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Targa mounting bolts

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Old Apr 13, 2012 | 11:52 AM
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Default Targa mounting bolts

Does anyone know the size of the Targa's rear top panel mounting bolts? I have seen them for $6.99 to $9.99 each and probably could get them at the hardware store a lot cheaper.
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Old Apr 14, 2012 | 01:35 AM
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Originally Posted by wrlwynd
Does anyone know the size of the Targa's rear top panel mounting bolts? I have seen them for $6.99 to $9.99 each and probably could get them at the hardware store a lot cheaper.
Hi,
I wouldn’t recommend using/replacing with anything but the original hardware or equivalent type. An equivalent type = a Torx drive tapered-countersunk bolt head, correct diameter thread/pitch & length and material strength/temper.

Remember the targa top actually acts as a stressed structural member of the body/frame. It also needs to tighten down/compress the seals to form a watertight seal.

This is not a good idea to economize/cheap out here. Good used clear acrylic targa tops go for around $350-500.

Bottom line “Do it Right the 1st Time” or compromise your car/safety.

Best regards,
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Old Apr 14, 2012 | 09:13 AM
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Agree....There is a reason why those bolts are made the way they are.
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 03:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Steve59
Agree....There is a reason why those bolts are made the way they are.
The problem I have is when I put the glass top on, the bolt above the driver's side backs out. Upon looking at it, it appears that it is too short and the end is stripped. I got this bolt from either Mid America or Corvette America. Don't know which one. I put the solid top back on with the factory bolts and don't have any problems. If you were going to purchase another set of bolts, who would you buy them from. I don't want to have the same problem.
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by wrlwynd
The problem I have is when I put the glass top on, the bolt above the driver's side backs out. Upon looking at it, it appears that it is too short and the end is stripped. I got this bolt from either Mid America or Corvette America. Don't know which one. I put the solid top back on with the factory bolts and don't have any problems. If you were going to purchase another set of bolts, who would you buy them from. I don't want to have the same problem.
I have twice put wanted ads on here for stock targa bolts and offered 20 bucks shipped for the set..got em right away both times..If you think you're gonna work with crap from the hardware store you might as well secure your top with duct tape.
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by wrlwynd
The problem I have is when I put the glass top on, the bolt above the driver's side backs out. Upon looking at it, it appears that it is too short and the end is stripped. I got this bolt from either Mid America or Corvette America. Don't know which one. I put the solid top back on with the factory bolts and don't have any problems. If you were going to purchase another set of bolts, who would you buy them from. I don't want to have the same problem.
why not just use the factory bolts for both? or am I missing something?
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 06:49 PM
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Corvette Central has them. Not expensive either.
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Old Apr 17, 2012 | 05:20 PM
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I got my bolts used off of Ebay. No problems with the bolts HOWEVER, each top (I have two, a clear and a solid top) had the mounting hardware aligned slightly differently. You have to re-align the mounting hardware so that BOTH tops align when they are mounted onto the car. Somewhere in a prior forum response, a member laid out how to properly align the mounting hardware. That will probably solve your problem.
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Old Apr 17, 2012 | 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Steve59
I got my bolts used off of Ebay. No problems with the bolts HOWEVER, each top (I have two, a clear and a solid top) had the mounting hardware aligned slightly differently. You have to re-align the mounting hardware so that BOTH tops align when they are mounted onto the car. Somewhere in a prior forum response, a member laid out how to properly align the mounting hardware. That will probably solve your problem.
+1 it sounds like the top is not correctly aligned, if all else fails contact Dave @ Melrose Tops he should have the original GM bolts.
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 05:37 PM
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+2, your top needs to be adjusted. There are several adjustments you can make to the mounts on the front and rear of the birdcage. Use the info in the service manual to properly adjust the mounts and top. Stay away from the "guide" floating around the forum which has bad info in it.

If you need replacement bolts, get the right ones. You can't use bolts from a hardware store. Contact Melrose Tops - they have them for about $5 each.
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Old Apr 20, 2012 | 03:30 PM
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Contemporary Corvette, 800-367-8388. Ask for Rocky.
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