Targa top removal
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,867
Likes: 67
From: . Wyoming .
Funny you should ask. Just the other day the wind was giving me a bit of trouble while I was trying to put the top back on, so I screwed on this handle I had in my junk drawer. It works pretty well, and you can hardly see the first holes I made where I got it a little crooked and off center. I just put some gray caulk in there. I'm thinking about putting one on the hatch to help lift it. The handle I have for it doesn't quite match the one on the top, but I think it will be OK. What do you think?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Tracy CA
Funny you should ask. Just the other day the wind was giving me a bit of trouble while I was trying to put the top back on, so I screwed on this handle I had in my junk drawer. It works pretty well, and you can hardly see the first holes I made where I got it a little crooked and off center. I just put some gray caulk in there. I'm thinking about putting one on the hatch to help lift it. The handle I have for it doesn't quite match the one on the top, but I think it will be OK. What do you think?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 8
From: Scottsdale, AZ
To take it off easily, I open the 3 latches and take 'er out on the 101... at anything over 57 mph the top is self opening!
This shot was taken two weeks after I used the above top-opening method. I still haven't found the top.
This shot was taken two weeks after I used the above top-opening method. I still haven't found the top.
Last edited by HarleyB; Oct 3, 2009 at 01:42 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: La Verne California
There's what I call the ejector method. Sometimes there just isn't enough time in the day. Here are the steps:
1. Get up to speed on the freeway ~80 should do
2. Unlatch the passenger side front lever, followed by the driver side (Caution as top will now be loose)
3. Depress the rear latch button, and quickly pull down and release the lever.
Instant removal.
DISCLAIMER: I do not take responsibility for your actions when following this procedure. You do so at your own risk.
1. Get up to speed on the freeway ~80 should do
2. Unlatch the passenger side front lever, followed by the driver side (Caution as top will now be loose)
3. Depress the rear latch button, and quickly pull down and release the lever.
Instant removal.
DISCLAIMER: I do not take responsibility for your actions when following this procedure. You do so at your own risk.
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 577
Likes: 2
From: Downriver MI
I love all of the replies above.
I usually have my wife help me, it just seems easier when their are two people. I can just see myself dropping it doing it by my self. Latches undone, doors closed, windows open along with the hatch. We lift it up and walk it toward the front of the car. Then into the hatch for storage. Reverse that for putting it on.
I usually have my wife help me, it just seems easier when their are two people. I can just see myself dropping it doing it by my self. Latches undone, doors closed, windows open along with the hatch. We lift it up and walk it toward the front of the car. Then into the hatch for storage. Reverse that for putting it on.
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo-ish TX
Funny you should ask. Just the other day the wind was giving me a bit of trouble while I was trying to put the top back on, so I screwed on this handle I had in my junk drawer. It works pretty well, and you can hardly see the first holes I made where I got it a little crooked and off center. I just put some gray caulk in there. I'm thinking about putting one on the hatch to help lift it. The handle I have for it doesn't quite match the one on the top, but I think it will be OK. What do you think?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
Funny you should ask. Just the other day the wind was giving me a bit of trouble while I was trying to put the top back on, so I screwed on this handle I had in my junk drawer. It works pretty well, and you can hardly see the first holes I made where I got it a little crooked and off center. I just put some gray caulk in there. I'm thinking about putting one on the hatch to help lift it. The handle I have for it doesn't quite match the one on the top, but I think it will be OK. What do you think?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,006
Likes: 26
From: JawJa
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,281
Likes: 8,558
From: Rochester, NY
That is the method I used to use but found it actually easier to do by myself. I keep the doors open as well, loosen all the latches then pop the top up and slide it forward above the top of windshield then lift it and place it in the hatch.
I love all of the replies above.
I usually have my wife help me, it just seems easier when their are two people. I can just see myself dropping it doing it by my self. Latches undone, doors closed, windows open along with the hatch. We lift it up and walk it toward the front of the car. Then into the hatch for storage. Reverse that for putting it on.
I usually have my wife help me, it just seems easier when their are two people. I can just see myself dropping it doing it by my self. Latches undone, doors closed, windows open along with the hatch. We lift it up and walk it toward the front of the car. Then into the hatch for storage. Reverse that for putting it on.
Lifetime NCM Member #2482
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 1
From: West of Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '11
I find it easier to do by myself. Hubby has helped a couple of times but I'm usually alone when I decide to go topless anyway.
I used to open the doors, pop the latches and then stand outside the car, lift the top off and then store. It seemed a little tough on my back having to lift the top while standing 'away' from the car even a few inches.
I just changed out my tops a few days ago and put the smoke top on. I decided to open the doors, pop the latches and then when I went to lift the top I actually put my left foot on the floor board of the car (I'm standing on the drivers side) with my right foot still on the pavement. It really made lifting the top easier and I think because I'm so much closer to the car without touching the side.
Anyway, worked better for me and I remove my top quite often on my drive home after work.
I used to open the doors, pop the latches and then stand outside the car, lift the top off and then store. It seemed a little tough on my back having to lift the top while standing 'away' from the car even a few inches.
I just changed out my tops a few days ago and put the smoke top on. I decided to open the doors, pop the latches and then when I went to lift the top I actually put my left foot on the floor board of the car (I'm standing on the drivers side) with my right foot still on the pavement. It really made lifting the top easier and I think because I'm so much closer to the car without touching the side.
Anyway, worked better for me and I remove my top quite often on my drive home after work.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 2
From: Murphy NC
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-17-'18-'19, '21,'24-'25-'26
1. open hatch
2. get in car and undo latches
3. while still in drivers seat push up lightly on the front edge of the top so its easier to get a grip in step 4.
4. get out, carefully lift top out
5. carefully place and snap into hatch holder
6. wipe off finger prints with microfiber towel
7. close hatch
2. get in car and undo latches
3. while still in drivers seat push up lightly on the front edge of the top so its easier to get a grip in step 4.
4. get out, carefully lift top out
5. carefully place and snap into hatch holder
6. wipe off finger prints with microfiber towel
7. close hatch
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
Get in, hit accessory mode, put windows down, unlatch all three latches.
Hit hatch release button, leave accessory mode on to listen to tunes.
Get out and open hatch fully.
Lift front edge slightly, then slide hands inward to front and rear center.
Lift targa section and carry to back for stowage.
Close hatch and proceed to happy motoring.
Hit hatch release button, leave accessory mode on to listen to tunes.
Get out and open hatch fully.
Lift front edge slightly, then slide hands inward to front and rear center.
Lift targa section and carry to back for stowage.
Close hatch and proceed to happy motoring.
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 2
Funny you should ask. Just the other day the wind was giving me a bit of trouble while I was trying to put the top back on, so I screwed on this handle I had in my junk drawer. It works pretty well, and you can hardly see the first holes I made where I got it a little crooked and off center. I just put some gray caulk in there. I'm thinking about putting one on the hatch to help lift it. The handle I have for it doesn't quite match the one on the top, but I think it will be OK. What do you think?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 40
From: Osage Beach,MO,USA
I find it easier to do by myself. Hubby has helped a couple of times but I'm usually alone when I decide to go topless anyway.
I used to open the doors, pop the latches and then stand outside the car, lift the top off and then store. It seemed a little tough on my back having to lift the top while standing 'away' from the car even a few inches.
I just changed out my tops a few days ago and put the smoke top on. I decided to open the doors, pop the latches and then when I went to lift the top I actually put my left foot on the floor board of the car (I'm standing on the drivers side) with my right foot still on the pavement. It really made lifting the top easier and I think because I'm so much closer to the car without touching the side.
Anyway, worked better for me and I remove my top quite often on my drive home after work.
I used to open the doors, pop the latches and then stand outside the car, lift the top off and then store. It seemed a little tough on my back having to lift the top while standing 'away' from the car even a few inches.
I just changed out my tops a few days ago and put the smoke top on. I decided to open the doors, pop the latches and then when I went to lift the top I actually put my left foot on the floor board of the car (I'm standing on the drivers side) with my right foot still on the pavement. It really made lifting the top easier and I think because I'm so much closer to the car without touching the side.
Anyway, worked better for me and I remove my top quite often on my drive home after work.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 2
From: Cambridge Illinois
The only thing that I have learned about taking the top off was when after having a long lunch with my wife on a hot summer day is put some gloves on.
We went out to the car after lunch to drive further up along the Mississippi River and my wife suggested removing the top. I reached in and undid the latches. I lifted the front a little from underneath and grabbed the front and then the back. I was in pain. The black roof was hot-hot-hot.
I got it to the grass at the side of the parking lot and put it down. It was the first time that I questioned liking the color black for a car.
I focused all my efforts on holding the top until I got to the grass. I cared more about what it would cost to repair the top if I dropped it onto the gravel lot. The heck with my hands as they would heal themselves over time.
My wife thought that it was very funny.
We went out to the car after lunch to drive further up along the Mississippi River and my wife suggested removing the top. I reached in and undid the latches. I lifted the front a little from underneath and grabbed the front and then the back. I was in pain. The black roof was hot-hot-hot.
I got it to the grass at the side of the parking lot and put it down. It was the first time that I questioned liking the color black for a car.
I focused all my efforts on holding the top until I got to the grass. I cared more about what it would cost to repair the top if I dropped it onto the gravel lot. The heck with my hands as they would heal themselves over time.
My wife thought that it was very funny.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 22,755
Likes: 1,697
From: South Carolina
Funny you should ask. Just the other day the wind was giving me a bit of trouble while I was trying to put the top back on, so I screwed on this handle I had in my junk drawer. It works pretty well, and you can hardly see the first holes I made where I got it a little crooked and off center. I just put some gray caulk in there. I'm thinking about putting one on the hatch to help lift it. The handle I have for it doesn't quite match the one on the top, but I think it will be OK. What do you think?
Now you've done it...Next year GM will incorporate the on star antenna and make it look like a handle that will double for top removal...and charge 2 grand corvette tax for it...and you won't get any kick-back.
