Factory recall/308 Targa Top Leaks

Have you tried searching the 308 section here - maybe the technical index at the top in particular - there might even be a copy at ferraridatabase.com

 

14 years ago, I purchased the factory upgrade kit from T. Rutlands, here in the USA for my 1978 308GTS. The kit required hiring a body shop to install, and will require refinishing of both the interior targa top (targa top requires modification by grinding away a portion, as it seals differently) and windshield surround for a satisfactory result. I was fortunate to have a very good body guy do the work to a very high standard, matching exactly the original paint finishes. There is new metal flashing that is riveted to the original windshield surround along the top edge. The cost was not cheap, even then. My recommendation is NOT to do this, and instead simply refresh all of the existing door, and targa top seals. The kit makes the sealing much better, but still not perfect. Still got a drip at the top of A pillars in a downpour. Fine in all other situations..this is rainy Seattle, btw.

My technician did note when he removed the seal along the top edge of the windshield that a previous dealer had taken vice grips or channel lock pliers and bent all of the metal the seal would fit to, and angled it toward the rear for a tighter fit...he said it was not pretty, but hidden by the rubber seal.

 

I did this conversion. Look here.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/308-328/375261-targa-top-front-rubber-gasket.html

 

As said in this thread pointed as a reference by "dancer 308", the factory recommended modification for the early GTSs was displayed by Service Bulletin 90-1 form 7-10-1980 explaining how to do it. But this only applies to the early cars (= more or less the carbed cars).

Rgds