Targa Roof Creaks

There is always a little squeak / creak when the roof is on the car. I'm sure its just a little body movement and the rubber seals squeaking against the top.

Any suggestions for something you can use that wont deteriorate the rubber but will stop the creaking against the top?

Related question.. I replaced the posts, the rubber was coming apart. It's extremely hard to pull the top now. I was just going to use a little silicone grease on them, shouldn't harm the rubber, correct? or someone have a past used favorite?

 

Howdy. There’s really not a fix for the creaking you mention that I know of. Taking the top off usually solves that. (Grin)
But as far as the posts, what I found works is to trim them a bit (carefully) with an Exacto knife or razor blade or sand them down a bit to make them slimmer so they slide in and out more easily.

 

Use this, very famous product made for that purpose.

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2019/09/26/hondas-secret-weapon-squeaks-door-leaks-shin-etsu

 

Mine would creak. An application of silicone paste (3M) solved the issue. Secondly, I was getting a slight clunk when I went over bumps. Now I release the tension on the strap fasteners when the car is not in use. This has added more resilience to the thick gasket that spans the top of the vehicle. No more creaks or clunks. My vehicle is an '87 GTS.

 

I have had good luck with products like Armor All on all rubber gaskets. That is assuming your rubber is in good shape. Silicon grease should not harm anything, but it is messy and can get tracked into your vehicle.

 

Been using silicone grease for years. Apply film with fingers and gently wipe surface with paper towel. Does not get spread around car. Do it at seal and latch contact points except upper window seal.

 

I hadn't planned on stepping on the roof gasket of my car.

 

No but you might get it on your hands or on your clothes getting in and out of the car.
Feel free to smear it all over if you like.

 

Could be an issue if it was globbed on. Been doing it on my and clients cars since 308s were new cars and not a single complaint.

 

Are you sure it’s the roof gasket and not the latches. My latches squeaked a little and cleaned them with some spray wax (I think) and it solved it.

 

same here. Plus review the screws.

 

Another more expensive option if you're worried about the silicone grease- which is you allow to sit for an hour and then wipe off you should have no issues.

https://swissvax.us/products/seal-feed-intensive-care-for-rubber-seals

 

I use this and it works great. You may need to apply it several times the first time you use it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001O75238?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

I've been using silicone grease on that gasket since I bought my 328 in '08. No squeaks/creaks. Gasket looks/feels like new. No issue with the grease getting smeared around if applied/wiped off as RifleD explained.

 

Shin-etsu grease has been my go-to on many cars with gasketed glass / roof panels for over 20 years. Recently I tried "Gummi Pflege Stift" on my 328's weatherstripping and gaskets, and it did a really nice job. Easy to apply too, since the applicator is built into the can.

 

dielectric grease works well too.

 

Its the latches, period. I used white lithium grease at the female end on the roof at first , then I also wrapped the rubber on the latch with cloth tape in order to make an even tighter fit when the latches secure, this has solved the problem. Both my latches secure to a very tight fit when the top locks down, you do not need to do anything to the perimeter of the targa top, only the latch issue needs to be addressed. When I bought my car 23 years ago with 20 k miles, the targa had a tight fit, once it broke in, the squeaking started, once I did what stated above, it has not made noise since .

Big G

 

35 year old car and crying about little squeaks and stuff...seriously?

 

Annoying stuff is annoying stuff no matter what the car or its age.

Especially if it can be corrected.

 

These cars are pretty solid built, that noise takes away from the overall driving experience as well as the excellent build quality . It bothersome, for sure . I hope they can get their tops in tip top shape for driving .

G

 

there are some that you live with, but there are others that can be fixed.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with taking care of those

 

That is really it. If there is no way to solve it, its not the end of the world but sure seems like rubber against metal should be able to quiet down. So far I'm at improved but not solved

 

I remember someone posting that the application of plain old vaseline is also a solution

 

Vaseline is petroleum based, and can deteriorate the rubber seals over time - DO NOT USE IT ON YOUR SEALS!

Use silicone grease, it works, and does not affect the rubber.

 

I use a product called Gummi Pflege for all my rubber seals. Thanks for the note about Vaseline.