Targa to Convertible?

[Ashley Bowler]

How difficult is it to have a Targa converted to a convertible? I'm in Southern California and are there specialists that do this? Is it incredibly expensive?

Thanks for any input in advance.

[gduke]

Nice Slantnose targa. Convertables are high maintainance.

[jtratza]

Leave it as it is or buy a cab. Very nice slant nose targa.

[vizail]

Pardon me Ashley

Convertibles almost allways have a leack problem ,and worst if you convert.
If you have issues with your Targa Top maintenance invest in a Hard shell like the ones they presented by this Host or look around.
You are located in the State of California ,The Auto Customizer Capitol, But is very expensive if you want a top notch Job.
You have a beautiful Slant Nose w/Turbo Tail that looks Great Great .Live it as is

Vic

[Tim Polzin]

Check out what was written here:

http://vintagebus.com/howto/cab/

For me, the conversion was great. Much reduced wind noise and no leaks whatsoever. The cab top fit aound the windshield frame is much better than the targa.

Tim

[widebody911]

It's not overly difficult to do the conversion; I mean, if I can do it...

There's a scan of the factory conversion manual on the link that Tim provided.

What year is your car? The important thing is to get the correct top, ie roller latch or hook latch.

[Joe Bob]

Cabs are great...targas are like a transexual with 1/2 the equipment...%^B

GO FOR IT.

There are a few companies that do the conversion or will sell the kit. Up til a few years ago there was a few guys that showed up at the Dunkel's meet and did a conversion at the show....took THEM about 2 hours.

[Ashley Bowler]

Originally posted by widebody911
It's not overly difficult to do the conversion; I mean, if I can do it...

There's a scan of the factory conversion manual on the link that Tim provided.

What year is your car? The important thing is to get the correct top, ie roller latch or hook latch.

The cars a 1988. I bought it a couple of weeks ago. (44000 miles) Reading the other post about it being done in 2 hours by pros, really seems to put it in perspective.

Maybe its not a huge production to have done. I've just never been a big Targa fan.

[Tim Polzin]

Originally posted by Ashley Bowler
The cars a 1988.

You will need the later roller catches.

Watch the classiifed parts section here. I bought my complete power top with brackets, all motors/transmissions/controler etc for less than $2k, but the top needed a new skin.

There also has been a lot of discussion here between power tops vs manual tops. So far, my power top has worked flawlessly.

If you decide to proceed, PM me as I have a number of factory publications regarding adjustments and fit.

Tim

[Ashley Bowler]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tim Polzin
[B]You will need the later roller catches.

Fantastic..........thank you. One last question, are you suggesting the manual over the mechanical?

[speedman]

If you find a good installer please let me know. Some of the people that are talking about leaving the car alone drive some of the most modified cars here. Do what you like

[Tim Polzin]

Originally posted by Ashley Bowler
are you suggesting the manual over the mechanical?

Although I installed the power top, a manual top will likey offer less challenge to install.

Starting in (I think) 86 when the roller catches were introduced, the bracket just behind the door post also changed. In addition to the proper bracket, make sure you get the mounts for the top support. They look like this:



For installer's in California, I have no idea, but I've heard nothing but good things about Widebody911 (Thom).

Tim

[Joeaksa]

Good thread!

[mjshira]

I think its a great idea!

[Noah930]

Wait a second! Before you start cutting, there's another guy on this board who just posted a day or two ago how he wonders (essentially) if he could turn his '87 Cab into a Targa.

I wish they make something like this for our car.

You two should just trade!

And, uh, pardon my misunderstanding, but if you just bought this car 2 weeks ago, and you're not a big fan of Targa's, why not just buy a Cabriolet to begin with?

[Ashley Bowler]

Originally posted by Noah930
Wait a second! Before you start cutting, there's another guy on this board who just posted a day or two ago how he wonders (essentially) if he could turn his '87 Cab into a Targa.

I wish they make something like this for our car.

You two should just trade!

And, uh, pardon my misunderstanding, but if you just bought this car 2 weeks ago, and you're not a big fan of Targa's, why not just buy a Cabriolet to begin with?

Good point............I wasn't actively looking at the time, but with my general love of Porsche, this car just came along. It was a deal that was to good to pass up.

Quite honestly, I think I'm going to leave it alone.

[DavidI]

Ashley, I have a 83SC Targa that was converted to a cab. I live in SoCal, so if you want to check it out in person let me know. I prefer a cab, especially in SoCal.....you can't beat it.

David

[mppickett]

Ashley,

If you're still considering the conversion, talk to Einmalig in Huntington Beach, Ca. They did the cab conversion on my '82 for the previous owner. Here's a link to their site.

[Joe Bob]

Einmalig...rhymes with "bend over and empty your wallet"......

They REALLY DO good work....but geez, everything they sell is farging gold plated....

[rnln]

Ashley Bowler,
SCal?
Whare in SCal are you?
Very nice looking slantnose.