targa top replacement with a cut and shut roof?

[bezza911]

OK, I know I am mad, I have an 85 targa, and constantly having issues with a targa top and the associated body flex that comes with it. The targa being the lesser valued 911 and the market for selling them here in UK is dire, what is the reality of cutting a roof off a wreck and welding it to the targa frame so I can then turn it into a viable track car????? I like the rounded rear window, just a thought and worth throwing it out there, stop laughing and easy on the ridicule you purists!

[twistoffat]

I´d have thought putting a gage in and some struts would stiffen it up nicely.

[bezza911]

but it's all the wind noise, the idea of trans euro rallies is really appealing, at least water tight would be nice!!!

[DRACO A5OG]

Interesting.

But how would you seal the sides?

I guess you could get a fabricator to make a steel top to match the contours of the original top and weld it to the front and targa bar, but the trick would be the sides and the side of the targa bar seal.

BTW mine is water and air tight

[twistoffat]

The track days I´ve been on are usually noisey affairs anyway. I´ve an 87 Targa and the roof is tight as a misers wallet but once I go above 100mph its noisey. On the track you have a helmet anyway. If you really want to use it for track days then get a race cage that will stiffen it up. As far as the leaks are concerned you could get new seals. The track will probably be full of madmen in Caterhams anyway. Now theres a car with a leaky roof

[DRACO A5OG]

If I may, a known true original front over the wind shield seal will resolve most leak and noise issues.

Dan P of carsinc is the only person so far that has a original spec seal. Price is not bad.

I also track my car, no issues. Taken it up over 140 tight as "misers wallet"

Front Strut bar helps.

[bezza911]

Hmmmm, the issue with the windows is a poser, I guess the best thing to look at is the glass i have on a targa vs the glass on a hard top, and go from there. It could look quite tidy with the roof welded, I would like to keep it as a functional fast road car with access to track day fun etc, with the rear targa window and hard top, could be an interesting modification. Wonder if anyone has doe it yet?

[twistoffat]

Before you start experimenting the prices in the UK are down now. Whos to say where they will be in 5 years. When it comes to value originality is a big factor. I know where you are coming from but I just thought it was worth mentioning

[Ken911]

I have two tops for mine. the soft top kept trying to come off the car every time i got up around 150 mph, So I got a fiberglass hard top, for the track and every day driving. On dates and drives where i might want to take the top off i use the soft top.

[Hotwatermusic]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

If I may, a known true original front over the wind shield seal will resolve most leak and noise issues.

Front Strut bar helps.

I have one of those original spec seals and it definitely does fix water leaks, but wind noise, no...pretty much the same as before. But, as far as a front strut bar, does that really do a Targa any good? For every opinion I read that says yes, another says "does more harm than good." NO ONE can agree on those things. I mean, it has to do some good, right?

[DRACO A5OG]

Is that the Saratoga Top?

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by Hotwatermusic

I have one of those original spec seals and it definitely does fix water leaks, but wind noise, no...pretty much the same as before. But, as far as a front strut bar, does that really do a Targa any good? For every opinion I read that says yes, another says "does more harm than good." NO ONE can agree on those things. I mean, it has to do some good, right?

When you replaced the seal did you re-align the quarter windows and the windows, If it was adjusted with the incorrect seal, they need to be put back to spec/oem. Just a thought.

Well for me, the bar I bought form Steve Wong definitely stiffened up my cornering and less body flex. The bonus was it allowed me to make fine camber adjustments.

Only side effect was not being able to open my smugglers box all the way.

PCA seems to think it works, they doc me on the auto crosses

[Ken911]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Is that the Saratoga Top?

I don't remember it is a fiber glass top that connects to a stock regular frame. I bought the whole assembly from someone who couldn't make if fit and not leak. I just used plenty of patience and the 89 model seals on the sides and there is less wind noise and no leakage unlike the soft top. Plus even at 165mph it stayed on just fine. it is definately stiffer than the soft top. I also installed targa bars and a 3 point strut brace.

[bezza911]

I bought a carbon fibre top from someone on here over a year ago, the thing is about 2 cm too short and was a complete waste of time, I heard and have seen that a fixed top (non collapsible) was made by the factory but they are hens teeth to come across. I recently had all the seals replaced here in Germany, the only prob I have is with the drivers door, the window assembly needs replacing, once that is done it will be as good as they get, but its the flex that bugs me out.

A question though, are targa doors the same as coupe doors, apart from the window frame? I guess I would need 2 new doors to go te welded top idea.

[twistoffat]

You might want to get in touch with Wiesmann Cars in Germany. Before they started building their own cars they made their money making Targa tops and hardtops for the BMW Z1. I don´t know if they still do but I´m sure a quick mail would answer that

[snbush67]

You could always make your own:

Budget Targa Top - Super lite

[Ken911]

ok found the link to the place my top was made http://www.kaminari.com/porsche-targa-black-top-frp A lot of people had problems making them fit if you decide to go this way it will take a lot of patience and readustment of the windows. I got mine cheap because the guy i bought it from gave up trying to get it to fit on his car.

[wowzer911]

Uh, our host sells these

[bezza911]

I have a carbon fibre Kaminari, did not fit by 2 cms, if any one in Europe wants one send me a message! Love the clear top, looks well tasty!