[wmf246]

i apologize if this has been answered before, and i expect the answers to be all across the board...; BUT, here goes....

i have the soft top (new in the original box). i have owned the car since it was new but i have NEVER taken the targa panel out/off and am curious to what can of worms (leaks/creaks/rattles/etc) i might be opening if i do remove and reinstall the targa.

i would appreciate your thoughts/experiences/advice.
:grouphug:
Bill

 

[D-ROD]

wmf246; Had my hard top off several times (bought the coupe in September of 2012) and didn't have any problems, as far as leaks, rattles, ect. They say that one person can take the hard top off and on, always had another person help me with it (didn't want to take the chance of dropping it). Bought the soft top about a month ago and was able to install it myself (not as heavy compared to the hard top). Instructions for the soft top said you might have to adjust the side rails for air leaks, didn't have to on mine. Hope this helps.

 

[sirwm]

wmf246; Had my hard top off several times (bought the coupe in September of 2012) and didn't have any problems, as far as leaks, rattles, ect. They say that one person can take the hard top off and on, always had another person help me with it (didn't want to take the chance of dropping it). Bought the soft top about a month ago and was able to install it myself (not as heavy compared to the hard top). Instructions for the soft top said you might have to adjust the side rails for air leaks, didn't have to on mine. Hope this helps.

:agree:

...plus it seems a lot of the squeaks I have with the hard top
went away with the soft top.


but... I do find it colder in the car with the soft top on.

then again, we have a great heater :yesnod:

 

[twowheeladdict]

Take it off. Enjoy what us roadster owners enjoy.

I would have liked a hard top convertible and like the idea of the coupe, but not a targa top that you have to leave at home.

 

[wmf246]

:agree:

...plus it seems a lot of the squeaks I have with the hard top
went away with the soft top.


but... I do find it colder in the car with the soft top on.

then again, we have a great heater :yesnod:

maybe i have not been clear... i do not want to take the hardtop off and semi-permanently install the soft top; i want to take it (the targa) off whenever the mood strikes and then put it back on; i consider the soft top as only a 'carry along' continguency for occasional use.

so, as i have never taken the targa off (and thereby disturbed the orignal set/sealing), what i would like to know is what experiences those who regularly take the targa off and put it back on experience/experienced.
Bill

 

[gwhunter12]

Topless

Removed top twice and reinstalled . No differences in seals either time. No leaks air or water ( washing only ). The ride was all smiles topless. Then again any outing is

 

[ChopTop]

The only way you're going to know how it seals is if you install it and drive your car around. I've used the soft top about three times in four years and the soft top did squeak when driven over badly repaired roads or going around city corners. Possible it's because the hard top is both heavier and more rigid than the lighter soft top. However, while driving on smooth streets at varying speeds I couldn't hear much wind noise or air leaks. YMMV.

 

[wspohn]

I have never taken mine off and never intend to, but it has been off at the dealer several times trying to deal with squeaks under warranty. I never bothered buying the soft top as I would never use it and it doesn't look that nice to me anyway.

Anyone else wish they had just welded the top on there permanently (I understand why they couldn't do it that way due to certification issues).

 

[wmf246]

I have never taken mine off and never intend to, but it has been off at the dealer several times trying to deal with squeaks under warranty. I never bothered buying the soft top as I would never use it and it doesn't look that nice to me anyway.

Anyone else wish they had just welded the top on there permanently (I understand why they couldn't do it that way due to certification issues).

Bill
that's about the way i feel, but eventually the 'urge' to try it will overwhelm common sense... .

so, no 'problems' since the dealer r&r? when they did work on it, what did they find and what did they do to fix them?
Bill

 

[wspohn]

Bill

so, no 'problems' since the dealer r&r? when they did work on it, what did they find and what did they do to fix them?
Bill

Unfortunately it still squeaks in cold weather (around 28 F here if I am translating that correctly) and as it is now off warranty for that, I'm on my own. Pulling one of the levers part way makes it quiet so shimming latches etc. appears to be the way to go - I may wait until warmer weather to bother fiddling with it.

 

[LiquidPT]

Unfortunately it still squeaks in cold weather (around 28 F here if I am translating that correctly) and as it is now off warranty for that, I'm on my own. Pulling one of the levers part way makes it quiet so shimming latches etc. appears to be the way to go - I may wait until warmer weather to bother fiddling with it.

Funny... Mine squeaks if it has been sitting out in the sun...

 

[wspohn]

Interesting. I'd think that heat would expand everything and make joints tighter while cold would contract and make gaps looser.

I also get a pronounced squeak from the region of the passenger seat whenever I accelerate really, really hard. Wonder what that could be.....it gest even louder, the faster I go!

 

[wmf246]

I also get a pronounced squeak from the region of the passenger seat whenever I accelerate really, really hard. Wonder what that could be.....it gets even louder, the faster I go!

WAG... wife or mouse....
:leaving:
Bill

 

[wspohn]

Definitely wife!

 

[LarryMJones]

Taking it off is simple. Stowing it in the trunk a problem. It's not like a Corvette with trunk storage for the top.
LJ

 

[wmf246]

Taking it off is simple. Stowing it in the trunk a problem. It's not like a Corvette with trunk storage for the top.
LJ

there was a thread once-upon-a-time about someone who had come up with a way to make the targa in 2 pieces so that it could be stored; i don't remember how that turned out.
Bill

 

[gwhunter12]

Go Topless

Every now and then you just got to go for the gusto !
I don't even own a softop replacement. Just said what the hell and pulled it. Placed it on the couch and drove away smiling , saying what a great day.
It was a blast, people still reacted to its looks, and questions abound.
Replaced top upon return and washed the car before garaged. No Leaks.
When driven again no whistling either. :thumbs:

Enjoy going TOPLESS ! It's designed to do it ! SO DO IT !

 

[wmf246]

still would like to know what the outcome of the 2-piece targa panel is/was...
Bill

 

[LiquidPT]

still would like to know what the outcome of the 2-piece targa panel is/was...
Bill

As far as I know it was dropped.

 

[JET JOC]

Only put top on for bad weather

I purchased this car new and the only problem I have had taking the top off, which I do constantly, is over time I ripped the rear seal on the vehicle right at the top in the middle. It ripped right where it was caught by the rear center hook on the top itself. The dealer (very nicely) replaced the seal under warranty. Since then I take extra care not to hook the seal. No more problems. The only complaint is the squeak noise everybody has already mentioned.