Hi World,
This is a follow up question to my previous thread about water leaking between the Targa top new seals and side windows on my 74.
With the help from the 914 community I was able to determine that at least one of the reasons my top is leaking, is that my 74 actually has an early top.
Luckily I have a late top amongst the spare parts, and as I was removing the old seals and getting it ready for clean up and paint, I noticed that the two side rails that the side seals slide into are bowed. Both rails are bowed towards the center of the top.
I looked at other spare tops and one of them has the bow towards the outside, and some towards the center of the top.
Which is correct? Is the rail supposed to be bowed at all?
I am going to order new seals for the correct "late" top, but I want to make sure that the seals are installed correctly.
Thanks for all the help.
Bill.

Hi guys,
I don't know if bumping my own thread to the top is cool or not. But I really need some help with this targa top.
If this is not cool I apologize.
Bill.

Cool or not? I don't know but I am following this because I am afraid I am about to go through the same thing. I have an early car and just dug out the top last night and it might be a late top. I think the seal I have are late seals but I am not sure yet.

Jim

Hi Jim,
In the research I have done so far for my top, I have found that the seals are the same for the early and late tops.At least the vendors don't differentiate between early and late seals.It appears that other than physical differences in the top structure, the position of the seals may be different.
The thing the concerns me now is the shape of the rails that hold the side seals in place.
If you have any doubts regarding the difference between early and late tops check out this thread. http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=73129 .
Good luck with your top.
Bill.

I have looked at the linked thread but last night when I dug out the top I didn't have my tablet so I could compare my top to the info.
I have now and I have a late top on an early car with early doors and windows.

I had not gotten to researching the seals yet but I did not recall a choice when I ordered from 914rubber.

The late top early car is also complicated because my car was painted and the PO had the sail panel vinyl and chrome removed. And the sail panels and top were painted body color, a custom blue pearl paint.

I bought it disassembled after paint and am in the process of putting it back together.

I am learning of many things the PO or body shop did that I am not happy with so I'll add this to my mental list.

Jim

The seals are actually different, but factory improved them. The difference is the early seal was an elongated bulb. The late they added a fin to allow the window to sweep under the lip. The lates work on all.


https://shop.914rubber.com/914-Targa-to-Win...m?categoryId=-1


You can see this picture shows it

I did recall a change in seals from when I did targa seals on my first 914 but that was 25+ years ago.
I recall having to replace all the seals in order to use the newer seals but it is only a vague memory.

I had assumed what I bought from 914rubber was good to go, pretty safe bet.

Bill, if I get a chance I'll dig out the seal rails for the top and see if they are curved.

Jim

Thanks Jim,
I would appreciate that. I thought that Mikey914 could also address the issue of the curved rails, particularly as to which way they should point.
Looking forward to your feedback.
Bill.

I would expect the shape of the rails to match the top edge of the window. I've never actually cheeked, but I always assumed the windows are pretty darn flat/straight... if so, the rail should be straight? But maybe I'm misunderstanding the question?

If you have the rails off the top, slide a seal in there and hold it up against the window and take a picture.

Good luck!

theer,
I assumed the same as you.
I looked at the top of the window and it looks strait to me. However, the the rail for the side seal has a definite curve to it and it does not match the side line of the top which also looks straight to me.
The top is now at the body shop getting repainted so I can't put the rail against the top of the window at this moment. But I can tell you that the other tops I have in storage are the same. The issue is that some tops have the curved rail facing the center of the top, and others have it facing out. Which one is correct???
None of the resident 914 experts have offered their expertise on this question.
Bill.

I have a 73. Manufacture date 10/72. Early top. Seal channel curves to the inside as well as the window.
Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment

Aha! That picture of the top of the window is perfect. The arc of the glass (higher in the middle), at an angle to the plane of the top rails = a slight bow in at the center.

Never really noticed the arc of the glass before.

You captured it sholman.
So your car is an early 73. I wonder if that is why you have an early top on your car?
Bill.

I looked at 3 tops today and they all had the slight curve in from the edge of the top.

Now it makes sense.

Jim