Targa Top rebuild

fastpat · 08:44 AM

Here's some photos of the top I received yesterday, fresh from it's rebuild by Dan Petchel. I think most would agree that it looks pretty good. Cost was $870.00 including return shipping. It's a total rebuild and recover, the works as it were.

A few ripples, which should shrink out as the sun hits it, as recommended by Dan.

All in all, a pleasant experience and very reasonable turn around time.

tonythetarga · 12-06-2006, 08:42 AM

I hereby proclaim today as Dan Petchel Day!!
Those in favor, say Aye!

Jims5543 · 12-06-2006, 08:50 AM

Looks great nice and new looking. I bet that removes a tom of grief from your life now huh?

Very nice.

Bearded Viking · 12-06-2006, 08:56 AM

Did it cut down on wind noise? Looks fantastic!

Shaun @ Tru6 · 12-06-2006, 09:11 AM

is that a 3.0 in the background? Pics of that please!

fastpat · 12-06-2006, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bearded Viking
Did it cut down on wind noise? Looks fantastic!

Thanks.

Well, Dan recommends remaining under 65 MPH for two weeks, so I can't post an accurate evaluation yet. But my guess is, not much over an old top in good condition, but my top was beyond pathetic, so it was pretty noisy. The new liner ought to cut down on noise somewhat, but I think the Targa just has more wind noise because of the two huge joints where the top joins the windshield and roll bar. I know it's noisier than my 325i Cabrio.

I'll return to this thread after the two week settling in period is done and post the final opinion.

nesslar · 12-06-2006, 09:17 AM

My 'Petchel Project' is real dadburn quiet at speed....and I do mean speed!

fastpat · 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Shaun 84 Targa
is that a 3.0 in the background? Pics of that please!

Remember, this is a Porsche 911 technical forum, but here's a teaser.

The head liner.

I posted some pics over on the BMW portion of Pelican:
Fastpat's 3.0 CSi

nesslar · 12-06-2006, 09:36 AM

Yeah, OK, just 'pretty' dadburn quiet. Not bad at all.

Rikao4 · 12-06-2006, 09:50 AM

Dan did mine a few years back, great work.
Rika

turbo23dog · 12-06-2006, 10:01 AM

I can't readily tell from the pictures... does he include refinish and repaint of the metal frame...the parts that can be seen from inside the car?

fastpat · 12-06-2006, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by turbo23dog
I can't readily tell from the pictures... does he include refinish and repaint of the metal frame...the parts that can be seen from inside the car?

My frame didn't need any refinishing, but I think he does do that if necessary, but that might be an additional charge.

On my top, only the soft pieces had deteriorated due to age and weather, the car is nearly "new" with just 30k miles on it.

dan79brooklyn · 12-06-2006, 10:09 AM

Did he also replace the rubber side seals or is that extra?

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Pat,
Looks very nice!!

fastpat · 12-06-2006, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dan79brooklyn
Did he also replace the rubber side seals or is that extra?

Yes, he installed new seals.

Thanks, azasadny.

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

Pat, what are you doing showing off my Targa

swa911 · swa911's Garage

How funny! I just did this post today on the same subject. I guess we should have gotten together and put together a combined "praise Dan" post.

My targa rebuild post

fastpat · 12-07-2006, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by swa911
How funny! I just did this post today on the same subject. I guess we should have gotten together and put together a combined "praise Dan" post.

My targa rebuild post

It looks like you went through more pain prior to your rebuild than I did, mine just looked like it had been outside for 20 years, splitting and curling up, with crumbling foam. The headliner was drooping down because it had become detached from the top material.

Anyhow, yours looks very nice. It's always satisfying to make such a positive restoration of the cars I think.

Chocaholic · 12-07-2006, 07:20 AM

Dan rebuilt my top about three years ago. Still looks like the day it arrived. Of course, it never gets folded up, so that helps. It's seen 120+mph on several occasions (DE Road Atlanta) without incident.

84toy · 12-07-2006, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fastpat
Yes, he installed new seals.

Thanks, azasadny.

If he is doing that, his prices have come down significantly since those side seals are not cheap.

When he did my full restore a couple of years ago I paid more than that with no seals and no painting at all. The top came back with the same scratched up rain gutters on the outside with no attempt to paint at all.