Gone with the Wind (Part 2) Targas & Convertibles

[Guest]

Hi again guys,
Well I've been doing a little bit of research regarding my ill fitting targa top.
The thing is it started out ok (ish) but as I used it more and more, and I am a year round driver,the worse it has become.
I've now had my targa nearly a decade, (not just the roof but the whole car) and the roof has been on and off so many times that it does'nt seem unreasonable that it should'nt wear out a bit.
The trouble is, is that when Porsche stopped making the 3.2 Targa (or any previous or subsequent targa) they did'nt make any extra targa tops, so all the roofs made have to go round.
Now, you can get your Targa top recovered etc, and your targa/Conv seals replaced but, and this is a big but, accoring to carsincnj.cm "there were 6 different versions of the targa tops built through the years and most arn't interchangable"
They also issue a "Targa top seal warning" Replacements presently being sold for the front windscreen body to Targa top will NOT fit '70-89 Targas.
The proper seals have not been sold since 1995!
And get this -
"Improper seals lead to top flyoffs, latch breaking and wind noise!!"
I've experienced all of these things with my car! The top Flyoffs being the most amusing, especially at high speed!
My 75 year old Father was with me on an outing one day (in the 911) around the West Sussex country-side and low and behold the bloody roof flew off. (We were actually on our way to a particular country garage where they still sell proper, high octane 5+star petrol.
No reaction from him apart from " the Germans used to be able to build stuff that didn't break during the war.

So we went to the the pub.

 

[tripe]

And why not.

I fitted new seals five years ago to my SC and there's still noise so there may well be something in the claim that all seals made since '95 are not up to the job. I've always felt that targas are better driven with the roof off but that's not really practical in the depths of a grotty winter.

I managed to acquire a scrap roof at Husborne Crawley 9 years ago and bit by bit I've cannibalised it for catches, locating pins etc until now only the frame remains (still covered). This has helped, but now I'm wondering what to do when the wind noise gets worse.

Answers on a postcard please.....

 

[bones]

If you are expecting to get the same low level of wind noise as a coupe Tripe forget it, personally I love my Targa for what it is, it's waterproof but it will never be quiet at speeds over 70 ish and if I wanted something more civilised I would buy a Honda Civic or something. Targas are more noisy Tripe just love it for the hot summer days and live with it the rest of the time. After riding bikes in all sorts of weather I think it's pure luxury!

 

[Martin Perry]

I spoke to the guy at Southbound about Targas when I had my SC Targa. He said he would not guarantee to fix wind noise even if renewing all roof and door seals, adjusting windows etc. The whole package would be a £1000 plus job for him, including re-trimming the top. He said it would be better, but that Targas will always be noisy to some extent.

You either love it, like Bones, or don't, like me!

Glenn - your Dad sounds great. I reckon he could be a Club ambassador for members' wararnty claims with OPCs.

 

[tripe]

Don't get me wrong, I've been rattling round in various Targas for 15 years now so I'm used to the wind noise, perhaps the way forward is a sheeepskin flying helmet in wintertime so I can dispense with the roof altogether unless it's pouring down (doubt I'd score many points for style though).

Don't know if you'd agree but I think it's actually quieter with the roof off...

 

[bones]

As you can tell I have an advanced case of TOS (Targa Obsession Syndrome) and apparently there is no cure. These damn seals are very expensive when you have to replace them , I've got into the habit of coating my in Vaseline twice a year, done on hot days.
Tripe If I really concentrate on the wind roar it does bug me, so I don't but with the roof off you're right it does seem less annoying. Make sure the front seal is regularly vaselined, it seems to help.

 

[tripe]

Regular vaseline eh? Now where have I heard that one before......!?![]

 

[zwhitea]

If it helps any of you Type-911 have a second hand top for sale on their web site..

Targa Top Complete, up to 1986, excellent condition but with a dark green outer!!, free OEM black outer top kit included in price!!! £600.00

Just for comparion, I have never had a targa, but my coupe is noisier than our Cab.. Both engine and wind noise. [8|].

 

[Guest]

Hi Glen,

Interesting post. I have same model, year and problems, although thankfully not a blow off yet. I too use mine daily and find it really frustrating. My offside rear dowel pin has snapped but held loose by the rubber coating, causing an ill fitting roof, and nobody locally can do anything. Great car otherwise, and fine if it was summer all year!

 

[Kenny]

Chaps, I had a recent quote for a new Targa Top from my local OPC in Newcastle of £3300.00 so they may be able to still get them even though the price is obscene. I have managed to get a smoked glass replacement hard top which has helped a lot but not cured wind noise. It is interesting what you have said about new seals as Im sure all of this trouble started when I replaced the front seal about four years ago. I have an excellent pre 86 Targa Top for sale if anyone is interested.

Ken

 

[Guest]

Vaseline and flying helmets.

I don't know why but that has tickled me.

Ken, Ive been onto the Saratoga targa roof guy in Califarnia as well, You're right he's not interested in exporting. Shame.

Steve, both my dowel pins have stripped their threads or rather a previous owner has.
They are also a bit 'wobbly' as they are now held in position with silicone sealant!

 

[bones]

It's easy to overlook the full length of this seal as a contributor to wind noise, I think this is where most of the wind noise in my Targa comes from, I may replace it this year if I do I'll post the results.

 

[Coops]

Regarding the pins, i managed to get one , plus the plate which it screws into from my local OPC, was less than a tenner for both, i also was able to get some of the shims that fit behind the front catches, (shims not used yet), just for the record still got wind noise...

 

[Alan_Armstrong]

It's easy to overlook the full length of this seal as a contributor to wind noise, I think this is where most of the wind noise in my Targa comes from, I may replace it this year if I do I'll post the results.

Pete, I replaced mine about a year ago, when you do DONT do as I did....unless you know or are rather more astute then me (not difficult), it is easy to fit them without knowing where they should start and finish.

To explain, mine are in the wrong place....when you pick up a new one, feel around the whole seal until you find a strengthend piece...this fits in the 90 degree turn of the footwell corner of the door .... you can work the rest from there and cut it to length.
Southbound put me right on this, when discussing another matter!

I sealed mine in with a little silicon here and there..

 

[bones]

I always do a dry run with seals nowadays Alan, it's amazing how much they can be stretched into place too if necessary though.