targa top restoration

tshore · 05-25-2007, 05:58 PM

I just got a "new" refurbished targa top from Carsinc in NJ. I have to say I am very pleased.

I utilized the "exchange" program - basically they (Dan) sent me a newly refurbished top and I am returning them my ratty leaky old one. (Dan if you are reading this, it will be on it's way tomorrow!).

The new top arrived promptly and came with some instructions as to proper installation, care during the first few weeks, etc.

To my eyes, the top looked absolutely brand spanking new. It even smelled good!

The fit of the new top is tight. The old one slid in and out very easily, whereas the new one needs a good solid push or two to seat it on the back seal. Likewise it also takes more effort to latch it up front. The fit is notably tighter along the drivers side, where my old top had a small gap between the seal and the top of the window. No more - fit there is now perfect. I hosed the car down with the new top on, and not a drop came through.

Here are some pics of the old top and the new

New top has duller finish...if you look you can see the old one was quite frayed around the edges (like me?..

)

Underside of new:

and old:

Fit of the old

and new

Now, no more worries about the next rain!

If you are planning a road trip with your new top, be aware Dan recommends not folding the new top for a couple of weeks, and to keep speeds at 65 or below during this time .

I'll do my best...

tshore · 05-25-2007, 06:01 PM

I see pics did not come through

I'll try them one at a time

Old top and new side by side

tshore · 05-25-2007, 06:08 PM

Not sure the problem on attaching pics...size is only 776k. Just attached successfully on another thread. I'll try one more time

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

Try changing the name of the pics on your computer. leave out the spaces, use an underscore or something. Then try uploading them.

pic of my top.jpg becomes pic_of_my_top.jpg. that should do it for you.

Randy

tshore · 05-26-2007, 08:26 AM

Thanks...

The tops side-by-side:

Old rear seal

And new

Old front

New:

trader220 · 05-26-2007, 08:29 AM

Dan did the top on my previous targa he does nice work.. Looking good!

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Looks great!!

Rouxzy · 05-26-2007, 12:10 PM

I just recently had Dan redo my top and I'll say that it was worth every penney to have him do it.
Tom

surflvr911sc · surflvr911sc's Garage

How much is Dan charging for the exchange?

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Rouxzy
I just recently had Dan redo my top and I'll say that it was worth every penney to have him do it.
Tom

I'm waiting on the new Windshield Seals that Dan is having manufactured. Then it's a new seal and top for my car.

I wasn't aware of the "excahnge" program. I'm gonna have to look into that. Since my car is being parked outside right now, going without a top isn't really an option I wanted to be stuck with.

Randy

craigyirush · 05-26-2007, 08:00 PM

The new top looks good. Do you get any wind noise at speed? I have an '86 Targa and, although the seals and top seem to be in good condition, and the hood is aligned, I get a lot of wind noise even at very low speeds (30-40mph).

Rouxzy · 05-27-2007, 03:48 AM

The only wind noise I get with my top is the top right hand corner of the driver's door. A minor adustment will take care of that.
Tom

tshore · 05-27-2007, 08:54 AM

The total cost was $895, plus shipping. With the exchange program, you also send Dan an additional $1,000 which he keeps as a deposit and which he returns when he gets your old top. I just shipped mine yesterday and it ran $60 UPS. Plus I insured it for $1000, which ran another $18.

Wind noise is reduced but not completely eliminated vs. what mine was at lower speeds, but it's too early to tell by how much at speed because per Dan's recommendations I am keeping it under 65 for the next week or so.

DRACO A5OG · DRACO A5OG's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by tshore

The total cost was $895, plus shipping. With the exchange program, you also send Dan an additional $1,000 which he keeps as a deposit and which he returns when he gets your old top. I just shipped mine yesterday and it ran $60 UPS. Plus I insured it for $1000, which ran another $18.

Wind noise is reduced but not completely eliminated vs. what mine was at lower speeds, but it's too early to tell by how much at speed because per Dan's recommendations I am keeping it under 65 for the next week or so.

TShore,

May I ask how did the new top fare in the recent rains and did you get the new front seal as well?

Jim