get it mounted as shown in previous pics, and to stay on the leading edge so that i get it in place. (as an aside i bought extra figuring i'd need a couple of attempts before getting it right. i have a piece cut to fit and i now have 20' extra! if you need a piece that's cut to fit, i'd be glad to get rid of the stuff. email me to work it out).

in the last year that i've owned my targa, i've tried a lot of solutions for this issue. first i tried using a black PVC caulk to seal the entire void under the leading edge, not just at the top-to-windshield contact point. we started by laying saran wrap across the gap to minimize the mess and adding a strip of masking tape on both sides of the length of the bead. (1st and 2nd pics below). this solution did not do the trick, so hopefully you can avoid some of the work i put in. i posted the pics to highlight the setup, as i think it will work well for any leading edge caulk fix you try.

i then tried adding a bead of removable, clear caulk to the top's leading edge. you can get this at any home depot. this worked great and had the added benefit of providing a watertight seal. i have a very small leak when it rains or i wash the car - no more than a couple of drops - and this also minimized this issue. it pulled right out w no issues when i began working to install the Hecht. the pic below shows the bead after i pulled it out of the void - when it's installed only a clear 1/4" bead was visible.

i am still not happy - need more time to make it work right and will post my results w the Hecht.

[nabfa1]

After many years of wind noise two steps have left me to a a very very quiet cabin.

1) My top was redone by a master Carsinc Nj Dan !
2) That alone however did not do the trick ...... Albeit my targa top looks feels and is beautiful.
3) What I did last did the trick as it seems my true problem was & is the original Porsche Seal.
4) Did not however replace the seal ... I place rubber foam 3/4" wide and 7/16" thick ( self stick weather seal ) against and in front of the Porsche seal - providing support to the Porsche seal and at no point sticking up further then the windshield hight line ..... and not one hint of wind noise ( even at 90 MPH ) .

[nabfa1]