Okay since this thread seems to have a few people interested, I have a silly question...do the softwindow tension handles shown on the original ever allow the receptacles to come apart from the Targa bar?
It appears that the handles for tension would be for the hoop to be able to drop from the Targa bar as a way of opening (mine is fixed to it and does not "drop") or does the window simply unzip and the hoop does not move (as mine does)?

The question here is, as I contemplate making a kit for these, does the hoop NEED to separate as a usable way of dropping the top or is it fixed full time (like mine). I never thought about it or have seen a real softwindow in person to look how it works.
It seems odd that the factory would have put such nice handles on the top for tension for a one time fitment and not for everyday use.

Anyone? Anyone? Buehler?

Let me see if I can answer some questions. The tension handles and recepticles do not separate. They open and provide slack in the top to unzip. This allows the top to pull taught without stressing the zipper while closing the top.

For longevity, some type of release mechanism is needed.

Curt, the soft window seal is not absolutely necessary. It does close up the gap between the soft top and the stainless targa bar. I am not planning to use one on mine. I installed a strip of 3/4" thick weather stripping foam on the underside of the steel targa bar. The top seals against it. This is to cut down on the wind noise while driving with the top up (whenever that may be).

To answer your question about the lower corner... There is a semi-circular cutout in the lower corner of the top. The upper hoop fits underneath/behind the targa bar and the lower hoop fits on top/outside the targa bar. The hoops sandwich the targa bar. The top tucks behind and then wraps outside the corner at the semi-circular cutout.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1124974263.jpg

I think it would be easy to fabricate the hoops and mounting points. The tensioning system would be difficult to replicate. Any cam-lock system could work.

Btw, I spent 4 years collecing parts for my conversion. They are not easy to find and are not cheap when you do.

Thanks Jamie! That really helped me understand the system. I think I have come up with an idea for the tensioning system. I am going to fabricate one for myself with the handles as mine is "hanging" with a nut off of the threaded bar I showed previously. I looked at my 84 Targa tub I am working on now and see the holes for the mechanism in the Targa bar. I would rather have that type of system than what I have now. If I can engineer another cam system I will share it.

Curious...what would people be willing to spend to convert their Targas for a kit? Not interested in a new business opp, but wondered if I design mine with the idea in mind of replicating it for others, would people be interested.

If any one can come up with a way to replicate the tension handles I would be very interested. They are getting harder to find and I am missing one. I recently saw a complete soft window "kit" that someone had taken off a original soft window sell for almost 1600 bucks.

soft window on ebay

here are my two origials.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1169917261.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1169917312.jpg

$1600 for that mess?
This has been a real eye opener for me I have to admit. Sorry to be the chatterbox on this thread, but things like this drive me crazy. I have removed some pieces from mine to see how it is assembled. I have been off base in my memory for how the threaded bar was attached. It is basically a threaded bar THROUGH the receptacle and the hole in the Targa bar.
Can someone send me a pic of the rear of the handle, not the handle side so i can see if my idea for fabricating one would work...not sure of the cam lock side of it, having never seen one.
Second, how are the Targa bar covers done with those handles needing room? MY cover is butchered because of the hoop receptacles needing more room. Is there a special interior cover that is different than a standard cover?
Thirdly, someone send me a pic of the tonneau cover off and on (with snap details) as mine does not have one (which I have an idea for securing the top down now that mine has flown out that would work without a cover.

Again thanks all. Sorry for being the newbie. I would like to make mine work better now that I see the interest. If I can do that, I can possibly benefit everyone else too.

Detail images of my softwindow setup
 

Here is a detail shot up under my Targa bar cover as the top hoop attached to the Targa bar itself:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1169920924.jpg
My initial drawing shows the attachment horizontally. It in fact fits into the original mounting holes, just without the handles. I thought I remembered it horizontally attached by bolts, but I was incorrect.
I think I have a simple solution for the self tensioning handles I could fabricate quickly and test. This would also possibly solve the need for a custom Targa bar cover since it would not need to accept the big swinging handles.

Here is a detail shot of the rear sheet metal seam:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1169920969.jpg
I also realized that the top itself did NOT wrap back under a bead on the sheet metal. It is so tightly attached from the second hoop being pulled down the the rear parcel deck that the top simply has a flap that covers the body edge (it is pulled up in the image to show underneath). My hoop is fastened to the deck of the car, as shown by the vertical bolt, not in a system shown in the post above.

Here is a detail of the Targa trim piece that attaches to the Targa bar and just keeps debris and rain out from the area where the top hoop meets the Targa bar. This appears to be an OEM piece sold by Pelican: 901-565-914-40-OEM

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1169921003.jpg

Thanks Jamie/Dave. So on a factory original installation, there is also no rubber seal/gasket/weatherstripping between the body and the lower hoop? The 'seal' is simply the fabric material sandwiched between the hoop and the body, and the overhanging 'flap' directs water away?

As soon as i can locate my digital camera I will snap some pictures of my '69 and put them up here to show the oem setup.

I think this is an interesting thread. I wonder if a cabriolet top could be modified and used as the rear window section?

Curt, if I pull this thing out and redo it the way think it should be, I might invest in a small seal around the metal under the bottom. Mine does not have one currently but then again, it has never leaked water in either. I would do it more for my peace of mind.
bbaer, I would love to see a factory OEM setup. Send pics! And do not forget some with the tonneau cover over the softwindow.

no problem, just as soon as i locate my camera. I might pic up another one tomorrow as I cant seem to find mine anywhere.

Hey bbaer6676, any luck on pics? I need the original stuff shot so I can see if my idea to fabricate a kit can work. Thanks!

Thanks Curt! I thought there were two hoops in the top, not one that was bent? I really want to see the tensioning handle backside to see how it works. I wish someone would send images of that piece specifically. I posted pics on this thread of mine to test market conditions for pricing of a kit:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/328355-softwindow-kit-price-if-available-survey-prices.html

Dave - here's the link with the various part #s. The diagram doesn't show either of the hoops. Just the seals/gaskets for some reason. Maybe the hoops are on another screen.

http://dcauto.gotdns.com/catalog/index.php?mode=parts&model=911-1&year=1965-1969&group=8&section=811&illo=811-05

Also, take a look thru McMaster for potential hardware. They have a lot of interesting latches, etc.

http://www.mcmaster.com/

This photo from my parts book shows the latch handles and retaining hardware for the lower hoop better.

Also, the hoops were sold as an assembly with the soft top and do not appear to have been available separately.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1170624701.jpg

I wonder what the Targa bar cover look like to accommodate the tension handle...any pics anyone?