Gone with the wind!

Guest · Jan 14, 2005

Hi everyone out there,
The other day I was driving my 1985 3.2 Targa home after going out for a spin (my wife can't understand why I do this because very often I don't go anywhere specific!!)
Anyway I was accelerating just about to change into third and whoosh, the targa top flew off and landed in the road some way behind me, luckily there were no other cars about.
To be honest the fit has never been brilliant and the gaps at the front made the wind noise almost unbearable so I mostly drive it without the roof on, even in the winter!
The point is now, after the targa top tried to escape, the fit is even worse and I can barely get the latches to hold, which certainly doesn't inspire confidence when driving.
Bottom line is who out there can sort my targa top out once and for all?
I'd be most greatful if someone could point me in the right direction.

PS why does it say I'm a non member when I are one!

bones · Jan 14, 2005

Where are you based, I could take a look if you are near? That is the worst fitting top I've heard of something is seriously amiss there. I take it you mean you are a member? You can edit your posts with the edit button.

Guest · Jan 14, 2005

Hi Bones,
Thanks for the reply, I'm based at Redhill in Surrey.

I am a member!

bones · Jan 14, 2005

That's a bit of a way for me to get too but if you fancy pointing your 911 in the direction of Enfield at some future point get in touch.

Guest · Jan 15, 2005

Hi again, I appreciate that, yes I'm more than happy to point the old 911 in your direction at some point. just say the word!
Many thanks.

Alan_Armstrong · Jan 16, 2005

Glen...that's scary stuff to lose the roof like that.

Apart from the alignment and adjustment of the catches to the front screen, there are locater pins and relevant sockets on the rear, I wonder if these are warn or missing, which might have caused the catches to fly open?

Re your status here on the forum, look on the general section and you will see what you need to do!

bones · Jan 16, 2005

Pretty much anytime Martin just call me but just thinking about it ring Dave Nunn at Southbound (much nearer) and ask him if you can go along and have him inspect it, he has all the knowledge and parts to fix a Targa roof and will probably supply parts at a reasonable discount if that's all you need. I mentioned this to a friend of mine and he thinks the front catches must be completely worn , jammed or broken, they hold the roof on even if they are not locked down (just clicked into place but not locked down), although I've never tested them like this. When I re-lock my roof there is a very positive click as the roof is pulled into the latches, do you hear that sound?

Guest · Jan 17, 2005

Hi, thanks for the reply,
Yes the locator pins etc are all present and correct, although a bit worn as are the front catches, I can only assume that there is excessive ware on the front locking catches. Getting a bit old and worn out, like me!

Guest · Jan 17, 2005

I do hear a positive click when the locks are engaged but I dont think there is much material left on the catches to make a very secure lock. I'll take your advice and get in touch with Southbound. I didnt realise they did targa roof work. Thanks for all your help guys. I owe you a drink!