targa top

[Guest]

Hi forum,

Everybody moans about their targa top, but mine now is so leaky and loud that something has to be done. Does anyone know of a supplier of recon tops, or has any advice for a below average diy guy to improve (even slightly!) the thing. Its a great car and I wish the weather would permit topless driving all the time!

Thanks in anticipation,
Steve

 

[bones]

Steve if you are anywhere near North London let me know and I'll come along and have a look. Most noise is generated from the front seal and as Phil says if you smear vaseline on them and leave for 24 hours - then wipe off the excess - the seals 'plump up' and consequently do their job better. If the metal sructure of your roof is sound you can either repair the roof yourself, this is a 2-3 spanner job or get a professional to do it. There is loads of information on the net about fitting the DIY repair kits so help is available. Cost is high to pay someone to do it for you. Southbound is the only company I personally can recommend but there must be other good people out there. If you buy a recover kit from Southbound it includes everything you need but I suggest if your rain gutters are toast replace those too and the black 'u' shaped clips that lock into the front seals.
DIY repair takes about five hours allowing for the glue to dry and prayers to the Targa god, get a friend to help out and preferably do it in summer when you can leave it in the sun to help you stretch the fabric. Failing that a hot - WELL VENTILATED - room. A friend and I recovered my roof 2 years ago for little money it looks like new and is water tight.

 

[Guest]

Thanks very much for all your help guys. Do you have to remove the lining to access any adjustment settings because I cant find anything remotely adjustable!? (84 targa)
Thanks again'
Steve

 

[bones]

You don't have to remove anything Steve. If your roof is rattling or seems to be particularly noisy at the front seal look for some large black hooks (held in by two screws per bracket) at the front of the inner roof. These locate the roof into two recesses on the top of the front seal/screen frame. The hooks are on moveable plates that you can slide around to tighten the roof fully down. Have a look for them and once you understand the principle of their operation you can experiment. If you feel the hooks are not latching properly then larger ones are available from Type 911 and probably Southbound Motor Trimmers too.