Any interest in Soft Window Targa conversion parts?

jpnovak · 08-10-2005, 07:07 AM

I am getting ready to start my soft window conversion. It will begin next week when I get back from a two day trip to the beach. I have all the parts ready to install but had an idea. It took me a long time to find the necessary parts for this conversion. I have considered having a small run of duplicates made. Right now I am just seeing if there is any interest for me to go forward with this.

The idea is to make copies of the hard to find handles (CNC Aluminum) and also copies of the upper and lower hoops. Obviously, more parts will help distribute costs. I don't expect to have more than 15-20 made of each. I really don't expect this to be a cheap kit but it will just make the parts available.

I will not be making the actual fabric parts (window and boot), nor will I be supplying a full kit as of yet. There is a possibility I can come up with a hardware kit for a price. I do plan to document my conversion and make a full report when it is finished.

Remember this will only work for a pre-74 longhood. The 74+ cars are not setup to hold the upper hoops or handles. I will not do the engineering to make it work.

Thanks for letting me know if you are interested.

Fidalgo911S · 08-10-2005, 09:26 AM

I briefly looked at doing the same thing last year but found the machining for the handles to be hugely $$$$. Hopefully you can get it going because it's a great idea with a lot of interest (once you've done all the leg work I'm sure).

jpnovak · 08-10-2005, 12:03 PM

I never thought they would be cheap. The handles are intricate parts that require a lot of machine time, not to mention development time to CAD them out.

This is a quest based on lack of availability. I am sure there is someone that wants to do the conversion that has not been able to find parts. what about those people that have original SWTs converted to glass.

kycarguy 935 · 08-10-2005, 12:18 PM

I have 2 soft window targa's and think there would be a market for these parts.

Oldporsche · 08-10-2005, 02:32 PM

Post some pics of the parts that need to be machined.

Or send me some pics of them.

I think that a kit for 74+ cars would be interesting.

Good luck,
David Duffield

'75 Targa
'04 Mini Cooper S (Wife's station wagon)

ROUTE66KIX · 08-11-2005, 08:48 PM

if you go ahead with the project i have some xtra handles if you dont want to get repros made.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Were the original handles machined, cast or both?

Joeaksa · 08-12-2005, 08:52 AM

Jamie,

Please add my name to the list! Would love to have a soft window Targa.

JoeA

jpnovak · 08-12-2005, 08:57 AM

Rick, I think they were cast and then machined/polished for final fit and finish. I am presently trying to CAD draw a pair. I might have a few sets made from plastic to see how easy it would be. Its nice having access to a CNC through a good friend, at least for mockup.

OK Joe, but I am not sure that your 85 could be converted. I suppose anything is possible.

btw, right now I am not seeing enough interest for parts duplication.

Joeaksa · 08-13-2005, 01:33 PM

Jamie,

How many people do you want to see to make this work?

Would be game to do it if I could fine the hardware, just always heard that it was almost impossible to find so never worried about it.

Thx,

Joe A

08-13-2005, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joeaksa

Would be game to do it if I could fine the hardware, just always heard that it was almost impossible to find so never worried about it.

You mean like this old stuff?

Jamie, let me know if you're still interested in mocking up the hoops. I'm prolly gonna sell this stuff pretty soon.
M

Joeaksa · 08-13-2005, 04:38 PM

Mark,

Ok... how much BBQ or beer would that cost me???

I used to live in Flower Mound, and you would not overcharge an ex-neighbour would you?

JoeA