Targa Latch Ideas??

[911lvr]

Hello all,

From what I can gather targa tops and latches and frames are hard to come by. I dont even see a replacement latch for my top available and the ones I did see was a set for around 500.00. Anyway, my question is this, one of my latches is broken and I was wondering if anyone came up with a clever solution to fix it? I have included a picture and it seems like two parts of it have broken off but im not hundred percent sure on that.. this is on my 77 Targa.

thanks

[72T]

If our host doesn't have anything that will fit your bill, you could check a used parts house, there are many. You could probably cold weld that back together, but I'm not sure I'd trust it. If you think the latch is broken, best replace it so as to insure against the top going air born when you are at speed.

[Mikey83835]

I bought one from this guy and am waiting for it, and as of last week he still had the other latch for sale,

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/665384-parting-out-1984-911-targa-g50.html

But a question also, how did you get the L-shaped vinyl cover off, is it glued on and you just have to force it off and then reglue it.....or?

[911lvr]

Originally Posted by 72T

If our host doesn't have anything that will fit your bill, you could check a used parts house, there are many. You could probably cold weld that back together, but I'm not sure I'd trust it. If you think the latch is broken, best replace it so as to insure against the top going air born when you are at speed.

the metal is thin and almost like pot metal im not sure a weld would do it

[911lvr]

Originally Posted by Mikey83835

I bought one from this guy and am waiting for it, and as of last week he still had the other latch for sale,

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/665384-parting-out-1984-911-targa-g50.html

But a question also, how did you get the L-shaped vinyl cover off, is it glued on and you just have to force it off and then reglue it.....or?

Thanks for the tip.

My L pad was trashed so I was not so delicate with the removal.. but it appears to be glued and attached with body fasteners..ive attached a pic for you to look at.

[1982911SCTarga]

Your handle is toast (post a WTB to get another one). A replacment for the broken part of your latch is available. Paste SIC-565-032-00 in your browser.

Brian

[911lvr]

Originally Posted by 1982911SCTarga

Your handle is toast (post a WTB to get another one). A replacment for the broken part of your latch is available. Paste SIC-565-032-00 in your browser.

Brian

Thanks Brian!!! that helps alot!

[scottb]

A good source of Targa top info is Dan Pechtel. Targa Tops for Porsche

[drcoastline]

I had both eares of one of my latches break off. I drilled a hole into the remaining piece of the mechanism and JB welded a piece of allen wrench in the hole. You can then open and close the latch with a socket wrench. It's also a good idea to press down on the top at the latch location when opening and closing the latch. It relieves a little friction while the mechanism is opening and closing relieving the stress on the ears where the handle fits into the latch.

I have since replaced the latch with an unbroken one but keep it just incase I need a back up.

[911lvr]

Hello all, based on the good advice I found the replacement part for the latch. however now that I have it I cant figure out how this latch comes apart and I dont want to break it. Is this part just pressed in? anyone know?

thanks

[911lvr]

forgot the pic..

[Mike Kast]

It seems to me a quick hacker fix might be JB weld and a small hose clamp

[KCinBR]

Originally Posted by scottb

A good source of Targa top info is Dan Pechtel. Targa Tops for Porsche

Your best answer lies with Dan Pechtel

[Mike Kast]

I have been living with a ****ty roof for 10 years. In my opinion, either blow the mother load and get the 800 dollar rebuild or do the hacker repair until you can. The reason being, you can spend a lot of money on parts on a ****ty roof and still have a ****ty roof. This isn't a concourse inspected item, it is a matter of function.
On the other hand, if your roof is in great shape besides this issue, spend a bunch of time and money.

[psychogecko]

I know this is a fairly old post....but what did you have to do to tear into the latch?