Need to Replace Seals on Targa Top

[pablo45vt]

Hi all,

How difficult is it to replace the seals on the roof and body where the targa top and car body meet? The 1971 rubber on my 914-6 is cracked, leaking at the side windows and flat out missing some end chunks. What advice will you give me? Special tools?, adhesive? I've sourced the seals at Auto Atlanta since I could find them on pelican parts. This is link so you know which ones I'm talking about: FOR PORSCHE: 91453100000, 914 531 000 00 - READY TO SHIP - (6 PIECE TARGA TOP SEAL KIT; 914; SAVE $39.85).

Cheers,

Joe

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I believe we do carry those parts...

Porsche 914 Rear End Seals - Page 1
Porsche 914 Front End Seals - Page 2
Porsche 914 Front End Seals - Page 2
Porsche 914 Front End Seals - Page 2
Porsche 914 Front End Seals - Page 2

These diagrams show which seals are what:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/images/WeatherStrip/914_seals1.jpg
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/images/WeatherStrip/914_seals2.jpg

Most of the seals slide onto the parts they are on, or are retained by C-shaped channels. The windshield frame seal, for instance, has a metal part inside that grabs onto the outside of the frame across the top. (Some aftermarket seals don't have that; double-check that any you get does!!) You stretch the seal side-to-side and then push it onto the pinch weld on the outside of the frame. You put each side into the channel on the side of the WS frame--not sliding it in as I wrote in the tech article, but hooking one edge under part of the C-channel and then using a screwdriver or other dull poking implement to push the other corner of it into the other half of the C-channel.

--DD

[Tobra]

As I understand it, the seal that goes across the top of the windshield and down the sides is fairly difficult to install and was unavailable for quite some time. You want the rubber to sit out in the sun and warm up a bit to make it easier to handle. I am told if you can start in the middle and work your way toward the sides, it goes a bit easier. You will probably want to wear gloves for that sort of work, and be very patient.

For a lot of VW/Porsche rubber, you can tuck a length of nylon rope of the appropriate diameter along the part of the seal that is going to mate up with the metal. Get the seal where you want it, apply pressure to the seal as you pull the rope out and it lifts the rubber bit over the metal lip and allows the seal to slip into its little slot. I don't know if that makes sense, it is how you do the side windows and windshield on a bug, you may be able to find a how to video that will make it clear.

Popsicle stick or plastic trim tool make good "pokers" to push the seals into places.

[porsche930dude]

I recommend 914Rubber.com . most of his seals have improvements over factory pieces and the prices are better

[porschetub]

Originally Posted by pablo45vt

Hi all,

How difficult is it to replace the seals on the roof and body where the targa top and car body meet? The 1971 rubber on my 914-6 is cracked, leaking at the side windows and flat out missing some end chunks. What advice will you give me? Special tools?, adhesive? I've sourced the seals at Auto Atlanta since I could find them on pelican parts. This is link so you know which ones I'm talking about: FOR PORSCHE: 91453100000, 914 531 000 00 - READY TO SHIP - (6 PIECE TARGA TOP SEAL KIT; 914; SAVE $39.85).

Cheers,

Joe

All good answers to your problem,not trying to speak of others misfortune but be aware of your parts from AA just hope they fit ,ok
Seems like a lot of rubber for that outlay IMO....sorry just had to say.
Hope it all go's well for you ,maybe you could show the finished job

[pablo45vt]

Thanks for the information all and to Dave for the pelican links. Maybe I just missed those pages in my search. I bought a couple of the side window squeegees from Pelican and was happy with the results. Sorry for long delay in my response. Had to put working on the car on hold a bit.