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| brian | targa top | ||
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Senior Guru
 
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So for you guys or gals that have the targa top, do you ever take it off or is it just to much of a pain to take off and put back on cause it is bolted in. Why did corvette go with something like the supras do slides in on the back and then turn a handle to lock the front. Has anyone sawed off the end of the tool and put it on a power tool so it is easyer to take off and put back on? Also, do they make things to change it from that crappy bolt on design to more like the supra or something that isnt a pain?
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Posted on: 2008/3/30 13:14
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| Matatk | Re: targa top | ||
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Webmaster
 
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Of course I take the top off. That's the purpose. Only takes a minute, and then it's top off fun. No need to saw off the end of the ratchet, just buy a t45 star bit. Some guys have used a little black and decker electric hand screwdriver along with that. I've never seen a design change to have a handle instead of the bolts.
Matthew |
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Posted on: 2008/3/30 13:18
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| leftoverture | Re: targa top | ||
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If you use a power tool, make sure to keep the torque set kinda low, I don't think it would be good to strip the bolts out. . .
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Posted on: 2008/3/30 13:38
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| pianoguy | Re: targa top | ||
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I use a little Ryobi screw gun that I got at Home Depot - works great and it's small.
Be prepared for a rubbery ride when you take the targa off. The first time I drove topless I thought the front end was going to fall off. The targa top was a late decision in the design of the C4, and it bolts in because it had to be a structural member. When it's off, the car is not nearly as stiff. I installed an R-D Racing Camber Brace, and that helped quite a bit. I'm also going to install their Cross Frame, and I bought an AFSB Targa Bar - those should make it stiffer than a plank. |
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Posted on: 2008/3/30 14:06
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1996 LT4 �Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.�- Jack Handey |
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| xccter | Re: targa top | ||
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I have my Targa off at least once or twice every couple weeks from spring to fall. It's usually on during the heat of the day in summer, and off for evenings.
I recently bought a fiberglass Targa to help keep the sun off when it's hot. Makes the a/c work less. I don't find it a pita, but anyone with even minor back problems may disagree. |
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Posted on: 2008/3/30 14:06
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´71 350/270 L48 Coupe Numbers Matching Ontario Orange 4 spd, Mid-year side pipes, deluxe black leather, ac, ps, pb, pw, tilt/tele steering wheel. 93k miles. Original rotors still riveted to the hubs! NCRS #48337 |
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| JeepCycle | Re: targa top | ||
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Lots of back problems but this is still no trouble...it's very light and proper hand placement makes it easy to balance...
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Posted on: 2008/3/31 1:03
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| CentralCoaster | Re: targa top | ||
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I think it sucks. Old men were the demographic for this car, but I can't imagine how an old man would remove the fiberglass (heavier than acrylic) roof, or open the hood, let along get inside the damn thing.
Someone designed and built a setup that used latches to secure it but he didn't go further because he couldn't afford a patent and was afraid of someone stealing his design if he started producing them. |
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Posted on: 2008/4/1 0:46
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1985 Z51, ZF6 |
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| Oaklands | Re: targa top | ||
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Senior Guru
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When nice weather comes around, I take my top off and leave it off most of the time. I really enjoy the fresh air coming in. As a matter of fact, my top is off now. If it is in the 60's - 70's I drive it. If it gets a little cool at higher speeds, I turn a little heat on and roll up the windows. Our weather is starting to get a bit warmer so the top will be off most of the time.
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Posted on: 2008/4/1 3:28
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| FLYINLOW90 | Re: targa top | ||
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Our targa is not off as often as I would like 'cause the wife gets migraines from too much sun. So I bought a headliner and installed it on the targa.
As far as removing it, I don't find it too difficult. More of a PITA than anything. Gary |
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Posted on: 2008/4/1 14:30
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I got fun..Ya want Some? :tongue: |
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| pappyfreebird | Re: targa top | ||
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Senior Guru
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i myself preciate the tips...id prolly freak ifn felt that flex...so now ill be prepared fer it...but im jus in from plowin mo fuggan sno...but good newss is its awready meltin...hey i gotsum beer yontsum???? wahahahaha ja ja jive talkin uh huh heyhuh,,,yo purty momma wanna smell me!!!sarry maybe a tad bit too much jonny bravo heyhuh...ja ja jive talkin ooo yea...hey men fool maybe but i r sucking air n walkin free lifes good..n i gots me a fuggan vet dude!!
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Posted on: 2008/4/1 16:11
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| JonnyAngle | Re: targa top | ||
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Senior Guru
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It's a necessary evil. THe best thing is to get the targa sliders in the back to help guide you while putting the targa in back. Otherwise just grin and bear it.
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Posted on: 2008/4/1 18:39
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When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car. 
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| CAP94 | Re: targa top | ||
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Guru Newb
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I take mine out in the spring and leave it out for as long as possible. I think it's a pain but I love the top off.
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Posted on: 2008/4/2 0:16
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| pappyfreebird | Re: targa top | ||
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what do ya mean jonnyangel...sliders??? are they a bear to put bake on er what...ain had mine off yet..ifn i want air i ride a skooter...cars are fer compfort n speed ...maybe now ill git it all in one trip
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Posted on: 2008/4/2 13:45
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| pianoguy | Re: targa top | ||
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Guru Emeritus
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The sliders are just some rails you can install in the cargo area to make it easier to slide the top into its storage brackets back there. I haven't seen a need for them yet, but I get older every day :-P
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Posted on: 2008/4/2 14:04
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1996 LT4 �Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.�- Jack Handey |
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| JonnyAngle | Re: targa top | ||
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Senior Guru
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Here's a link to them on MAM. http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette?frame=1.763
I've never used them myself but have heard good things. A true redneck might be able to fab something up to save $70. |
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Posted on: 2008/4/2 20:15
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When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.
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| boomguy | Re: targa top | ||
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Guru Newb
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I just came back from a drive with my top removed. I rarely, rarely drive with it in. That also however means that from mid-October through mid-March it rarely leaves the garage.
Fortunately I have a company car (Magnum) so I don't have to commute in my vette. I am also fortunate that I live around the Seattle area and from about late May until early September it is 65-80 degrees almost every day with a few puffy clouds, a light breeze and no humidity to speak of. Perfect targa weather! As far as removal and installation, I am a very big...uh, thick guy. I'm about 6' and 335lbs. I have the rechargeable black & decker screwdriver with the T45 bit and it takes about 2 minutes to bolt it on or unbolt it. With my size and ballast I have no trouble putting it in the cargo area, I do have the solid top by the way. The only issue is that if you are attempting to re-install the top you have to have the vehicle on very very level ground. It's okay if it is uphill or downhill but all four corners of the car need to be on a level horizontal plane. Unfortunately because the car flexes so much if you have one or more tires below the others it changes the dimensions of the opening relative to the top of the windshield and the rollhoop. The dang thing just won't line up well enough to sink the bolts in. Anyway, that's my two cents. What I really need is some help locating an AFSB bar from any manufacturer. Steve Guy |
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Posted on: 2008/4/4 0:50
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| pianoguy | Re: targa top | ||
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Guru Emeritus
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Here's one source for the ASFB targa bar:
http://www.prostreetcustoms.net/CorvettePage.html I was lucky enough to find a like-new used one. R-D Racing also has a similar targa bar, but with square tubing. |
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Posted on: 2008/4/4 3:09
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1996 LT4 �Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.�- Jack Handey |
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| brian | Re: targa top | ||
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Senior Guru
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Quote:
im 6'6 290 lbs. its not a problem with the weight of the thing it is just a bitch to unbolt. and bolt in |
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Posted on: 2008/4/4 3:51
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| vetteblondie | Re: targa top | ||
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Master Guru
 
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When the weather is nice, my top comes off and stays off till it rains. But, the bolts are a real pain in the arse - surely to Gawd there is a guru in here with some mechanical aptitude who can engineer and fabricate such an adaption that we may use to get rid of the bold headache.....
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Posted on: 2008/4/5 1:53
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The answer to any question that begins with "Am I the only one who..." is always "no". �Ugol's Law Yes, I'm a bitch... just not YOURS. 
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| CasetheCorvetteman | Re: targa top | ||
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Elite Guru
 
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Quote:
If you buy a T45 youre going to have the wrong bit for the job. The factory bolts are T40. Quote:
I bet to differ sir. I use this: [IMG]http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a185/Casethecorvetteman/Car%20work/Tools%20and%20equipment/Drill.jpg[/IMG] And i turn the torque up to at least 20. Im yet to strip a bolt, and after i do them up with the V28 Milwaukee, i then tighten them further with a hand tool. The bolts are not going to strip out unless you cross thread them, and if youre careful, i dont see how you could. |
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Posted on: 2008/4/5 2:17
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| Matatk | Re: targa top | ||
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Webmaster
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Quote:
Sorry bout that - Case is correct, as usual...lol. And I wouldn't worry about stripping the bolts tightening them. Unless you mean the heads themselves, like the previous owner did on mine. I just bought a replacement bolt...no serious issue there. Matthew |
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Posted on: 2008/4/5 6:40
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| CasetheCorvetteman | Re: targa top | ||
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HAHAHA!! Thanks mate, youre a gentleman
 As long as you have the right length TORX bit and its good quality, itll be a nice tight fit in the head, and should fit straight enough, and easy to hold straight when using a power tool, where as the hand tool can get on an angle abit easier and chew the head out, easpecially if the bit gets some wear. The bit im using is a FORCE, so its not likely to wear out in a hurry. If it does its got an unconditional lifetime garrentee. |
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Posted on: 2008/4/5 7:03
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| FLYINLOW90 | Re: targa top | ||
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Senior Guru
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Quote:
Right On Brad......... IMO That is the only AFSB. I think the R-D Racing one looks like poop. Last year I was going to get one from Pro Street Customs but I found the guy a little difficult to deal with. I may try again this year. Gary |
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Posted on: 2008/4/6 1:42
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I got fun..Ya want Some? :tongue: |
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| boomguy | Re: targa top | ||
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Guru Newb
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Thanks for the info on the AFSB, I appreciate it. A friend of mine in our Corvette Club has a TTR Targa Truss that I am hoping he will let me borrow when I go down to the track.
I just can't yet find $475 to buy the other one yet. Steve |
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Posted on: 2008/4/6 8:15
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I would rather die upon my feet than to have lived upon my knees!
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| CasetheCorvetteman | Re: targa top | ||
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Elite Guru
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Why dont you make your own or get a mate to do it for you Boomguy?
[IMG]http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a185/Casethecorvetteman/My%20cars/Picture058.jpg[/IMG] |
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Posted on: 2008/4/6 9:13
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| boomguy | Re: targa top | ||
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I am truly not mechanically inclined.
The fact that I was able to remove the headunit and all of the speakers from my car and get them back into place was a damn miracle. I have never held a welder or bent a piece of metal other than by sitting on it. As far as my friends go, I work in the insurance industry, not the most hands on group in the world. I do sincerely appreciate the suggestion, it is not one that I had considered likely out of habit or practicality.   :book: |
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Posted on: 2008/4/6 16:21
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I would rather die upon my feet than to have lived upon my knees!
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| pappyfreebird | Re: targa top | ||
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Senior Guru
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hey case er any cats any better n up close pix n maybe demensions of that thingie
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Posted on: 2008/4/6 17:54
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