By the way, are new targa tops just a dropin or do I need to do a little work?
As long as you have the correct front mounting brackets the top will fit, but you will probably have to make some adjustments. All C4 tops are the same dimensions but GM used three different front mounts:
1984 - early 1986
late 1986 - 1988
1989 - 1996
If you come across a good deal for a top that's not your year most vendors sell kits to change the front brackets.
The standard way to adjust the top is to:
a. first make sure the car is on a level surface
b. remove all of the trim from the windshield header. This will allow you access to the bracket screws for step f.
c. loosen the front mounting bracket screws ( the ones that hold the bracket to the top, not the top to the car). These are the same size Torx screws as the top so the top removal tool will work.
d. put the top on the car and snug the rear bolts
e. move the front brackets around until the top hold-down bolts can be screwed in easily.
f. make sure everything looks even, then tighten the front mounting bracket screws.
g. check for leaks and/or wind noise
h. remove the top, replace the windshield trim and you're done.
I've found a somewhat easier way to do this. Rather than removing the windshield trim, I simply loosen the bracket hold-down screws. Then I take two long pieces of masking tape and tape them to the brackets only, so that the tape sticks out beyond the windshield, roughly perpendicular to it, both inside and outside the car. Once I snug the rear screws I move the brackets around using the tape and when the front bolts fit in I press the tape against the headline inside the car and against the roof panel outside. Then I carefully remove the top and tighten the bracket hold-down screws. It might take a few tries but its easier than removing all of the windshield trim.
(Oh, BTW, MAD usually charges higher prices. Someone has to pay for those monthly catalog mailings.)
