Removing the dreaded Targa Top?
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
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Removing the dreaded Targa Top?
Hey, Im just a little curious as to if im taking my top off correctly. It seems awefully difficult.
Loosen the bolts 2 front-2 rear.
Jiggle it loose.
get in the car, and push up, also pop the hatch.
slowly get the top off. Carry it around to the back of the car and carefully put it in its holders.
So far in takinf it off less than 5 times in over a year of owning the car, ive dropped it twice (on grass thankfully) It slipped once and chipped the corner and nearly broke my foot. And while turning it arounf after sliding it off the top it slipped and cam crashing down o nthe corner of the drivers side door, chipping it in a big way.
Im about sick of going through the hassel and am very close to putting the bolts in and drilling the head out so it cant be removed. I wont be tempted to remove it if I know I can't.
Loosen the bolts 2 front-2 rear.
Jiggle it loose.
get in the car, and push up, also pop the hatch.
slowly get the top off. Carry it around to the back of the car and carefully put it in its holders.
So far in takinf it off less than 5 times in over a year of owning the car, ive dropped it twice (on grass thankfully) It slipped once and chipped the corner and nearly broke my foot. And while turning it arounf after sliding it off the top it slipped and cam crashing down o nthe corner of the drivers side door, chipping it in a big way.
Im about sick of going through the hassel and am very close to putting the bolts in and drilling the head out so it cant be removed. I wont be tempted to remove it if I know I can't.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 24,650
Likes: 8
Re: Removing the dreaded Targa Top? (flyersfan1088)
no, sorry, no jokes here. Im dead serious. Its too stressing. I can lift alot, ots not heavy, just really cumbersome. See im short, like 5'2" and lifting the top off is impossible.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Re: Removing the dreaded Targa Top? (flyersfan1088)
I just remove the bolts, grab the middle and pull it off. I haven't dropped it yet, I wouldn't dare, it'd be a costly mistake (and my dad would kill me). However, you can look at getting the power targa-top wrench that mid america sells, that might make it a little less time consuming. I'm 5'3 and haven't really had a problem as long as I grab it from the middle of it.
http://www.madvet.com/shop?store=1&c...=162&frame=768
[Modified by Goldwolf, 10:23 PM 11/7/2003]
http://www.madvet.com/shop?store=1&c...=162&frame=768
[Modified by Goldwolf, 10:23 PM 11/7/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Dewdney BC
Re: Removing the dreaded Targa Top? (RED-85-Z51)
Takes me about 2 minutes, open both doors, pop hatch, undo bolts, reach across top and grab targa, put it in hatch, hop in drivers seat and cruz :auto: :steering:
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Team Owner
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Re: Removing the dreaded Targa Top? (mid life 90)
Is it at all possible to put both seats forward and slide it in from the front of the hatch? Ive got no beef with the screws. I wish it were clasps, but the screws help to add rigidity.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Removing the dreaded Targa Top? (RED-85-Z51)
Well since you have no problem with it's weight then it will be easy.
After running both windows down and loosing the bolts step onto the driver's door sill, lift the near front edge and slide that side forward slightly. Then reach under the front & rear edges and lift it off.
I'm nearly 6' tall so I just stand on the pavement near the driver's door to use the above technique, but it works well.
After running both windows down and loosing the bolts step onto the driver's door sill, lift the near front edge and slide that side forward slightly. Then reach under the front & rear edges and lift it off.
I'm nearly 6' tall so I just stand on the pavement near the driver's door to use the above technique, but it works well.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: ~The DARKSIDE Group~
Re: Removing the dreaded Targa Top? (RED-85-Z51)
Removing the top is a PIA, but I've never droped it or damamged anything. But I only take it off 2x a year to change from clear to paint and back again.
:seeya
:seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: The Colony Tx
Re: Removing the dreaded Targa Top? (RED-85-Z51)
I am also short, 5' 4", and the only times I have a problem is when it is really sunny, and the top is really hot. Sort of burns your paws. But basically, I just make sure the hatch is open before I start. I then open the door, usually the passengers side, undo the bolts, and then push up on the pass. side of the top. This allows me to put my left hand under the top in the middle and then put my right hand on the middle of the front side of the top.
I then just lift the top enough to back out of the door area and rotate the top so that the drivers side is pointing up. When I get to the back of the car I rotate the top so the back is pointing up and just lift the top into the luggage area. I sort of let the top rest on the weatherstriping as I move my grip to the side and finish puting the top in place.
I then just lift the top enough to back out of the door area and rotate the top so that the drivers side is pointing up. When I get to the back of the car I rotate the top so the back is pointing up and just lift the top into the luggage area. I sort of let the top rest on the weatherstriping as I move my grip to the side and finish puting the top in place.
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Team Owner
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Re: Removing the dreaded Targa Top? (aj1988)
Id hate to have a glass top....lol It wouldn't last long near me.
I love going topless, but its such a hassle. T ome its just not wort it anymore to risk further damage. And Iwont attempt it on pavement. Buddies whom I trust not to let go of it are not always handy most of the time. But when they are it comes off! :cheers:
I love going topless, but its such a hassle. T ome its just not wort it anymore to risk further damage. And Iwont attempt it on pavement. Buddies whom I trust not to let go of it are not always handy most of the time. But when they are it comes off! :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: CT
Removing the dreaded Targa Top?
a tiny bit off topic, but nothing beat those first group of c5 stories where the owners put the tops back on, went in the house, forgot to latch them down then went for a ride, FOOM, there goes the top! :eek:
word to the wise, DO NOT walk away from your car after your top is re-installed. finish the job by tightening it down. if that thing flies off it could do some serious damage. we don't need that. :cheers:
word to the wise, DO NOT walk away from your car after your top is re-installed. finish the job by tightening it down. if that thing flies off it could do some serious damage. we don't need that. :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: Removing the dreaded Targa Top? (Jay 383)
word to the wise, DO NOT walk away from your car after your top is re-installed. finish the job by tightening it down. if that thing flies off it could do some serious damage. we don't need that. :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: ...tearing up the highways, one state at a time™®©
Re: Removing the dreaded Targa Top? (TA)
Sounds like you just need to get someone to help, little fella! :jester :jester :lolg: :lolg:
:lol: :lol: :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol: