Targa to Cabrio conversion: has anyone done it?

Just curious--since a Targa is essentially a cabriolet with a targa bar, I was told it would be relatively easy to do...thoughts? experiences?

No personal experience, but in the 80's there were a few companies that did the conversion. In fact, at one time, the factory offered a conversion kit! There is even a factory conversion booklet explaining it, at one time I had the part number for the booklet, but if you call a knowledgable dealer, they should be able to track down the part number for you. I'm not sure, though, if the booklet is still available.

My understanding is that the targa roll hoop doesn't really do much for chassis rigidity, which is why the factory approved dealership conversions from targa to convertible.

I remember the ads from the 80's and early 90's, as I recall, various companies seemed to be advertising conversions (parts and labor) in the $2500 to $3000 range.

If I had a Targa, I would consider converting it, but mainly because while I like the coupe and convertible, I have never personally been a big fan of the styling of the Targa (but that's just me).

This would explain the 1980 cabriolet that's up for sale on TraderOnline! I was wondering about that.

BSJ

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My definition of an expert in any field
is a person who knows enough about what's
really going on to be scared.
--P.J. Plauger

Very interesting indeed! If anyone out there has the official Porsche conversion booklet or would be willing to make a copy for me (I'd pay for a xerox copy), contact me. Anyone out there have one of these converted cars or actually done the conversion? I've found the parts to be available--now, to find out the details...

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A buddy of mine had a 911 that was done, it kicked @ss, I will get around to it on my 73 when I finish everything else.

Tom
73T

Some months ago when I was looking for my first Porsche, I saw an add from a company in FL tat would sell a conversion for about $2500. I was interested because I eventually bought a '72 Targa and would eventually like to do the conversion. I neglected to write donw the company and can't remember the web address. Sure would like to find it though. If I can't race my Targa then I might as well get what I would really like, A Cab.

Found this site on the web
http://palmbch.net/html/porsche_993_conversion.html
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John Birkett
72'T Targa

[This message has been edited by jbirkett (edited 03-31-2000).]

check out www.nrauto.com. once there, click on "porsche - then click on 'body kits." scroll down and you'll see "cabriolet conversion (from 911 Targa)." this is a reliable source for parts/kits you will need to do this conversion, and it might help in making the choice.. good luck!



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-jeff 84 carrera cab.

The Targa to Cabriolet conversion booklet is Porsche part #WKD 451 620. I have heard that you are better off to sell your Targa and buy a Cabriolet...

Cabriolets came stock with softer Boge shocks unlike Targas which have the option of sport shocks so it clearly shows there intended use .
The roll bar in itself may not provide much support but in combination with the rear glass it provides support,
When I take my top off my targa I notice a little flex on rough roads but with the top on its snug as a coupe which is one option a cab wouldn't have ,it all depends what you want,
I have had other convertibles such as a Corvette etc but rarley took the top down and as the novelty of the drop top wears off the reality of how unsafe it really is sets in so I personally will never own another convertible

A friend of mine has converted an '69 coupe into a convertible. To pass tough german regulations and provide enough stiffness, he has added a large additional "frame", going from the center console at the front to the end of the passenger compartment. Its made of 2 bars going from front to end plus stiffeners to the side walls behind the front seats (against torsion).
He is really happy with this. Instead of the (anyway unusable) rear seats, he has now two storage drawers. Works fine since 15 years, but was a hell of a work.

[exc911ence]

Originally Posted by huduguru

Very interesting indeed! If anyone out there has the official Porsche conversion booklet or would be willing to make a copy for me (I'd pay for a xerox copy), contact me. Anyone out there have one of these converted cars or actually done the conversion? I've found the parts to be available--now, to find out the details...

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Almost a quarter of a century late to reply but spotting this for sale today reminded me...

https://www.eautomobilia.com/product/smpor84-911sc/porsche-911sc-instructions-for-conversion-from-targa-to-cabriolet-1984

... although the converted '79 SC targa in my garage is also a good reminder.