Targa top cut???

[philipbolek]

My car is an 81 targa with the top chopped as well as targa bar removed. PO added clam shell and after-market top utilizing targa top attached to a after-market cross-bar. The current top, stretched over the targa is attached very hokie to the rear as well as PO made targa top "un-collapsible". Option is that I have a Jensen Healey top frame that I cut to fit and looks and folds down very nice. Issue is that the front that attaches to the windshield is about 3" short. The current top attaches using the targa locks. To use the front locking bars of the targa top effectively I would have to cut the side rails of the targa top and attach to the JH top to compensate for the short 3". Is this what most would consider the best route? The installation and removal of the targa top is a pain as well as the targa not folding taking up the whole rear end. The JH top folds, accordion style like a traditional convertible top and clears the clam shell. Any thoughts or advice? Thanks,

[JerryL]

Intresting, as far as the top frame gos, looks like you have a good sart and most likley a minimal investment. Now for the Targa top graft, I dont know.
How bad has the PO F.ed up the top?? if not bad maybe keep it and find a solid core for parts either using the complete front section where it attaches and fab the the parts to blend it or maybe use some of the components from the top and fab a new front bar to attach it to the frame, maybe using your jensen front pc??

The targa top front section is very heavy due tio the folding construction, and a traditional top (I have a MGB and a spare top frame) is sheetmetal, maybe use the jensen front section mod it to fit the shape of the windshield frame then add the alignment pins and latches?? then fit the links btw what you have now and what you made?? Maybe have to add another bow but no big deal.

Basically what the hell give it a shot and keep us posted.

Regards

[philipbolek]

JerryL, thanks for the reply and advice. Thats kinda where I am at, I dont want to cut the side rails of the targa top if I dont have to. I would like to just use the front piece of the targa top for attaching to the windshield. Just unsure on how to fab where the side rails meet the front. (pivot knuckle with corner contour for windshield frame) The targa top that came with the car was drilled thru in several places by the PO to remain one shape and to secure the convertible top. Didnt look too bad with the convertible top covering it but this targa top in my opinion would need a total refurbish. and is the reason I am thinking of cutting the side rails and grafting to the JH top. Also on the JH frame I am missing the bar that attaches the frame to the windshield.....right now I am thinking I will cut the targa but will wait a day or two so that the idea/disaster can sink in. I am also fabbing a new hinge point for the clamshell so I can move on to something else although the top and the clamshell need to clear each other, which they do now, but after adding the targa top sides/front?? Thanks again, I will try to take better pictures and post this evening.

[philipbolek]

With the targa/convertible top on. (last winter)

[philipbolek]

Finally have the clamshell hinged, just need to tweek a little & add front and rear locks. Prior to adding the angle subframe the shell would "tin can" at least 3". As you can see by the pics, while supported on one side, no sag - Yea!! I added springs after I took the pictures, raises and close with one hand as well as holds the shell up - no supports will be needed. The hinges are from a Jensen Healey hood (bonnet), while the base to mount them was fabbed locally. (Had a hard time finding someone that wanted to take my money to fab brackets). I glassed in 5 mounting points on the shell with the hinge points having 5/16 nuts welded onto an 1/8 plate and glassed over. The shell was just that, no sub-structure to stop tin canning or to mount hinges/locks. Still have a ways to go, I have rear snap locks already just need to align and mount. Having a bracket made that will cover the targa bar opening, the convertible top frame as well as front locks for the clamshell will mount on these. I am quite happy the way it turned out, twice as rigid and opens the correct way now for a top to work. Now I continue on with making the top. Just thought I would update. Also looking for anyone in the Sacramento area that can stop by and compare the rakes/angle of our windshields. I am unsure if mine has been slanted as it has been chopped 3.5". Thanks for any and all advice, suggestions, input.