New Targa Seals Causing Issues Options

[HiroProtagonist]

Hey all! I'm new here, but I have a 1970 914, and I have replaced all of the Targa seals with 914 Rubber seals, but am running into some issues:

• The front lower seems to be pushing the Targa out - it's super tough to lock the top into place, and if I push one side in, the other pushes out.
• The windows no longer meet the seals
• As mentioned before, it's super tough to lock it into place

It seems like the root of the issue is the front lower in the center, but it does have the notch cut out.

Anybody run into this issue and have any advice?

Thanks all!

[Superhawk996]

Hey all! I'm new here, but I have a 1970 914, and I have replaced all of the Targa seals with 914 Rubber seals, but am running into some issues:

• The front lower seems to be pushing the Targa out - it's super tough to lock the top into place, and if I push one side in, the other pushes out.
• The windows no longer meet the seals
• As mentioned before, it's super tough to lock it into place

It seems like the root of the issue is the front lower in the center, but it does have the notch cut out.

Anybody run into this issue and have any advice?

Thanks all!

Yup been there done that.

In my case it was a combination of modification to 914Rubber parts and reuse of the lower seal. Had to remove some of the suffers in the new seals where they were too stuff vs the OEM stuffers.

Modify what you have accordingly to make it work or seek better seals (hard to find). I can probably dig out some pictures but the reality is that each car is a bit different and what worked on mine may not be the fix for yours.

Window to seal fits can be tweaked to a degree by adjusting the window frames - adjustment at bottom of doors. Similarly there is some adjustment in the targa latches that may alleviate your hard to latch issues.

With rework I was able to get pretty decent fit but not as good as original was.

Here’s an example of 914Rubber suffer on left - hard rubber and way too long vs OEM stuffer (compressible neoprene - closed cell foam). The hard rubber stuffers keep the window glass from settling into the seal properly.

[Steve]

Since the problem didn’t exist before, first guess is wrong side seals. Did you get early or late targa top side seals? This would effect door window gap.

[HiroProtagonist]

Since the problem didn’t exist before, first guess is wrong side seals. Did you get early or late targa top side seals? This would effect door window gap.

Hey! I would guess that it's more likely that things are getting pushed up at the front (there's also a lot of wind noise there now), but here's the seal kit I got:
https://914rubber.com/complete-targa-seal-k...for-porsche-914

[HiroProtagonist]

Yup been there done that.

In my case it was a combination of modification to 914Rubber parts and reuse of the lower seal. Had to remove some of the suffers in the new seals where they were too stuff vs the OEM stuffers.

Modify what you have accordingly to make it work or seek better seals (hard to find). I can probably dig out some pictures but the reality is that each car is a bit different and what worked on mine may not be the fix for yours.

Window to seal fits can be tweaked to a degree by adjusting the window frames - adjustment at bottom of doors. Similarly there is some adjustment in the targa latches that may alleviate your hard to latch issues.

With rework I was able to get pretty decent fit but not as good as original was.

Thank you thank you! Where were the stuffers in your picture from? And sadly the original lower is gone now. I'll also play with the window adjustment

[Superhawk996]

Thank you thank you! Where were the stuffers in your picture from? And sadly the original lower is gone now. I'll also play with the window adjustment

I did mine back in 22’ . . . I believe that stuffer was at the bottom of the windshield frame by where the targa seal meets the door. I just remember that pulling this out really helped the glass settle and nest into the seal better.

Here’s a comparison of an OEM upper targa window seal vs Reproduction. You can see the dimension across the base that goes into the aluminum channel isn’t even close. This causes difficult installation and then all that extra material pushes the window sealing edge into a different position.



I’m not posting this stuff to beat up on 914Rubber. It’s better to have a reproduction of something to work with vs. a NLA nothing. However, the differences between original and reproduction causes a lot of issues that are frustrating, require rework, and will not always fit as well as what you started with.

Just need to understand that and do your best to rework what you can.

[iankarr]

There's no doubt that the combination of variations in the new molds, plus the inherent difficulties associated with install can make things tricky.

Did you trim the metal tab back so that the upper seal sits properly against the A pillar and roofline? Check my video for rerference...starting at 2:48

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCbuWuLjB3U

[Superhawk996]

This was picture of where the lower targa seal was too stiff & too thick. Pushed the targa top up and back - didn’t allow the targa top to nest into the upper seal properly.

I tired to rework the lower seal to soften it up and thin it out (combination of cutting out rubber and using small belt sander) - I never really got it to what I wanted and luckily my OEM lower was only torn by the center block - so I reverted back to that and the fit was improved though I did have to still adjust my targa latches.

[HiroProtagonist]

This is all a huuuuuge help thank you guys so much. Yeah, I followed your video actually when I did the install! The tab on the driver's side was broken off at some point in the past so nothing to trim there, but I tripped the passenger side. They still definitely need adjusting but I'm pretty sure the primary culprit is the front lower, as that's what my targa looks like right now, and I bet that will allow the whole thing to sit lower.

I'm glad I'm not the only one with the issue, and sad I tossed out the old seal, but I'll work at removing some material and see what we can make work!

[Montreal914]

So what options are available for the Targa seal? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

914Rubber
URO
AA? (probably URO or 914 Rubber)

[sb914]

I got mine from 914 rubber and I’ve never been able to put my top on .
It’s super stiff and can’t lock latches down .
The og one I had before worked perfect. Haven’t had my top on in 12 years.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[mepstein]

Porsche now sells it again. I can't vouch for fit, I haven't used one but typically Porsche brand rubber is better than aftermarket.

[Superhawk996]

Porsche now sells it again. I can't vouch for fit, I haven't used one but typically Porsche brand rubber is better than aftermarket.

We’ll need a Guinea Pig to buy & try the Porsche seal. Someone must have bought one by now for a top tier 914/6 resto. Would be awesome to have something closer to OEM.

The broader problem though is the need for OEM quality lower targa, window seals, etc. based on my experience, it was the lower that really exacerbated the fit problem.

Here is a comparison of the lower vs OEM (on right). Notice how much taller the “box” section is. The OEM is also softer durometer.



measured height of the “box” OEM



Measured height of the reproduction “box”



For OP & SB914; take out lower seal - if targa fits better you know where to focus your energy

[mepstein]

I’ll buy a lower seal from Porsche and post some pics
Can someone confirm the part number?

[Superhawk996]

I’ll buy a lower seal from Porsche and post some pics
Can someone confirm the part number?

Lower targa seal is #28

914.563.319.10 (someone double check me)

[HiroProtagonist]

Very excited to hear about the Porsche seal - Superhawk I'm absolutely with you. Gonna pull off the lower today and see if that just makes everything line up. If so, I'm just going to start messing with it.

I also live in Portland so I might just roll over to 914 Rubber and see if they're able to help at all.

[hndyhrr]

I had the same type problem when I used 914 rubber seals. Fought and fought, pulled off put on numerous times, got pissed of, backed off project, then started again. Had my friend look at it and low and behold the bottom seal where it goes over the sun visor bracket was no all the way on. Seemed like it got stuck and wouldn't cover bracket. fixed that and top goes on and off easy.
Just thought I would throw that in.

Renee

[mepstein]

I ordered a lower seal from Porsche but was notified it comes from Germany and may take up to 6 weeks to arrive.

[Superhawk996]

I ordered a lower seal from Porsche but was notified it comes from Germany and may take up to 6 weeks to arrive.

That’s good news in my book

Thanks for taking one for the team. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif) I’ll be looking forward to the update on how works out. I didn’t realize these were even available from Porsche.

I could see myself updating to them if the fit and function like they should. The OEM seal I had is noticeably more supple and deformable.

[mepstein]

I ordered a lower seal from Porsche but was notified it comes from Germany and may take up to 6 weeks to arrive.

That’s good news in my book

Thanks for taking one for the team. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif) I’ll be looking forward to the update on how works out. I didn’t realize these were even available from Porsche.

I could see myself updating to them if the fit and function like they should. The OEM seal I had is noticeably more supple and deformable.

DelawarePorscheParts.com is just a couple miles from my house. They are a regular Porsche dealer but sell parts at a discount. The website looks a bit Mickey Mouse but is legit. You can't have any dots or spaces in the part number when you do a lookup. I always buy large parts like fenders and glass because I can pick up in person.