Check dimensions 69 Targa?

[rotundapig]

I've got a '69 Targa that has a fair amount of rust and previous repairs and as I get ready to start replacing sheet metal I'm trying to figure out if there's anything out of place currently.

The factory manual seems to have a dimension for the Targa opening length that is written in a different hand than the other dimensions (highlighted below) and I want to make sure it is correct. I'm currently at ~700mm, rather than the indicated 685.5mm.




I'm also struggling to figure out what the red circled dimensions refer to. Is it just a point on the fender support? is there some other feature there that I'm not seeing?

[rotundapig]

Bump

[rotundapig]

I was able to sanity check the targa opening with my top and there's no way it would fit with a 15mm smaller gap. The roll bar (with trim on) to datum and windshield to datum seem to be correct as well.




Hopefully someone either can shed more light or finds this useful later.

[mhurwitz]

I’m guessing that the red circle is where the door latch is mounted

[mhurwitz]

Rotundapig, Do you have a tram gauge? That’s what I would use to measure.



It appears that the measurement is with the top off….. and from a specific spot on the windshield post to the back roll bar at the round tube that targa top pushes into.

Sorry if I’m not clear, a little hard to explain

Mark

[rotundapig]

Thanks for the input. I have a tram gauge that is too long for the highlighted measurement, but I can make the diagonal measurement to the same points on opposite side (drawing is 1146 +/- 0.5) and it show the same issue of ~15mm too much gap, according to the dimensions in the manual.

I'm concerned about making any changes to the body to meet the specified dimensions, because it seems like the top wouldn't fit any more, since the trim and gasket also need to fit in that space.

[mhurwitz]

Rotundapig,
Something just crossed my mind. Is your car on Jack stands or a lift?
Mark

[mhurwitz]

The measurement must be taken while car is on the ground. Targas flex so much when lifted.
Is so, I would just use common sense rather than the measurement specs that you have.
I would put the top on, the seals in and the targa bar insta and fit it accordingly. I’m guessing that it will fit just fine.
The roll bar is a pretty strong section of the vehicle and for it to be off by 15mm just doesn’t make sense.
Mark

[rotundapig]

Thanks for the input. I was hoping to hear something along those lines.

For context, I am replacing the laterals and torsion tube at the same time and have the car cut up to the point that I could make that measurement whatever I want. It is on a jig and well braced, so I'm confident that measurement hasn't changed, but not sure it was right to begin with.

[mhurwitz]

Are you using a Celette bench?

[rotundapig]

No, but I welded braces throughout the chassis, including across the top