Targa Top Problem
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
From: IN
Targa Top Problem
OK...I think there is a fix for this, but I am still concerned and need your help. I purchased a Bronze Glass Targa Top off of Ebay from a guy for my 1996 Collector Edition. The listing said 89-96. However, I went to try it out tonight upon receiving it today and the front attachment bolts do not line up with the attachment holes in the targa top. It is off by about 3/4". Is there a kit to retrofit this top to my Vette?
The targa top was "new in box" and aftermarket. Here is the Ebay listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=8019037835
Thanks in advance.
The targa top was "new in box" and aftermarket. Here is the Ebay listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=8019037835
Thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,276
Likes: 3
From: Why are there squished peanut butter cups in my underware?
You'll notice on the two front "holes" on the targa top. There are two torx bolts (I can't remember which size), which are for alining to fit on the Vette.
Since I have a rare color Vette, I traded my bronze top with one of my stores customers for his solid top. My old bronze top bolted on his Vette just fine. But it took me about 20 minutes to align his solid top to fit on my Vette.
Can you post a picture of the front holes here? Just to make sure it's the correct type.
Since I have a rare color Vette, I traded my bronze top with one of my stores customers for his solid top. My old bronze top bolted on his Vette just fine. But it took me about 20 minutes to align his solid top to fit on my Vette.
Can you post a picture of the front holes here? Just to make sure it's the correct type.
Last edited by Z-07 freak; Dec 12, 2005 at 11:41 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
From: IN
Originally Posted by Z-07 freak
You'll notice on the two front "holes" on the targa top. There are two torx bolts (I can't remember which size), which are for alining to fit on the Vette.
Since I have a rare color Vette, I traded my bronze top with one of my stores customers for his solid top. My old bronze top bolted on his Vette just fine. But it took me about 20 minutes to align his solid top to fit on my Vette.
Can you post a picture of the front holes here? Just to make sure it's the correct type.
Since I have a rare color Vette, I traded my bronze top with one of my stores customers for his solid top. My old bronze top bolted on his Vette just fine. But it took me about 20 minutes to align his solid top to fit on my Vette.
Can you post a picture of the front holes here? Just to make sure it's the correct type.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
The seller on Ebay has 100% feedback so he cares. Call him and tell him that it doesn't fit and you would like a refund. I'll bet he will take it back and refund your money, I would. If he won't give you a refund, tell him you will give him negative feedback and will take him to Ebay arbitration. Good luck and get back to us.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Signal Mountain TN
Originally Posted by ian1992red
Keep us updated. I want a painted hard top for mine. Seen them on Ebay, but the engine project is taking priority right now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,320
Likes: 2
From: Salem Oregon
84 to 86e
86l to 88
89 to 96
All you need are the two front mounting brackets, plus trim piece, to match the year of the top, and are not hard to change. If you want to be able to use both tops, then I would ask for a refund on this one and find one to fit your car, so you will not have to change out the brackets and trim every time.
86l to 88
89 to 96
All you need are the two front mounting brackets, plus trim piece, to match the year of the top, and are not hard to change. If you want to be able to use both tops, then I would ask for a refund on this one and find one to fit your car, so you will not have to change out the brackets and trim every time.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
From: IN
Originally Posted by randy814u
84 to 86e
86l to 88
89 to 96
All you need are the two front mounting brackets, plus trim piece, to match the year of the top, and are not hard to change. If you want to be able to use both tops, then I would ask for a refund on this one and find one to fit your car, so you will not have to change out the brackets and trim every time.
86l to 88
89 to 96
All you need are the two front mounting brackets, plus trim piece, to match the year of the top, and are not hard to change. If you want to be able to use both tops, then I would ask for a refund on this one and find one to fit your car, so you will not have to change out the brackets and trim every time.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
That is the wrong model top.
Normally your top is fitted to the vehicle. The process is:
- Remove the interior windshield trim. Includes sun visors, mirror and trim. There is plastic cover on top that provides access to the sun visor fasteners.
- On the top loosen the three captive hold down bolts on each hold down plate.
- Place the top in position on the vehicle and tighten both rear fasteners.
- With the front hold down plates loose you will be able to align the top hold down plates to your vehicle. Draw the capture screw tight, then tighten the three hold down plate screws through the access holes exposed by removing the trim.
- Loosen and remove the top.
- Once off the vehicle, torque the three screws on each hold down plate. I believe it is 27Nm but I'll have to look it up.
- Re-install the top. ALWAYS secure the rear two screws first then tighten the front two.
- Re-install the trim, sun visors and mirror.
Normally your top is fitted to the vehicle. The process is:
- Remove the interior windshield trim. Includes sun visors, mirror and trim. There is plastic cover on top that provides access to the sun visor fasteners.
- On the top loosen the three captive hold down bolts on each hold down plate.
- Place the top in position on the vehicle and tighten both rear fasteners.
- With the front hold down plates loose you will be able to align the top hold down plates to your vehicle. Draw the capture screw tight, then tighten the three hold down plate screws through the access holes exposed by removing the trim.
- Loosen and remove the top.
- Once off the vehicle, torque the three screws on each hold down plate. I believe it is 27Nm but I'll have to look it up.
- Re-install the top. ALWAYS secure the rear two screws first then tighten the front two.
- Re-install the trim, sun visors and mirror.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
From: IN
Originally Posted by 93JetJocky
That is the wrong model top.
Normally your top is fitted to the vehicle. The process is:
- Remove the interior windshield trim. Includes sun visors, mirror and trim. There is plastic cover on top that provides access to the sun visor fasteners.
- On the top loosen the three captive hold down bolts on each hold down plate.
- Place the top in position on the vehicle and tighten both rear fasteners.
- With the front hold down plates loose you will be able to align the top hold down plates to your vehicle. Draw the capture screw tight, then tighten the three hold down plate screws through the access holes exposed by removing the trim.
- Loosen and remove the top.
- Once off the vehicle, torque the three screws on each hold down plate. I believe it is 27Nm but I'll have to look it up.
- Re-install the top. ALWAYS secure the rear two screws first then tighten the front two.
- Re-install the trim, sun visors and mirror.
Normally your top is fitted to the vehicle. The process is:
- Remove the interior windshield trim. Includes sun visors, mirror and trim. There is plastic cover on top that provides access to the sun visor fasteners.
- On the top loosen the three captive hold down bolts on each hold down plate.
- Place the top in position on the vehicle and tighten both rear fasteners.
- With the front hold down plates loose you will be able to align the top hold down plates to your vehicle. Draw the capture screw tight, then tighten the three hold down plate screws through the access holes exposed by removing the trim.
- Loosen and remove the top.
- Once off the vehicle, torque the three screws on each hold down plate. I believe it is 27Nm but I'll have to look it up.
- Re-install the top. ALWAYS secure the rear two screws first then tighten the front two.
- Re-install the trim, sun visors and mirror.
Do you now if I can remove the plates from this new top and replace with the correct plates?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,276
Likes: 3
From: Why are there squished peanut butter cups in my underware?
That's a tuff call. I don't know exactly what parts are needed to modify your `96 to fit a rare top that was only made for two and a half years.
I would see how the seller would be in refunding and return for a part he misrepresented.
I would see how the seller would be in refunding and return for a part he misrepresented.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Yes, sad to say. And you may want to show him this post, too.
Today, 04:05 PM #8
randy814u
CF Senior Member
Member Since: Oct 2001
Salem
or
Send a message via MSN to randy814u
Default
84 to 86e
86l to 88
89 to 96
All you need are the two front mounting brackets, plus trim piece, to match the year of the top, and are not hard to change. If you want to be able to use both tops, then I would ask for a refund on this one and find one to fit your car, so you will not have to change out the brackets and trim every time.
Today, 04:05 PM #8
randy814u
CF Senior Member
Member Since: Oct 2001
Salem
or
Send a message via MSN to randy814u
Default
84 to 86e
86l to 88
89 to 96
All you need are the two front mounting brackets, plus trim piece, to match the year of the top, and are not hard to change. If you want to be able to use both tops, then I would ask for a refund on this one and find one to fit your car, so you will not have to change out the brackets and trim every time.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Well if the top is new or near new and this is the only issue, contact Melrose T-Tops and explain your situation. Ask if a 2nd generation top can be reconfigured to fit the 3rd generation (96), and if so, if it's possible to purchase the hold down plates and fasteners to switch it over. That is assuming they confirm that one can simply change out the hold down plates.
Melrose is the GM licensed manufacturer and since they build all the tops even those you would buy from Ecklers or MAD, as well as GM.
Or if it's new, they may consider some kind of deal on a swap out. Did this top have the plastic covering over it? (Like you see on the fenders etc of brand new cars leaving the factory.)
If Melrose doesn't have a reasonable solution, then yeah I'd agree with contacting the buyer as it is not the one for your vehicle.
PS in the steps above I didn't mention the vette should be on a flat surface both doors opened and windows down, and hatch open.
http://www.melroset-tops.com./
Melrose is the GM licensed manufacturer and since they build all the tops even those you would buy from Ecklers or MAD, as well as GM.
Or if it's new, they may consider some kind of deal on a swap out. Did this top have the plastic covering over it? (Like you see on the fenders etc of brand new cars leaving the factory.)
If Melrose doesn't have a reasonable solution, then yeah I'd agree with contacting the buyer as it is not the one for your vehicle.
PS in the steps above I didn't mention the vette should be on a flat surface both doors opened and windows down, and hatch open.
http://www.melroset-tops.com./
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
From: IN
Originally Posted by 93JetJocky
Well if the top is new or near new and this is the only issue, contact Melrose T-Tops and explain your situation. Ask if a 2nd generation top can be reconfigured to fit the 3rd generation (96), and if so, if it's possible to purchase the hold down plates and fasteners to switch it over. That is assuming they confirm that one can simply change out the hold down plates.
Melrose is the GM licensed manufacturer and since they build all the tops even those you would buy from Ecklers or MAD, as well as GM.
Or if it's new, they may consider some kind of deal on a swap out. Did this top have the plastic covering over it? (Like you see on the fenders etc of brand new cars leaving the factory.)
If Melrose doesn't have a reasonable solution, then yeah I'd agree with contacting the buyer as it is not the one for your vehicle.
PS in the steps above I didn't mention the vette should be on a flat surface both doors opened and windows down, and hatch open.
http://www.melroset-tops.com./
Melrose is the GM licensed manufacturer and since they build all the tops even those you would buy from Ecklers or MAD, as well as GM.
Or if it's new, they may consider some kind of deal on a swap out. Did this top have the plastic covering over it? (Like you see on the fenders etc of brand new cars leaving the factory.)
If Melrose doesn't have a reasonable solution, then yeah I'd agree with contacting the buyer as it is not the one for your vehicle.
PS in the steps above I didn't mention the vette should be on a flat surface both doors opened and windows down, and hatch open.
http://www.melroset-tops.com./
