What the Heck! He's talking CRAZY!!!

[th@nks!]

Hey how hard is it to convert my Targa into a soft window? i dig the look and would love to shave some weight. Any resources that anyone has would be MUCH appreciated.

(im sorry my thread title has NOTHING to do with anything in the post but it sure got your attention!)

[clnilsen]

I hate to sound trite.. but I think there's some good information posted.. do a search on soft window. My recollection is that it's not impossible, but finding the parts to do it is pretty close. I think the conversion to a cabriolet was ranked easier, from my recollection.

But it IS cool..

Chuck

[KevinP73]

I'm in the process of doing this for Pelicanite 82SC as we speak. It's easy, just as Chuck said. It's finding the parts thats the challenge. Drop me your e-mail addy and I'll keep you posted as we progress.

[JonT]

can you update me with your progress and pics as well please? I'm at Jon.Theobald@bp.com

[th@nks!]

Clnilsen my addy is smithson911@hotmail.com you say you've already found parts.... where did you get them? also how much is it runnin ya $$ wise? thanks for the help all!

cheers!

[jpnovak]

Last setup I saw for sale was a worn out window and two hoops for about $800. Complete soft window parts with handles will run about $1500- if you can find them. Typically the handles are the hardest to find and usually well worn.

Its not a difficult conversion but its not cheap. There is even a section in the factory manual on the conversion.

I currently have most of the stuff to convert my 71 targa. I will do this next year when I disassemble for paint. I just need some misc. bolts and such.

Anyone have a source for those funny looking bolts with the hole in the end?

Keep in mind there are some limitations with the soft window. They are finicky to fold and have a certain temperature range so the plastic window doesn't crack. I guess reproductions are available that use more modern materials that may not have these limitations.

Do a search in the archives.

[th@nks!]

Anyone know of any custom non-fold down setups.... they sound alot easier.

[jpnovak]

Non folding??? That sort of defeats the purpose of a soft window.

You could always do a lexan targa window to reduce weight. That brings other problems. They scratch easily and reduce some structural integrity of the chassis - kind of like a soft window.

[clnilsen]

Originally posted by th@nks!
Clnilsen my addy is smithson911@hotmail.com you say you've already found parts.... where did you get them? also how much is it runnin ya $$ wise? thanks for the help all!

cheers!

No sorry to miscommunicate.. I don't have the parts. I just remember reading about it.



Chuck

[john walker's workshop]

i actually have 4 good handles available, but not cheap.

[82SC]

yup...me and kevin are converting my targa to soft...

I have a couple leads but expect to spend 1200 for a complete setup...I won't mention the price I got my setup at...it was a steal

the replacement window costs about 400...and the boot to cover it costs about 60.00

I am gonna document the conversion with Kevin...project has slowed down due to my schoolwork

and the factory manual has a conversion from soft --> glass not the other way around

stay tuned

MJ

[RickM]

John,

If you have a dig camera around could you snap and post a shot of the handles? I'm curious as to how they look.

Thanks!

[th@nks!]

when i said not fold down... i meant completely removable..... as for the chassis.... i have a cage. you mentioned lexan, seen any good setups? $$?

[82SC]

the OEM version is a fold down version...zippers on 3 sides

I've seen custom ones with a completely removable window...zippers on all 4 sides...but I can't imagine where you are gonna find one

Lexan?? I don't know if anyone can bend it into the shape of a targa rear

here is an idea...buy a replacement window from parts obsolete

custom make a pair of hoops

you can forget the handles...they tension the window to make it tight...if you don't care if the widow is a little saggy...

or if you are ingenious you can come up with some sort of latch/cam system to tighten the window...

Just quickly the bottom hoop stays in place and the top hoop stays attached to the targa bar and moves prob only 3-4 inches to add tension to the window via the handles...if you can come up with a latch system (like on tool boxes) you can duplicate that 3-4 inch movement

--OR--

make the 2 hoops permanently at a 90 degree with the window installed. This whole contraption can be installed or removed as a unit...can't fold it down (cuz you need to relieve tension) but you can duplicate the look for ~700...

MJ

[th@nks!]

good thinkin. thanks for the insight

cheers!

[82SC]

BTW search for signal orange targa...I have some threads about my project and about the soft rear...keep an eye out I'll be posting the process in the future

MJ

[70flatsix]

Here is a current thread discussing what appears to be a decent soft window targa that is for sale: Soft window anyone?

The soft/foldable rear window on my car was replaced about 18 months ago. The install took about 8 hours. It is a fairly complex setup. I imagine converting from solid glass to the soft/foldable setup would be quite a project!
I've heard talk about 911 targas equipped with custom soft/foldable rear windows that zip out completely (all 4 sides), but I've never seen one or even seen pictures of one installed. In a way it would be more convenient than the factory setup. When the rear window is unzipped and folded down, the clear plastic must be protected from scratches on both sides by either flannel or cotton towels. It would be much more convenient to completely unzip the window and store it in the trunk.
Good luck on the project! If I can be of any help with pic's, etc don't hesitate to contact me.
Rock

[82SC]

here is a four sided rear

[82SC]

try again



and honestly what me and kevin have seen so far it does not look terriblely hard...yet...we'll see.

you'll all know in the coming months...

MJ

[red-beard]

Where did you get the 4 sided soft window?