Revvin_911S

Its time to start working on making the Targa more water proof. By the end of last winter it was leaking pretty bad and I really dont want to go though another rainy season like that, so I need help from all of you who know how to get these tops water proof. Or close as one is likely to get with a Targa. The top is badly in need of recovering, so that is my first step. I remember hearing that there was one person who was generally agreed upon to be "the" guy to send your top to to get it recovered, so if any body could point me in his direction that would be great. I need to replace the front seal that attaches to the windshield, and the ones tht run along the rear of the side windows. Where is the best place to get these? I remember hearing that it is very important to get the OEM ones becuase some after market ones arent the correct thickness which causes problems. Are there any special tricks to replaceing these seals? Any other information that you guys have would be great. Thank you in advance.

Blake

wwest

Regretably your Targa will always leak.

New top and seals will help but.....

epbrown01

Don't buy the "targas always leak" bit - load of horse-hockey. The guy you're referring to is [url=http://www.carsinc-nj.com/]Dan Petchel[/i]. He's considered the best in the business and the go-to guy, though I don't agree with his comment that rebuilding a targa top is tougher than rebuilding an engine. The seals are tougher because Porsche stopped making the early car seals, so you have to work with the post-87 versions and trim/fiddle-with them. But with good seals and the proper adjustments, a Targa can be made leak and rattle free.

Emanuel

bones

I'd second most of what Emmanuel says. My top hasn't leaked since I've owned the car....let me see that would be 20 years now. My friend and I recovered my top to perform and look as new about two years ago from a kit supplied by Dave Nunn at http://www.southboundtrimmers.com/
The kit cost about £100. 00 and included glue and instructions. It took planning, research - see links below - and then five hours of careful work to produce a professional end result, it's not difficult, pick a hot day you may need to 'stretch' the material. As to the seals I only replaced the rear roof seal and the two adjoined side seals. When you remove the seals photograph how they fit and then you can be sure about how they line up , a little stretching of the side seals may be necessary to get them to butt up against the door seals. Clean the seal runners with solvent or just pick the old glue out and use an impact adhesive to stick the new seals on, we have a product called Evo-stick, it seems to work. I'm not sure about seal thicknesses I believe Porsche discontinued some Targa seals in '86 - thanks Porsche - email Dave Nunn he will advise even if you don't buy from him. Once you have new seals take care of them by smearing Vaseline (petroleum jelly) on them , leave it in the sun for a few hours and wipe of any excess, this will cause the seals to 'plump up' .
http://www.worlduph.com/porttopinstructions.htm
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/myler/Poo...Targa_Top.html
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...op_recover.htm
http://www.vintagebus.com/targa/
http://www.southboundtrimmers.com/

Revvin_911S

Thanks for all your help guys. Im going order the weather stripping this week, and hopefully get the top sent out as well. Ill post pics of the new top when its all done.

Blake