Installing a Targa Hardtop in a Non Hardtop Targa

[Swoboda]

Hello:

I have a 1985 Targa that doesn’t have the holes in the header above the windshield for attaching a factory hardtop.

Has anyone modified their Targa to accept the factory hardtop?

I’ve been told there may be markings under the vinyl showing the location—the idea is that in 1985 Porsche still used the same old equipment to make the windshield frame but didn’t make the holes in the frame for the hardtop because it was no longer an option.

Any thoughts would be helpful, especially if someone has modified their car to accept a hardtop.

Thanks in advance for your help!

LS

[BRLuecke]

My 1988 (as I recall) still had the holes for securing the fiberglass type targa top. I can't remember what the name was for the aftermarket top I had. (Sun-vale??)
ANYWAY I did have to poke a hole in the vinyl "headliner" to get the screws through.
Look from the top of the windshield frame, there might be a plastic push cap in the hole.
This was a long time ago, so my details might be off, but I have no doubt the holes were there.

[Swoboda]

Originally Posted by BRLuecke

My 1988 (as I recall) still had the holes for securing the fiberglass type targa top. I can't remember what the name was for the aftermarket top I had. (Sun-vale??)
ANYWAY I did have to poke a hole in the vinyl "headliner" to get the screws through.
Look from the top of the windshield frame, there might be a plastic push cap in the hole.
This was a long time ago, so my details might be off, but I have no doubt the holes were there.

Thanks for the feedback. I think you had an aftermarket Sundialent top. They attached with bolts through the top of the windshield, based on what I’ve seen.

I have a factory hardtop that uses latches that insert into the top of the windshield.

Thanks!

[RNajarian]

What type of latches are you using?

The roller type the Foldable Targa top uses



Or the, for lack of a better word, suitcase type latch, similar but different than the ones the 914 uses.



My factory 1975 hard top (oddly was standard and NOT an option on 1975) has the suitcase style latches. I’ve been unable to find any replacements

[BRLuecke]

Yes....Sundialent.....Good luck.

[Swoboda]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

What type of latches are you using?

The roller type the Foldable Targa top uses



Or the, for lack of a better word, suitcase type latch, similar but different than the ones the 914 uses.



My factory 1975 hard top (oddly was standard and NOT an option on 1975) has the suitcase style latches. I’ve been unable to find any replacements

My factory hardtop has the flat “suitcase” style latches.

Would you be kind enough to take some detailed pictures of your windshield frame to show exactly where the holes are for your hardtop, please?

I’m interested in seeing the location and the orientation of the escutcheons that surround the holes where the latches go into the frame.

Is your car a 1975?

Thanks!

[RNajarian]

Yes a 1975

Hope these photos help. . .

[Swoboda]

RNajarian, thank you!

That’s exactly what my 1985 looks like but without the holes for the hardtop latches.

I’ll try to locate what I can by feel through the vinyl and the next step will be to pull the vinyl back a bit. At least now, I know where to be looking!

Thank you again!

[7783911]

I did do this same project last year and the slots do exist for the suitcase latch..just need to locate and cut the covering...the latches can be a bit finicky and i wish i had the keyed latch instead which I think does a better job of pulling the front down onto the seal..but it is what it is and is great for fall and winter (storage)

[Swoboda]

Originally Posted by 7783911

I did do this same project last year and the slots do exist for the suitcase latch..just need to locate and cut the covering...the latches can be a bit finicky and i wish i had the keyed latch instead which I think does a better job of pulling the front down onto the seal..but it is what it is and is great for fall and winter (storage)

Thanks for sharing that the slots exist and that you’ve done the same project. That makes me more optimistic that this will work out.

I thought the hardtop only came with the flat latches. I’ve never seen one with any other style of latch.

Does anyone have any pictures of a hardtop with the other latch (the non flat-type latch)?

[boyt911sc]

Could you post some pictures of your hardtop? I am following your posts with interest. Like to see how you get this projected completed with the appropriate latches. Thanks.

Tony

[Jack Stands]

I assume the original latches from the 75 hardtop are NLA after all these years, but has anyone checked?

[fanaudical]

Those latches are NLA.

I have a '75 with the factory hard shell top. I did some CAD work for a couple of Pelicans who attempted to have tooling made to manufacture new latches (they were making a carbon fiber replica). Cost of the tooling turned out to be prohibitive. They adapted their design to use the rotary latches but am not sure if they followed through and brought that to market.

[RNajarian]

Unfortunately the latches from a 914 are different. Don’t think we could adapt those.