Removing & Refitting the Targa panels.
Discussion
Following on from Loach1's comments on the roof strut thread, I thought I'd explain the method I've adopted.
1. Open driver's door, release front clip ( if fitted ), collapse driver's side roof strut.
2. Using your fingers, gently part the targa panel tangs from the rear hoop, lift the rear of the panel, then ease the front tangs from the windscreen top rail.
3. Lift the panel clear, stow in its' bag, then spring the strut back into the erected position.
4. Move to the passenger side, open the door, release the front clip, collapse the strut.
5. Part the rear tangs from the rear hoop as before, lift the targa panel to clear the hoop, and ease the front from the top rail, bag and stow.
6. Place your rolled-up towel along the outside of the rear plastic window, collapse the driver's side strut, and tuck your towel as you fold down the rear roof section, ensuring no sharp creases in the window.
Note: I prefer not to fold the rear in cold weather for fear of splitting the window, I drive "targa style" instead.
7. Installation is the exact reverse of removal, but always remember to start with the passenger panel first, which means springing the driver's side strut into the erect position, leaving enough "spring" to locate the passenger targa panel tangs into place, front ones first.
With this method, there is no danger of dropping the panels onto the centre console, the tangs are not stressed, and you don't need two pairs of hands.
If this all sounds complicated, I'm sorry, but it's really easy once you get into the routine.
Try it for yourself ( at your own risk of course ) & let me know what you think.
Cheers,
Glen
1. Open driver's door, release front clip ( if fitted ), collapse driver's side roof strut.
2. Using your fingers, gently part the targa panel tangs from the rear hoop, lift the rear of the panel, then ease the front tangs from the windscreen top rail.
3. Lift the panel clear, stow in its' bag, then spring the strut back into the erected position.
4. Move to the passenger side, open the door, release the front clip, collapse the strut.
5. Part the rear tangs from the rear hoop as before, lift the targa panel to clear the hoop, and ease the front from the top rail, bag and stow.
6. Place your rolled-up towel along the outside of the rear plastic window, collapse the driver's side strut, and tuck your towel as you fold down the rear roof section, ensuring no sharp creases in the window.
Note: I prefer not to fold the rear in cold weather for fear of splitting the window, I drive "targa style" instead.
7. Installation is the exact reverse of removal, but always remember to start with the passenger panel first, which means springing the driver's side strut into the erect position, leaving enough "spring" to locate the passenger targa panel tangs into place, front ones first.
With this method, there is no danger of dropping the panels onto the centre console, the tangs are not stressed, and you don't need two pairs of hands.
If this all sounds complicated, I'm sorry, but it's really easy once you get into the routine.
Try it for yourself ( at your own risk of course
) & let me know what you think.Cheers,
Glen
i'd never get a panel out unless i collapsed both struts, but i've never had a problem of panels falling in the car when both are collapsed.
maybe my rollover bar hinge is stiff enough to hold it's own when i wiggle a panel out, giving me time to bag and boot one at a time.
the folded strut scratching the clear panel is a concern and i like the idea that Joe (v8s4me) put forward with a wrap round protector (seat belt pad almost).
maybe my rollover bar hinge is stiff enough to hold it's own when i wiggle a panel out, giving me time to bag and boot one at a time.
the folded strut scratching the clear panel is a concern and i like the idea that Joe (v8s4me) put forward with a wrap round protector (seat belt pad almost).
I have to collapse both rear struts to get the panels out and open both doors to allow the folding section to pivot slightly.
Its a very delicate operation to lift one panel out without disturbing the other, any false move and the passenger panel droops, the folding section pivots away, banging the rear valence and the boot, which was opened to enable quick stowage slams shut ( still have not fitted the gas struts to the bootlid. )
Re-fitting, I balance the folding section in the up position, locate the passenger panel in the windscreen lugs and rest on the top of the almost closed door window, then do the same with the drivers side, then gently climb inside and push the over centre struts into position.
Particularly difficult in rain or snow when the urgency for speed over trumps the delicacy of positioning.
Its "character building" as my OH puts it.
Oh and as a bonus, if it rains really hard while erecting the roof, water gathers in the troughs in the joints and down the road a sharp braking exercise results in a seemingly large amount of water pouring down the back of your neck. Which along with the water dripping onto your right knee from the door "seals and the fine mist of rain coming in through the top of the door spraying in your face, more the faster you drive, and the puddle forming in the footwell soaking up the back of your trouser leg makes for a drowned rat feel and effect.
Oh for a sunny summer day..
I love the car though, it just adds to the fun especially if your passenger gets shirty about getting a little damp.
Its a very delicate operation to lift one panel out without disturbing the other, any false move and the passenger panel droops, the folding section pivots away, banging the rear valence and the boot, which was opened to enable quick stowage slams shut ( still have not fitted the gas struts to the bootlid. )
Re-fitting, I balance the folding section in the up position, locate the passenger panel in the windscreen lugs and rest on the top of the almost closed door window, then do the same with the drivers side, then gently climb inside and push the over centre struts into position.
Particularly difficult in rain or snow when the urgency for speed over trumps the delicacy of positioning.
Its "character building" as my OH puts it.
Oh and as a bonus, if it rains really hard while erecting the roof, water gathers in the troughs in the joints and down the road a sharp braking exercise results in a seemingly large amount of water pouring down the back of your neck. Which along with the water dripping onto your right knee from the door "seals and the fine mist of rain coming in through the top of the door spraying in your face, more the faster you drive, and the puddle forming in the footwell soaking up the back of your trouser leg makes for a drowned rat feel and effect.
Oh for a sunny summer day..
I love the car though, it just adds to the fun especially if your passenger gets shirty about getting a little damp.
glenrobbo said:
Following on from Loach1's comments on the roof strut thread, I thought I'd explain the method I've adopted.
1. Open driver's door, release front clip ( if fitted ), collapse driver's side roof strut.
2. Using your fingers, gently part the targa panel tangs from the rear hoop, lift the rear of the panel, then ease the front tangs from the windscreen top rail.
3. Lift the panel clear, stow in its' bag, then spring the strut back into the erected position.
4. Move to the passenger side, open the door, release the front clip, collapse the strut.
5. Part the rear tangs from the rear hoop as before, lift the targa panel to clear the hoop, and ease the front from the top rail, bag and stow.
6. Place your rolled-up towel along the outside of the rear plastic window, collapse the driver's side strut, and tuck your towel as you fold down the rear roof section, ensuring no sharp creases in the window.
Note: I prefer not to fold the rear in cold weather for fear of splitting the window, I drive "targa style" instead.
7. Installation is the exact reverse of removal, but always remember to start with the passenger panel first, which means springing the driver's side strut into the erect position, leaving enough "spring" to locate the passenger targa panel tangs into place, front ones first.
With this method, there is no danger of dropping the panels onto the centre console, the tangs are not stressed, and you don't need two pairs of hands.
If this all sounds complicated, I'm sorry, but it's really easy once you get into the routine.
Try it for yourself ( at your own risk of course ) & let me know what you think.
Cheers,
Glen
Glen this is the same method I have used since purchasing my S2 over 3 years ago.1. Open driver's door, release front clip ( if fitted ), collapse driver's side roof strut.
2. Using your fingers, gently part the targa panel tangs from the rear hoop, lift the rear of the panel, then ease the front tangs from the windscreen top rail.
3. Lift the panel clear, stow in its' bag, then spring the strut back into the erected position.
4. Move to the passenger side, open the door, release the front clip, collapse the strut.
5. Part the rear tangs from the rear hoop as before, lift the targa panel to clear the hoop, and ease the front from the top rail, bag and stow.
6. Place your rolled-up towel along the outside of the rear plastic window, collapse the driver's side strut, and tuck your towel as you fold down the rear roof section, ensuring no sharp creases in the window.
Note: I prefer not to fold the rear in cold weather for fear of splitting the window, I drive "targa style" instead.
7. Installation is the exact reverse of removal, but always remember to start with the passenger panel first, which means springing the driver's side strut into the erect position, leaving enough "spring" to locate the passenger targa panel tangs into place, front ones first.
With this method, there is no danger of dropping the panels onto the centre console, the tangs are not stressed, and you don't need two pairs of hands.
If this all sounds complicated, I'm sorry, but it's really easy once you get into the routine.
Try it for yourself ( at your own risk of course
) & let me know what you think.Cheers,
Glen
Hi Glenn, trust you got my e re wheel refinishing?
This is the way I take mine out as well, there is just,and only just, sufficient give to allow it. If I release both sides the targas can and will fall out.
The boots do differ on these cars, and it doesnt need much. I have to put the larger targa panel in first or it just will not go! Some years ago we tried it on another S (2009 S Club?) and it went easily!
Incidentally I do NOT have front clips on mine, I realised they would be just about where my forehead would be in a bad smash!
This is the way I take mine out as well, there is just,and only just, sufficient give to allow it. If I release both sides the targas can and will fall out.
The boots do differ on these cars, and it doesnt need much. I have to put the larger targa panel in first or it just will not go! Some years ago we tried it on another S (2009 S Club?) and it went easily!
Incidentally I do NOT have front clips on mine, I realised they would be just about where my forehead would be in a bad smash!
Glen,
I had a chance to try your method today, and it worked! I had to tug a bit to get the first panel out, but it worked like a dream. No more dents in the console for me! Thank you!
Changing the subject a bit, someone mentioned there being an official way to stow panels in the handbook. I have 2 questions then....
1. Does anyone have a scan of the handbook? I'd love to read it, and I'm sure any copywrite will have passed by now.
2. What is the official method? I made up my own way that works well, but maybe there is a better way that allows more luggage space?
Cheers,
David
I had a chance to try your method today, and it worked! I had to tug a bit to get the first panel out, but it worked like a dream. No more dents in the console for me! Thank you!
Changing the subject a bit, someone mentioned there being an official way to stow panels in the handbook. I have 2 questions then....
1. Does anyone have a scan of the handbook? I'd love to read it, and I'm sure any copywrite will have passed by now.
2. What is the official method? I made up my own way that works well, but maybe there is a better way that allows more luggage space?
Cheers,
David
Hi David,
Glad it works for you too.
Re roof panel stowage, the handbook just has a sketch of a panel being lowered into the boot to the right of the spare wheel, with the curved edge at the top,
facing forwards.
I stow mine with the curved edge to the right, driver's panel first.
It works better for me.
Sorry I can't scan with my phone.
Glad it works for you too.
Re roof panel stowage, the handbook just has a sketch of a panel being lowered into the boot to the right of the spare wheel, with the curved edge at the top,
facing forwards.
I stow mine with the curved edge to the right, driver's panel first.
It works better for me.
Sorry I can't scan with my phone.
Edited by glenrobbo on Friday 3rd May 23:47
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