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Targa top issues

Discussion in '206/246' started by dignini, Oct 8, 2006.

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  1. dignini

    dignini Formula 3

    Aug 21, 2005
    1,348
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Luigi Marazzi
    #1 dignini, Oct 8, 2006
    Leaking and creaking, they were the two most annoying aspects of the targa top. Surprisingly I could not find a previous post on this subject.
     
  2. tx246

    tx246 F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 4, 2003
    6,660
    Texas
    Full Name:
    Shawn
    #2 tx246, Oct 8, 2006

    maybe it is because most people don't drive with the targa top on. frankly, i don't either, but when i have creaking was par for the course. leaking....... i haven't driven my dino's in rain. when i did drive my 308 in rain, it leaked like sh******t. i wouldn't expect the dino to differ much.
     
  3. DinoDriver

    DinoDriver Formula Junior

    Mar 14, 2005
    537
    Leesburg, VA
    Full Name:
    Bill Ebert
    #3 DinoDriver, Oct 8, 2006
    For the creaking, try a piece of small diameter hose about 4" in length, like fuel or vacuum, placed between the notch in the targa top and the "rollbar." As you lower the top into place, force the hose between the male part of the top and the female part of the rollbar so the elasticity of the hose pushes the top forward against the top of windscreen frame. Also recommend you spray silcone on a rag and wipe the windscreen frame where it touchs the top.

    Can't help with the leaking except carry two large towels . . . one for you and one for your passenger.

    Good luck,

    Bill
     
  4. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,044
    USA
    #4 f355spider, Oct 9, 2006
    New gaskets may be in order...after been compressed for 30+ years, they start to take a set. New may be the solution. Oh, and for squeeking, get some glycerin from the drug store, and wipe it on the rubber gaskets....it will keep the squeeks at bay.
     
  5. dignini

    dignini Formula 3

    Aug 21, 2005
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    Luigi Marazzi
    #5 dignini, Oct 9, 2006
    Thanks Bill. I recently used fuel hose on an Alfa164's steering rack!? But never considered it for the Dino top. The creaking is from the back the leaks are in the front, in the corners where the drain holes are. So I will try the hose trick on the back end and have to come up with different solution to the front leaks. Careful with the paper towels, someone will make them part of the toolkit and suddenly you'll see genuine 1972 paper towels on ebay.
     
  6. dignini

    dignini Formula 3

    Aug 21, 2005
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    Full Name:
    Luigi Marazzi
    #6 dignini, Oct 9, 2006
    They leaked and rattled when new! :) The solution at the time was to drill a small diameter hole in the latch levers and push pins in to stop the latches from loosening, that with grease kept it quite, but it was messy. All new rubber is going in. I think the rubber and the interior is going to cost more that the rest of the car!
     
  7. dignini

    dignini Formula 3

    Aug 21, 2005
    1,348
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    Luigi Marazzi
    #7 dignini, Oct 9, 2006
    It's probably worse than the 308, you'd think the 308 would be a little tighter, later generation and all that.

    Porche tops don't leak do They? Their targa tops are nicely designed. It must rain more in Germany!
     
  8. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

    Feb 14, 2005
    9,294
    CHNDLR
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    Scott
    #8 synchro, Oct 9, 2006

    My latches squeeked and I used a good, light lubricant to cure it.

    No leaks in my targa top when washing, but I'm careful of the spray angle at the door window top as you can force a bit in through there.
     
  9. DinoDriver

    DinoDriver Formula Junior

    Mar 14, 2005
    537
    Leesburg, VA
    Full Name:
    Bill Ebert
    #9 DinoDriver, Oct 9, 2006
    dignini,

    Just to reinforce Davehanda's solution, I had my paint guy (Mike Frantz at Delphais in Exton, PA) put in all new gaskets everywhere 18 months ago when I had a complete repaint. Driving home from the FCA Annual Meet in my "perfect" Dino :) , I encountered an absolute downpour about 3 miles from home -- go figure! Much to my surprise, NO LEAKS! But it does squeak.

    Recommend you not do a cost vs benefit analysis on the occasional leak vs all new gaskets. Unless you carry a very special person frequently in the passenger seat or you covet one of those platinum awards, don't sweat the gaskets just carry the towels. On the other, if you live in the U.K. or Seattle, go with the gaskets and the towels.

    Bill

    Bill
     
  10. dignini

    dignini Formula 3

    Aug 21, 2005
    1,348
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    Luigi Marazzi
    #10 dignini, Oct 9, 2006
    Thank you all. I came up with an improvisation (on paper) some years ago. When I get to that stage I'll review it.
     

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