Roof removal 400se

[adam quantrill]

Best get some photos posted up then.

[sabre]

Just a thought. If the rear hoop isnt coming forward enough it would force the targa front to point up. I would release the rear frame (the three bolts into the boot) and see. I suspect the rear hood is tight? When its up is the gap correct i.e. width between rear hoop and screen as first check.

[AM400]

I did try that one but didn't make any difference. The roof is not overly tight, just a bit more tension on the struts than before probably due to the new carpet. I will try and post some pictures up.

Edited by AM400 on Monday 29th October 22:36

[AM400]

Can anyone tell me if the targa hoop seal should be the same size as the door seal? If I put the targa seal across the top of the windscreen the roof fits great.

[mrzigazaga]

Hi mate

If you mean the rear hood section then no...it should be a "D" profile.....
https://www.sealsdirect.co.uk/pdf/ETS3240DR.pdf

The front seal that goes from the door opening and up along the A pillar across to the other door opening is door seal...


Ziga

[AM400]

Thanks Ziga, I was hoping that wasn't going to be the answer. If I rest the roof panel on the front edge of the windscreen the locating tabs are 5mm to high. To my mind now there are only 2'options, the door seal is too big, possibly replaced to eliminate gaps or the roof panel has been swapped at some point. I can get the roof on but it is tough. The roof has always been tough but since doing all the work on the hoop frame its tougher! I can honestly say that I have triple checked everything that I have done and its spot on. As mentioned before taking the hoop out the equation it still won't fit in the front edge without excessive force.

[mrzigazaga]

Sounds like the roof panel has been changed at some point ....how big is the bulb on the seal...from memory I think they are around 20mm...

[AM400]

That probably sounds about right, but I need to measure properly. Off to the NEC next weekend so I plan on looking for some new seals there.

[adam quantrill]

If the door seal is a bit high along the roof edge maybe it needs some encouragement to settle down?

Try putting the rood in with the tabs at the front, and just let it hang there (leave the rear down).

After a few days check it again, has it dropped down a bit?

Once it's dropped to near horizontal, put the rear up too, get it locked in place and leave it for a few weeks to compress the seal.

[AM400]

That's not a bad idea Adam. I think I will try and support the back though just to be safe.

[adam quantrill]

Yeah maybe a car sponge or sonething with a bit of give. It sounds like the seal will give a good, err, seal once it's bedded down a bit, it would be a shame to hack it about first.

[ElvisWedgeman]

When rubber seals are hard and won’t sit in place say between door shuts, what I normally do is put the rubber seal in a bucket of boiling water for a short while, then take it out using gloves of course, and put it in place and shut the door while the rubber is still soft for it to take shape. Could you not apply a similar technique to this assuming the seals are removable. Just a suggestion.

Tony. TCB.

[AM400]

Again another good idea Tony. I will give that a try too.

[mrzigazaga]

Just bear in mind with either resting the panel in there and or using hot water...The Targa panel weighs a fair bit and if its only supported by the lugs then you could damage something...if using hot water remember that the seal is a bulb seal which means it will fill with water....You shouldn't have to faff around with anything other than fitting a new door seal and putting the roof up., If its as tight as you say then something is not right..pics of the seals front and back will help, also a picture with the roof up would help... ( Remove either the front or rear seal removed so that you can close it and take some pics...)

[AM400]

Just an update on the roof. It is almost certainly not the original targa. I have had the front edge reprofiled and its done the trick. Still a little bit tight but its not going to fly off!

[mrzigazaga]

AM400 said:

Just an update on the roof. It is almost certainly not the original targa. I have had the front edge reprofiled and its done the trick. Still a little bit tight but its not going to fly off!

Happy days..

[colin mee]

I have a spare targa for my 350i I will try it on.not worth saving if it won't fit my car.colin