After Market Targa Top Not Fitting

[aj94zr1]

I have 2 Targa Tops, both fit my Z perfect. So I bought a replacement after market from Ecklers,

https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corv...1989-1996.html


While the other 2 fit flush, when this one came in, it does not. It sticks out in the front about 1 inch high.

So I tried taking all the brackets off to see if it would fit flush, it would not.

I adjusted the front bracket, it helped a little bit but my question is when adjusting the back I don't see how I could adjust it to make it go further back to where the top could fit in flush.

Very frustrating other 2 are perfect and this one is not. When I emailed Ecklers for help they said "I don't know take it to a body shop." THANKS!!

Hoping to find someone who has bought this part from them.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Sounds odd.
A GM frame is a GM frame.
Only suggestion I can give is to make sure that the car is on a level flat surface
when first fitting the top.
While I never had a top that did not fit in, I often encounter ones where it is difficult to line up all four bolts if the car is not level.
The new weather strip may also be causing your difficulty as it would certainly be thicker when new and not compressing completely.
You might also lay the two roofs carefully onto each other, frame to frame to confirm that they are identical in every dimension. They certainly should be.
Pretty silly answer from Ecklers after buying a $1500.00 item.
Keep us updated with your findings and results.

Marty

[WARP TEN]

Out of curiosity, did you specify a 3rd gen '89 and up top? And did they actually ship you a 3rd gen top? I say return it for a refund if it really doesn't fit. ---Bob

[Vette73]

Originally Posted by aj94zr1

I have 2 Targa Tops, both fit my Z perfect. So I bought a replacement after market from Ecklers,

https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corv...1989-1996.html


While the other 2 fit flush, when this one came in, it does not. It sticks out in the front about 1 inch high.

So I tried taking all the brackets off to see if it would fit flush, it would not.

I adjusted the front bracket, it helped a little bit but my question is when adjusting the back I don't see how I could adjust it to make it go further back to where the top could fit in flush.

Very frustrating other 2 are perfect and this one is not. When I emailed Ecklers for help they said "I don't know take it to a body shop." THANKS!!

Hoping to find someone who has bought this part from them.

I would tell Eklers to shove it and get your money back....Eklers is a rip off....Always was...

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Also, did you try LIGHTLY tightening the rear screws to pull it back?

Marty

[32valvesftw]

I had to fiddle with my top from Ecklers quite a bit. I installed it with the mounts loose and the attachment bolts threaded but loose, then I tightened them with the doors closed and windows up. I drove for a few minutes and then did it again as it seemed to loosen up a little. It fits fine now.

[efnfast]

Originally Posted by DRM500RUBYZR-1

Also, did you try LIGHTLY tightening the rear screws to pull it back?

Marty

I sometimes have to do this to get my factory top in. And be on a level surface. Tried it once when the car was twisted. Got pretty frustrated until I figured out what was happening.

[aj94zr1]

Originally Posted by Vette73

I would tell Eklers to shove it and get your money back....Eklers is a rip off....Always was...

Definitely what needed to be said.

I found some information on YouTube. I needed to adjust the front and back brackets that are inside the panels. Had to do some disassembling, once I got the front brackets to lower, the top panel fits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9L2_Kw9h9U

Kind of crazy you would have to do that you would think 1 size fits all?!

Haven't tried putting my clear black top on yet but there is probably a chance I would have to adjust it again to fit that one on.

[ram_g]

I have no information on this targa top but I don't think that Eckler's in general is bad. I have bought a few parts from them that I couldn't find elsewhere and have been perfectly satisfied.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Any replacement top needs to be "fitted".

80% of the time you only need to adjust the top itself.

Then, there are the others..................................

Glad to hear that you got it in correctly.


Marty