snakepitt1

I have 1 1973 911T targa. The rear seal is worn away. How difficult is it to replace one of these seals? Also, what do they cost? I should also replace the front seal that runs along the top of the windshiels and down the sides.

Thanks,
Scott Harris
1973 911T Targa
1984 944NA

snakepitt1

Also, are there any special tools required to remove or install these seals? There seems to be special tools required for everything else.

Scott Harris
1973 911T targa
1984 944 NA <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

Glenn

Good questions - all I've had to ask myself over the past six months as I've restored my 73 Targa.

You won't need special tools to remove the front and rear Targa seals - if you don't intend on keeping them. If you do, then I would suggest getting a seal removal tool. Nothing more than a plastic spoon to get between the body and the rubber seal.

As for cost - the rear one is quite pricey. Check on Pelicanparts.com or go to vertexauto.com. Both reputable sites that I've bought a lot of parts for over the past few months.

The rear seal goes in very straight forward. The front one is a different story altogether. I wish I had known the problems - and I would have kept my original front seal at any costs. The problem is they no longer make an OEM seal for your year. What they'll do is send you a seal from a newer Targa - and you'll have to trim it to fit - a lot. (Let me know if you go this route - I have an e-mail someone sent me that tells you how you'll need to modify the seal to make it fit properly) Mine still isn't where I would like it to be.

Thats it. Any other info you need - let me know.
Glenn

snakepitt1

Do Vertex and Pelican let you know that the seal you order for the 1973 targa is the wrong seal? Their catalogs show very different part numbers. My rear seal is toast and will be the first of many seals I will be replacinf in the next 2 weeks. Have you ever removed the targa roll bar outter cover? I have a black one I want to put on inplace of the stainless steel looking one.

Tom F

It's easy to get the targa bar cover off after you remove the rear seal. You'll see a bunch of screws on the front of the cover, behind where the seal lies. I think there are 15 of them. Then, there are four nuts, two per side, in the wheel well, at the base of the targa bar. Resist the temptation to beat on the studs after you remove the nuts. Have someone help you to wiggle/pull the cover loose from the holes in the fenders. It's a fairly simple operation. Check carefully for rust in the areas that you will expose around the base of the targa cover, and be sure the drains are clear before you put it back.

Glenn

Good question on Vertex and Pelican... No they did not. It is the only time I've been disappointed with Vertex - no mention of the part and the work I'd need to do when I ordered the front Targa top seal.

On the upside, everything else I've bought from them has been good. If you're a member of the PCA, let them know when you order. They offer a discount if you are.

snakepitt1

Tom, thanks for the heads up on the roll bar cover replacement. I'll be doing that this weekend.
Glenn, I ordered the seals from Vertex. They will arrive tomorrow. I plan on installing alll seals this weekend. I'll let you konw how it turns out.

Scott Harris
1973 911T targa
1984 944 NA

snakepitt1

<a href="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/911tpic1.JPG<a href="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/911tpic1.JPG" target="_blank">1973" target="_blank">http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/911tpic1.JPG[URL=http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/911tpic1.JPG]1973</a> 911T</a>

snakepitt1

snakepitt1

snakepitt1

Sorry for the repeat trys to get this picture on the board.

Jdub

Nice car, and of course the chrome trim is very classic. I could do without the tail, but that is my own opinion.

Now, the front seal will have to be cut to fit: I think you know that? They don't make Targa seals for "early" cars any longer, so you must shave the seal to fit your car or the front of your top will not fit/you'll bust a latch or two trying to get it clamped down.

From DanP's article in Pano.:

"...don’t fit 89 and older Targa's. The proper part number is no longer obtainable. Old part #911 565 090 47 now superseded #911 799 565 80. You may, in fact, get the proper part # on the package but the seal will be the superseded one."

Contact DanP at carsinc-nj.com/609 298 2277 for information on the seal shaving. I believe he pre-shaves them and sells the modified seal.

Jw

Glenn

No problem snakepitt. Good luck this weekend. Here's a shot of the fruit of my labor this post winter - with new seals in place.
Glenn

snakepitt1

Glenn,
Your 73 is a beauty. What exactly is shaved on the front seal? Is it the seal height or the length? Since my last post my wife gave birth to our baby girl, so working on the car this weekend may be out. Kinda depends on the baby.

Scott Harris
1973 911T targa 2.4l MFI
1984 944 NA

snakepitt1

Glenn,
Could you forward me that e-mail for the front seal trimming. Here is my home e-mail:
snakepittcomics@aol.com

Thanks,
Scott Harris
1973 911T targa 2.4l MFI
1984 944 NA