Targa top billowing
 

The top on my car is in great shape, but I think it's lifting like a bubble on the highway.

Who knows the cure for this other than a new skin?
Steve?
Other than this it really is in good shape and I wouldn't think of doing a skin job.
Help!

I think I'll bring my little shop mirror on my next drive. ;)

I have heard that it's the inner liner no longer being there. I don't think mine ever billowed. All the cracks made the stuffing just blow out.

It's funny that when I bought it, it looked passable. A year in my care and use really destoryed that thing.

Paging Dr. K...

I thought that bulge in the targa top was a design, something like the old Abarth Zagato, so that the taller driver could finally sit up right at speed. This is why taller drivers like Eric and Dr. K started with targas.

Both the liner and the top have to be properly glued to the metal inbetween. If not, this could happen. Did you have it done or did you do it, Bill?

Not sure if this will help but I had a similar problem plus it was noisy on the highway. then I heard of the hockey stick fix. What you do is take a piece of wood (broom handle sized) and cut it so that it can be nicely jammed in the center of the top next to the liner between the front and rear of the frame. What it does is add some additional tension to make the top fit more snugly against the car's frame.

I've had that piece of wood up there for maybe 12 or more years.......

I seem to remember that there is a shop in PA who specializes in Targa tops. Since I am over the crest of the next to last hill, I claim the right to not remember exactly who it (is or was). Maybe I'll go-a-googling, to pun a Bush. Any younger grey matter active?
ARF

A few years ago I replaced the headliner and outer shell of my targa top and found it was not at all hard to do. If the materials on your targa are in good condition you may be able to disassemble and reglue them to the frame bows again. My total rebuild took about two hours on my family room floor while watching a football game. YMMV. :-)

Good call! I recently got some parts from him. (Dan, Cars Inc. ?)
It may be hard to believe, but I think the skin and headliner are original.
Both are in great shape when sitting still and there are no cracks in it at all. Also I don't think there is wind getting under the front edge.
I think its just lift (neg. pressure from the air passing over the windsheild.) meaning that I think it is being sucked up.

I think as Mark said the skin should be glued to the metal below. I think it might have foam between the skin and the metal. Dave did you see any?

I'm afraid if I take it apart and try to re-glue it, it would just end up being worse. I read somewhere that over time, the material dries out and looses it's elasticity. I also think that the glue must dry rot and especially if there is some foam in there.

I really don't know how bad it is yet. (Need mirror out on the highway)
I saw a Targa in the club race that had the same problem.

So if there is no quick fix, I do have a few Hockey Stix in the garage!
Thanks!

Bill there is a thin foam back to the headliner. Not sure on the outer skin. If they are original, the glue is shot. This is an easy DIY job. I've done it for friends w/o any problems. (helped make ends meet during law school) Dan Petchel is the guy you're looking for. PCA member and he does this for a living.