Problems with targa top insert
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Problems with targa top insert
Does anyone have problems reinserting their targa tops after driving with them off for several weeks. My car goes from garage to garage during the "season" of April to October and I only put the top on for traveling/running on the track. I literally have to force the driver's side back into place with the pressure of the latch. Any factory recalls I don't know about? I presume it's possible I've torqued the frame slightly.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,489
Likes: 311
From: Scottsdale AZ
Sometimes, mine's a bit tougher to latch then other times, but frankly, I've attributed it to either big changes in temperature, or my own initial alignment of the pins.
Unless the car's had some prior structural damage, I'm not certain that the frame or body panels would even have the ability to shift enough to put the top out of alignment.
It'll be interesting to hear from others . . .
Unless the car's had some prior structural damage, I'm not certain that the frame or body panels would even have the ability to shift enough to put the top out of alignment.
It'll be interesting to hear from others . . .
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
ANYONE have any problems w/ their Targa top??
I received only two replies and I would like at least some real world stats. I put the top on again (it was 40 last night) and even cold, I had to literally use all the downforce of the latch closing to get the driver's side of the targa down into place.
Thanks for your response
Thanks for your response
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
was anything else done on the car? something may have shifted, or been loose when it came out.
I don't have a coupe, but have had 2 in the past and 3 different tops. until I got wise to it, I never even knew you could adjust the mounting points.
my suggestion would be to take it to a dead level place, like your dealer's service area
and have or adjust the various points of contact if you haven't done it already. it doesn't take much at all to be just slightly out of alignment.
I've spent well over 15 minutes trying to get my tops to fit, until I figured out the adjustment process.
hope it all works out. and btw, you are certain that there's nothing else wrong with the top? has the dealer looked at it, commented on it?
I don't have a coupe, but have had 2 in the past and 3 different tops. until I got wise to it, I never even knew you could adjust the mounting points.
my suggestion would be to take it to a dead level place, like your dealer's service area
and have or adjust the various points of contact if you haven't done it already. it doesn't take much at all to be just slightly out of alignment.I've spent well over 15 minutes trying to get my tops to fit, until I figured out the adjustment process.
hope it all works out. and btw, you are certain that there's nothing else wrong with the top? has the dealer looked at it, commented on it?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
I have my top off for long stretches in the summer because it's not a DD. In the garage it's stored for a week or more with the top off. I've never experienced what you've described nor had a problem putting the top on. Makes me think something else is going on here but have no idea what might be the problem.....
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,799
Likes: 10
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
I've only had a problem reinstalling my roof once. Turned out the latch in the middle of the back wasn't open. I was able to force it in even with the latch closed doing the same thing you're doing with the front latches. Make sure the back latch is open all the way.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,113
Likes: 2,194
From: Big Bend Country, TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15- '16-'17-‘18-‘19-'20-'21
NCM Lifetime Member
I've only had a problem reinstalling my roof once. Turned out the latch in the middle of the back wasn't open. I was able to force it in even with the latch closed doing the same thing you're doing with the front latches. Make sure the back latch is open all the way.
Good point ! Also, once it's on, make sure to close the latches ! 
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 8
From: Issaquah WA
I often go with the top off for a couple of weeks - I really only put it on when it's raining out, and if it's raining in the morning, I usually leave the top off (in the garage), and take the WRX. I haven't really had any problem.
When putting it on, I always push back and down on the rear of the top - that helps make sure the front can get seated properly. So I haven't run into a single time where the front latches were needed to pull the top down.
When putting it on, I always push back and down on the rear of the top - that helps make sure the front can get seated properly. So I haven't run into a single time where the front latches were needed to pull the top down.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
After putting my top on, I engage the back latch first.
I always have to use the front latches to pull the top down.
Although it is snug, I'm sure I could use my hands to pull it in place, I like the way mine works.
I always have to use the front latches to pull the top down.
Although it is snug, I'm sure I could use my hands to pull it in place, I like the way mine works.