Targa Roof Creaks | FerrariChat

Targa Roof Creaks

Discussion in '308/328' started by ToddFC, Aug 31, 2022.

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  1. ToddFC

    ToddFC Karting

    Jun 11, 2022
    140
    Charleston, SC
    Full Name:
    Todd
    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?
     
  2. Cennzo

    Cennzo Karting

    Jan 29, 2020
    111
    Sausalito CA
    Full Name:
    Vince Dattoli
    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.
     
  3. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

    Nov 5, 2015
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  4. Lawrence Coppari

    Lawrence Coppari Formula 3

    Apr 29, 2002
    2,191
    Kingsport, TN
    Full Name:
    Lawrence A. Coppari
    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.
     
  5. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2014
    1,155
    Mansfield, TX
    Full Name:
    Ron
    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.
     
  6. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,090
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    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.
     
    Rosey likes this.
  7. Lawrence Coppari

    Lawrence Coppari Formula 3

    Apr 29, 2002
    2,191
    Kingsport, TN
    Full Name:
    Lawrence A. Coppari
    I hadn't planned on stepping on the roof gasket of my car.
     
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  8. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2014
    1,155
    Mansfield, TX
    Full Name:
    Ron
    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.
     
  9. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,090
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    Brian Crall
    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.
     
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  10. pappy.72

    pappy.72 Formula Junior

    Nov 13, 2010
    536
    Elgin, IL
    Full Name:
    Dave
    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.
     
  11. RodC328gts

    RodC328gts Formula Junior

    Aug 17, 2021
    458
    Mexico
    Full Name:
    Rod C
    same here. Plus review the screws.
     
  12. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

    Nov 5, 2015
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  13. craiggo

    craiggo Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 9, 2012
    416
    Redwood City
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    Craig
  14. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
    6,871
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    Mike 996
    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.
     
  15. s219

    s219 Formula Junior

    Aug 26, 2021
    486
    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.
     
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  16. Edward 96GTS

    Edward 96GTS F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 1, 2003
    11,080
    dielectric grease works well too.
     
  17. ginoBBi512

    ginoBBi512 F1 Rookie
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    Oct 9, 2016
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    GINO RUGGIERO
    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
     
  18. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky F1 World Champ
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Sep 18, 2002
    19,948
    The Cold North
    Full Name:
    Tom
    35 year old car and crying about little squeaks and stuff...seriously?
     
  19. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

    Nov 5, 2015
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    Annoying stuff is annoying stuff no matter what the car or its age.

    Especially if it can be corrected.
     
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  20. ginoBBi512

    ginoBBi512 F1 Rookie
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    Oct 9, 2016
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    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
     
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  21. RodC328gts

    RodC328gts Formula Junior

    Aug 17, 2021
    458
    Mexico
    Full Name:
    Rod C
    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
     
  22. ToddFC

    ToddFC Karting

    Jun 11, 2022
    140
    Charleston, SC
    Full Name:
    Todd
    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
     
  23. Octonion

    Octonion Formula Junior

    Dec 30, 2020
    344
    USA
    I remember someone posting that the application of plain old vaseline is also a solution
     
  24. 4rePhill

    4rePhill F1 Veteran

    Oct 18, 2009
    8,254
    Worcester, England
    Full Name:
    Phill J
    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.
     
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  25. Octonion

    Octonion Formula Junior

    Dec 30, 2020
    344
    USA
    I use a product called Gummi Pflege for all my rubber seals. Thanks for the note about Vaseline.
     

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