Did I ruin my targa Top?

[frenchy 911]

Alright,

last night I took the P-car out for a ride and at 40mph the top flew off and crash on the road ( just forgot to lock it the day before really feel stupid)

After examining the top, I only saw minor scratches and was able to put the top back on. The next when I remove the top again I noticed that one of the metallic arm was broken in half. see attached picture

Is this fixable?????? Any advice?

[greglepore]

That's where they usually break. What I did with mine was drill out the broken pin and reassemble with a stainless bolt and a nylock nut-a regular nut will work itself loose.

[jac1976]

I would think someone with some welding skills could put you back together. I have never really examined my top for the feasibility of replacing individual parts.

[jac1976]

Looks like Greg has your answer, it always seems somebody on this site has "been there, done that." Damn, I love this forum.

[frenchy 911]

thanks for your quick reply, Greg I like your suggestion.


Now I just have find out if someone can weld these 2 aluminium pieces together.

[carreraken]

Contact Dan Pechtel at Cars Inc. in NJ

http://www.carsinc-nj.com

[Dan Owens]

From the look of where the break is I don't know that you can repair that properly. That cross brace is an integral part of the top and the way it holds the top open and taught. You may be able to jury rig something that'll hold for a while but I don't think it'll be much good for a period of time. If you search on the site here "carsinc" specializes in Targa tops and can either rebuild it for you or sell you the replacement crossmember.

[trader220]

I second contacting Dan at cars Inc. he has all the parts and he can do the work if youneed him to.

[widebody911]

BTDT. It's a bitch to weld, but it can be done. You're money ahead to just call Dan.

[frenchy 911]

I have also contacted CarSinc, they may be the best alternative.

[911crazy]

HI
I had a similar break in the cross arms on my targa top when I bought it. What I did was to align the two pieces and using a small drill , drill through both pieces. If possible you want at least two places. When done mix up some metalset and apply. I then used the drill bit I had drilled the holes with broken in half as reinforcing pins in the holes with a coating of metal set. When curing have a bolt or new pin hold the pieces in place for alignment.

I cant guarantee how long this will last as I have only had the car for two months - but so far so good.

[frenchy 911]

Thanks for the input 911 crazy your idea sounds doable as well at this point, I am still evaluating the different options. I am also thinking about making a brace with epoxy but not sure if it will work.

[craig001]

You are not the first to have this happen. But lucky (?) for you, this may fit you car http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-911-Targa-Top-No-Reserve_W0QQitemZ230001314638QQihZ013QQcategoryZ33 652QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem . Should be less than welding or buy as a spare.

[frenchy 911]

thanks for the tip, the top is in a great shape do you how hard it is the fix the bullet?

[EarlyPorsche]

You don't even need a Porsche mechanic, just someone with a Tig welder.

[Steveinatlanta]

I had the same thing happen. Did Greg's fix, (with Greg's help!), and used JB Weld. It's a little stiff, but has held for a year. Squeaks a lot.

In answer to the questions you haven't asked yet;

Porsche still carries the piece, but they want to sell you the whole frame. $1000.00

If you find the piece used, it will cost about what you have to pay for a "Donor top" in need of refurbishing. $250.00 to $400.00

Two welders told me they wouldn't weld it.

Otto's in Venice has the piece. He had the most reasonable price.

Mine needed refinishing (and still does...) so I went the donor top routine.



Good luck!

[frenchy 911]

Thanks for the input, I had a very nice conversation with Dan from Carsinc and I think this is the way to go. I am shipping him my top and he will replace both rear arms and center pin.

[azasadny]

Dan does great work, you'll be happy with the results!