Targa Top damaged ... who can fix??

Tom Cheneski · 11-17-2007, 08:28 AM

I had the "unthinkable" happen ...my '91 911 C4 Targa top ejected at low speed. My fault entirely.

No damage to vinyl ... it hit on front edge and my manual straightening efforts has it safely locking down OK but with resultant considerable wind noise.

My thinking is to have it professionally refurbished, probably with new vinyl since it may need to be taken apart, the headliner had a rip & some sag, get all new gaskets, seals, etc..

Car is off the road in winters.

Are there any services that can be recommended? Preferably in Northeast but anywhere that's good.

Thanks for any assist.

Tom in Western CT. (New Fairfield)

masraum · 11-17-2007, 08:36 AM

Dan Petchel

http://www.carsinc-nj.com/tops.html

I had mine done by him years ago. He does good work.

old man neri · 11-17-2007, 08:54 AM

Damn, that sucks. Same thing happened to me. Luckily it sustained no damage and it didn't hit the cars behind me.

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

+1 for Dan Petchel. I'll be sending him my top for a rebuild this winter. I've heard nothing but great reviews about his work...

schoward · 11-18-2007, 06:17 AM

Two time recipient of tops from Dan. Great work. Send him your top and he'll assess what it needs.

BReyes · BReyes's Garage

I know a guy here in Florida. He does not rush a top (ask me how I know) and that is fine.

Whoever I use, and why not Dan, I want him to be Porsche top expert

Do you think the wind noise could be the rubber weatherstriping?

Hawks911 · Hawks911's Garage

+1 for Dan. Very fair and talented guy to deal with. Did a great job restoring our '78 SC top. Even provided a missing safety latch at no extra charge. Top notch work!

Mike

Tom Cheneski · 11-18-2007, 10:27 AM

Thanks to all ............... I'll check out this "repair station" and probably mess around in adjusting the slightly deformed leading edge of the top (not truly straight). I know that the fit has to be near perfect.

Surprisingly the vinyl is not damaged or badly scuffed. Headliner is a mess.

It's not just the wind nioise that's scary ...my concern are leaks if parked outside or driving.

Gotta get fixed.

Tom

tonythetarga · 11-18-2007, 11:35 AM

Tom,
Dan is in New Jersey and is the go-to guy. He did a complete restoration on my top and it was perfect. I would send him an email or call him. He is a good guy to deal with.

BReyes · BReyes's Garage

Yes getting those metal pieces perfectly straight is part of what an expert does when reupolstering a targa top.

If yours can come apart without damaging it, that would allow access to the metal strips in the top for purpose of straightening them.

The headliner material is sold by our host.

Difficult to do unless you have lots of patience and are not in a hurry (I know my top guy has me brainwashed). When you are done it would be nice and tight.