Targa Top Failed Latch, Not sure how this happened |
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Targa Top Failed Latch, Not sure how this happened |
earossi |
Sep 9 2015, 08:44 PM
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#1
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Member Group: Members Posts: 210 Joined: 8-December 11 From: Chicago, Il Member No.: 13,878 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
In attempting to install the top on my car, I encountered resistance from the new front seal that goes across the windshield. The seal, being new, has not taken a set, so it took a lot of force attempting to "pull" the top forward into the seal. So much force that I managed to break one of the pot metal latches on one side, and the stepped pivot screw on the other latch sheared off at the threads.
The top was latched in place when I picked up the car, but I am obviously doing something wrong. So, I have several questions. First, is where to source new latches and the stepped pivot screw that I managed to break. I assume that I can source them used by placing an ad in the WTB parts section of classified; but, it would be nice to install new parts, if they can be sourced. Second, any suggestions on why I ran into the latching issue? When I placed the top on the car, I indexed the front lip into the windshield seal, and then attempted to pull it into place with the latches, until the latches failed. Obviously, something is not correct. |
SLITS |
Sep 9 2015, 09:22 PM
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#2
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"This Utah shit is HARSH!" Group: Benefactors Posts: 13,602 Joined: 22-February 04 From: SoCal Mountains ... Member No.: 1,696 Region Association: None |
Your old seal had taken a set over the years and lost it's elasticity.
The new seal is probably "puffier" as it is new. On the latches there are adjustment studs for such an occurrence. You would loosen the nuts and let the latch catch slide a bit. Boiled down .... Old seal = thin and New seal = thicker. You should be able to push the top into place in the seal. You could try some lube on the seal (soapy water). That's my take. |
earossi |
Sep 9 2015, 09:29 PM
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#3
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Member Group: Members Posts: 210 Joined: 8-December 11 From: Chicago, Il Member No.: 13,878 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
Great suggestion. I'll use some dish soap to see if the top will slide into place, as soon as I locate a replacement latch.
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porschetub |
Sep 9 2015, 09:40 PM
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#4
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 4,725 Joined: 25-July 15 From: New Zealand Member No.: 18,995 Region Association: None |
In attempting to install the top on my car, I encountered resistance from the new front seal that goes across the windshield. The seal, being new, has not taken a set, so it took a lot of force attempting to "pull" the top forward into the seal. So much force that I managed to break one of the pot metal latches on one side, and the stepped pivot screw on the other latch sheared off at the threads. The top was latched in place when I picked up the car, but I am obviously doing something wrong. So, I have several questions. First, is where to source new latches and the stepped pivot screw that I managed to break. I assume that I can source them used by placing an ad in the WTB parts section of classified; but, it would be nice to install new parts, if they can be sourced. Second, any suggestions on why I ran into the latching issue? When I placed the top on the car, I indexed the front lip into the windshield seal, and then attempted to pull it into place with the latches, until the latches failed. Obviously, something is not correct. Your latches are pot-metal ?,I thought they were pressed steel. You will need to relax the latchs with a new seal and adjust until the roof panel is level with the windscreen frame when clamped down. Sorry to ask but is the seal fitted properly ? |
914_teener |
Sep 9 2015, 09:57 PM
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#5
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 5,245 Joined: 31-August 08 From: So. Cal Member No.: 9,489 Region Association: Southern California |
Your old seal had taken a set over the years and lost it's elasticity. The new seal is probably "puffier" as it is new. On the latches there are adjustment studs for such an occurrence. You would loosen the nuts and let the latch catch slide a bit. Boiled down .... Old seal = thin and New seal = thicker. You should be able to push the top into place in the seal. You could try some lube on the seal (soapy water). That's my take. Puffier? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif) |
bdstone914 |
Sep 9 2015, 10:32 PM
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#6
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bdstone914 Group: Members Posts: 4,673 Joined: 8-November 03 From: Riverside CA Member No.: 1,319 |
i have all of the parts you need.
Bruce |
Larmo63 |
Sep 9 2015, 10:34 PM
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#7
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 4,267 Joined: 3-March 14 From: San Clemente, Ca Member No.: 17,068 Region Association: Southern California |
The new seal that is available seems to be fatter than the original one. It also could be the lower one is too fat or incorrectly installed. (upside-down?) I have this same issue and therefore, I rarely take my targa top off. It's too much of a hassle putting it back on. I wish it wasn't this way, but it is.
There is some adjustment in the front latches if that is any help. Used ones are not too hard to source, either. |
mbseto |
Sep 10 2015, 07:24 AM
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#8
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,257 Joined: 6-August 14 From: Cincy Member No.: 17,743 Region Association: North East States |
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earossi |
Sep 10 2015, 08:13 AM
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#9
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Member Group: Members Posts: 210 Joined: 8-December 11 From: Chicago, Il Member No.: 13,878 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
There's no pot metal on a Porsche! Is there?? Ha! Surely you jest! Most of the parts that I break are pot metal. Prior to the top latch, I managed to break one of the pot metal loops that attach to the end of the seat adjusters. There is pot metal all over the car! |
earossi |
Sep 10 2015, 08:15 AM
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#10
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Member Group: Members Posts: 210 Joined: 8-December 11 From: Chicago, Il Member No.: 13,878 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
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BfloRandy |
Sep 10 2015, 10:06 AM
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#11
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Dimwit Extraordinaire Group: Members Posts: 66 Joined: 20-September 14 From: Buffalo, NY Member No.: 17,927 Region Association: North East States |
I had a similar problem, without the broken latch, thankfully. The new seals were much fatter than the ancient ones I replaced. I solved it by cranking the latches down and leaving the top on for several days while it baked in the sun. First time I tried to remove the top, the upper seal tried to come with it! So, pulled the seal out manually, glued the hell out of it, and repeated the whole process again. Now it's snug, and no seals are misbehaving. Hope that helps!
-Randy |
whitetwinturbo |
Sep 10 2015, 11:05 AM
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#12
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Honey, does this wing make my ass look fat? Group: Members Posts: 1,391 Joined: 22-October 11 From: Newport Beach/Kalefornya/USA Member No.: 13,704 Region Association: Southern California |
............so since this is Kalifornication I searched mine for pot..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif) .... darn, culd not find any (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) BUT found a lot of heavy metal (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)
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SLITS |
Sep 10 2015, 01:46 PM
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#13
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"This Utah shit is HARSH!" Group: Benefactors Posts: 13,602 Joined: 22-February 04 From: SoCal Mountains ... Member No.: 1,696 Region Association: None |
There's no pot metal on a Porsche! Is there?? No, it's called Zemac in third world countries .... aluminum zinc alloy. The only pot here is generally green. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif) |
jim_hoyland |
Sep 10 2015, 03:45 PM
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#14
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Get that VIN ? Group: Members Posts: 9,418 Joined: 1-May 03 From: Sunset Beach, CA Member No.: 643 Region Association: Southern California |
I too had the same problem; to make the top slide in/out easier, I dust the seal with baby powder 2x a year.. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
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