How to stow Targa Top

daepp · 04-09-2007, 02:24 PM

So I seldom drive my 911 if I have to leave the top on. It usually hangs on the garage wall near my car. However, there are times when I want to take it along with me, but I so not want to fold it.

Some have said that they stow it behind the seats unfolded - however, my long legs require me to position the seats all the way to the rear, and the top will not fit there.

My brother's old 68 Targa allowed for placement in the trunk unfolded. I am nit sure what the trnk differences are, but mine will not fit longways. Has anyone figured out how to stow their top longways in the trunk?

cbeers · 04-09-2007, 02:38 PM

There is a body redesign/cut off date that makes putting your top in the trunk hard if not impossible. I know on mine I can't do that. I saw a post from Grady a LONG time ago about how golf clubs would no longer fit either

I am short, so behind the seats works for me......

-Chris

daepp · 04-09-2007, 02:39 PM

Roger that on the clubs too.

Must be a way, though - since the car is actually longer, right?

tonythetarga · 04-09-2007, 03:07 PM

If your top is warmed up in the sun it can be slightly folded if you want to fit it in the trunk.

daepp · 04-09-2007, 03:19 PM

I should have made it clear that I don't want to fold it. It fits fine if I fold it - however, it seems to mess up the vinyl.

Dantilla · 04-09-2007, 03:28 PM

How easy is it to find a second targa top? A used one that you wouldn't mind keeping in the trunk, just for emergency or occasional use.

JP911 · JP911's Garage

The targa top on my 76 fit in the trunk unfolded, and I even had a strut brace. The 76 does not have a brake booster, and I think that is what makes all the difference. I believe the brake booster first appeared in 78.

BReyes · BReyes's Garage

I would put the top in there and move your seat back as far back as it goes without hitting the unfolded top; live with it there to save your top when have take it with.

Regards,

cantdrv55 · 04-09-2007, 04:51 PM

Unfortunately. there's no other way to transport the top except to fold it, stow it behind the seats unfolded or use it.

daepp · 04-09-2007, 07:11 PM

No brake booster on the 72. It looks like a blower for the defroster is in the way.

cbeers · 04-09-2007, 07:18 PM

Quote:

The targa top on my 76 fit in the trunk unfolded, and I even had a strut brace.

Show-off !!

-Chris

Jubbie · 04-09-2007, 07:29 PM

Mine fits in my 74'. Do you have the two little shelves/brackets up in the front above where the jack goes? I have the Jempro hard top conversion, but the xyz of the top is the same I think.

I grab the top off of the car from the drivers side and place it in the trunk driver side of the top in the front end of the trunk first. I then have to jimmy it over the lip of the rear part of the trunk to get it all the way down in the front. Align it just right and you can close the trunk.

I know that is a short hood story with no brake booster. Not sure on the long hoods.

coldstart · 04-09-2007, 08:07 PM

Mine won't fit in the trunk either. It sucks having it behind the seats as it interferes with the seatbelts. I only take it on long trips....

Subscribing...

911s55 · 04-09-2007, 08:12 PM

My 71' Targa came with factory air conditioning so the windshield washer bottle is moved from the very front of the trunk ( to allow blower access) back next to the brake fluid resevoir toward the center of car not allowing enough space for top without folding. Was hoping to find a fiberglass one piece top, glad I checked before buying one.
David

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

Has anyone tried the 'Carbrella' folding top for targas? It would only work when parked- but appears to fold down easier/smaller than the 'real' top...

Cheers,

Paul.

Amanda · 04-09-2007, 09:48 PM

^ ^ Slick, but @ $145.00 a pop, this don't seem so bad:

HarryD · 04-09-2007, 10:12 PM

Personally, I wonder why anyone thinks they come out ahead saving your top for the next guy. Fold it and enjoy the ride. If need be, every 20-30 years get it redone.

Chocaholic · 04-10-2007, 04:27 AM

I collapse mine partially (not fully folded) and it fits in the trunk of my 89 with an AJC strut bar. I've done it many times and the vinyl remains perfect...no creases, wrinkles, etc.

You'll never see a "driven" 911 Targa bring 6 or 7 figures at Barrett-Jackson. Preserve things as best you can, but don't compromise your enjoyment of your car.

scottb · 04-10-2007, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by HarryD
Personally, I wonder why anyone thinks they come out ahead saving your top for the next guy. Fold it and enjoy the ride. If need be, every 20-30 years get it redone.

Amen!

Drive the car, fold the top and if it gets a few wrinkles, who cares? These cars are made to be enjoyed, and unless yours is a concours garage queen, stop worrying about a few wrinkles and have fun!

Scott

coldstart · 04-10-2007, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chocaholic
You'll never see a "driven" 911 Targa bring 6 or 7 figures at Barrett-Jackson. Preserve things as best you can, but don't compromise your enjoyment of your car.

Hey, targas are awesome and worth more than coupes-- at least according to Bruce Anderson's Excellence valuations....