Targa Top Replacement

[Brian993]

I am having the vinyl in my targa top replaced with black german canvas, while the car is being stripped painted and polished. Same as a cabs top. What do you guys think about this? Go easy on me! At least I didnt get a turbo tail!

[old_skul]

Not a bad idea. I think the vinyl provides a more gradual transition from the shiny paint of the windshield surround, to the targa vinyl, to the nearly matte black of the Targa bar, but canvas is probably pretty cool too.

I'd be a little leery of leaks (of course) and wind noise over the rough material.

[Brian993]

I dont intend to drive in the rain. This is a fourth car. Only nice days.

[Jdub]

I do not know what is used in the Cab. top, so I am unsure if the material will handle high speed IN THIS MODEL. Consider that it is all the vinyl material can do to hang on to the top structure at speed on a Targa. Bubbles, etc. are the norm. over time as the top of the car is an intensive low-pressure area where the wind will want to rip the lid off of the car.

You might consider getting the "look" by bonding the cab canvas to a decent US vinyl, then using that combination to recover. I would be leery of the canvas handling the air.

John

[Brian993]

I dont expect any problems with the canvas be it leaks or high speed! Thats why some things I believe are left to qualified people. The upholsterer who is doing the job has been in business three generations and wouldnt do it for just the money, if there was going to be a problem of either nature, I believe he would be upfront rather than have me back for repairs and fixes. He guarantees everything for 2 years. My main concern is the look. I dont care for the vinyl. I belive the canvas will present a more refined look, just wondering what you guys think.

[Jdub]

Ah, I see. With that qualifier I think you have a winner then, as the look will be fabulous.

Post a pic when done!

John

[steve911]

as others have said in other posts - its yours, so do with it as you please. personally, I like the look of my targa with the german pebble grain, but I can see how the canvas would be kind of cool look.

post pix when done - then you'll really hear some opinions, but I'm sure it will look great.

[scedmonds]

You never know when the weather will turn damp (or worse), even here in San Diego. I would trust vinyl over canvas, but that's just me (of course, you WERE asking for opinions).

If your vendor has been doing this for years, agrees to stand behind it, you've got nothing to lose.

I do prefer the vinyl pebble grain look . . . and can't imagine what a finished canvas top would look like. Post pix!

Cheers!

C.

[Matt Smith]

The Canvas will probably look good, if a bit unoriginal (but that's another debate altogether).
The only problem I have is with your arguement:
If this is a fourth car and only used for fine days, you won't NEED a targa top. Any self respecting 'Targie' whips it off at the mere suggestion of clear skies, and it doesn't go back on again till it absolutely HAS to.

So, save some money and invest in:

1) sunscreen
2)a windproof , socially acceptable hat if needed
3)some cool sunglasses (not aviators, unless they are the ultrahip tongue in cheek modern rip offs)
4)a hot looking girlfriend
5) a steely, determined look
6)another hot looking girlfriend for when the first one gets sick of you constantly looking for windy roads and on-ramps rather than the posey places she initially had in mind.

[Clark Griswald]

Good god man what have you done!

Seriously, the cab canvas has no problems with being waterproof or bubbling at speed. I expect the targa will work equally well. I'm not sure which will wear better.

It's just a question of appearance. Although it's not original, I'd argue the canvas looks to be of higher quality than the vinyl.

Just imagine how cheesy a cab would look if you put a vinyl replacement top on it. Canvas has a quality look.

[Fishcop]

Ha....what a cack Matt! I almost want to get a targa now with your description of it's driving delights.

Steely gaze and hot looking chick

[Jdub]

I finally had a look at the Automation/Performance catalog last night and noticed a foldable mini-top for the Targa...that seemed kind of neat. For folks who don't have to do bad weather driving in their cars.

Also noticed they sell oversize clips for the bars, underside of top. Anyone had any experience with these? They claim that old clips get a groove in them and that these clips, with their increased size, give more grip. Set of eight around $130.00 though...

John

[Brian993]

The car should be completed within the next two weeks, I will borrow a dig cam and get some pics posted. I am excited about the results the guys at the body shop have spent five days stripping the paint and two days cleaning up the body she should look showroom when completed!