Topic: Targa Top Ratchet
in Forum: C4 Body
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Standard Member
Send PM
Canada
Joined: 11/4/2012
Posts: 36
Vette(s): 1987 Corvette - Targa Top, Automatic
1985 Corvette - Targa Top, Automatic
The ratchet wrench for the Targa Top on my '87 is missing. They cost silly money here in Canada and when you add shipping costs to one from the U.S. ...they end up about $40!
It looks like they might just be a "star" type bit from some socket sets.
Is there an inexpensive alternative to buying a proprietary device?
Thanks, David
It looks like they might just be a "star" type bit from some socket sets.
Is there an inexpensive alternative to buying a proprietary device?
Thanks, David
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C4VR)
Go to Canadian Tire or Princess Auto and get a 2" torx t-40 x 1/4" hex drive or socket. With the 1/4" hex you can use any driver and they have a 1/4" T- handle that ratchets that I like. I also use a Black and Decker battery driven 1/4" driver which last quite awhile on a charge given the amount of use it gets.

Standard Member
Moderator
Send PM
Moderator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2246
Vette(s): 1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine.
1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.
Until I found an original socket/ratchet for mine, I used a regular Snap-On #40 torx, with a triangle-shaped "palm driver"...
You can use any #40 torx bit and driver....it doesn't have to be a "special" deal. I like the ratchet because I can get the top tighter than I can with a bit driver, or the triangle-shaped ratchet I was using. Then again....I never take the top off anyway, so.....
You can use any #40 torx bit and driver....it doesn't have to be a "special" deal. I like the ratchet because I can get the top tighter than I can with a bit driver, or the triangle-shaped ratchet I was using. Then again....I never take the top off anyway, so.....

Joel Adams
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I'm trying to figure out how to add some of those red "remove before flight" ribbons to mine. Couple of years ago, I had the top out for one of those rare days when it's perfect and just set it in when I got home. Next time out at 50 MPH, I heard whomp and I'm sitting in sunshine. It launched 40 ft into the air like a funny car body after an engine irruption and I watched come down, upside down on the road behind me. Fortunately no frame damage. Message to self, always tighten when replaced!

I have mine from a '92. I' ll give it to you. I't's a real POS. I never use it. Going after market is the way to go. 1/4" drive #40 male torx and a 6" extension. The one's from the factory were just enough to call it a "tool". Not quite long enough, and the torx was soft so it tended to round off. A stick and rock would have been more useful.
So revel in the fact that you don't have one.
I laugh when I see the prices for original wrenches on Ebay. They're not even chrome plated and rust like scrap metal. The Chevy engineers would have been better off working out a better way to change the tail light bulbs in my '87. What pain in the kiwi's. That was my little project for tonight.

Standard Member
Send PM
Canada
Joined: 11/4/2012
Posts: 36
Vette(s): 1987 Corvette - Targa Top, Automatic
1985 Corvette - Targa Top, Automatic
Thank-you VERY much everyone!!
I don't have my C4 on the road yet. Now that I will soon be able to remove the top... I can bring the top home and epoxy the crack in it for now. I hope to have the car "road ready" within the next month or so. For now I am keeping it at a friend's building about 45 minutes away.
Thanks again.... David
I don't have my C4 on the road yet. Now that I will soon be able to remove the top... I can bring the top home and epoxy the crack in it for now. I hope to have the car "road ready" within the next month or so. For now I am keeping it at a friend's building about 45 minutes away.
Thanks again.... David
Standard Member
Send PM
Canada
Joined: 11/4/2012
Posts: 36
Vette(s): 1987 Corvette - Targa Top, Automatic
1985 Corvette - Targa Top, Automatic
FLDAVE said:
So revel in the fact that you don't have one.
Hahaha... now I feel better!

David
Standard Member
Send PM
Canada
Joined: 11/4/2012
Posts: 36
Vette(s): 1987 Corvette - Targa Top, Automatic
1985 Corvette - Targa Top, Automatic
Less than $6.00 later and the top is OFF!!!
Woohoo!
Thanx again folks.
David
Woohoo!
Thanx again folks.

David
Standard Member
Moderator
Send PM
Moderator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2246
Vette(s): 1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine.
1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.



Joel Adams
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C4 Body
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C4VR)