targa top wall mount?

[mercman]

My new targa has a triangular strut brace which prevents me from storing the top in the trunk. Since this is a fair weather car only, curious to see if anyone stores their top on a garage wall?

Any tips or pitfalls to this?

Thinking of mounting some simple hooks with a foam backing and hanging the top with the rain gutters pointed to the ceiling and to the floor. There is a lip on the side rails that should make this pretty easy. Since the targa structure is metal, I really don't see how this could do any damage or stretch the top -- am I overlooking something here?

[azasadny]

Good idea, just be careful that the top is well padded and secured, which I'm sure you'll do...

[daepp]

I have been hanging mine from hooks on the garage wall for years. I live in Southern Cal, and I don't generally drive the car if I have to use the top.

As for the hooks, they are rubber coasted and have done no damage. I will say that the top has left some black marks on my white walls, but that is me just getting sloppy.

[pmason]

Like the idea, need to take a trip to the hardware store look for ideas.

[KarlCarrera]

I have mine supported from the ceiling, (in the garage) covered, and resting flat on 2 padded 2x4's. It's been re-done so I don't think about folding it and leaving it under the "bonnet". On long trips I just set it behind the front seats. Usually condition the top every month.

Karl
88 Targa

[daepp]

An old shot...

[Moses]

Your targa top fits nicely in your trunk in front of the strut brace. I'm 100% sure.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by Moses

Your targa top fits nicely in your trunk in front of the strut brace. I'm 100% sure.

Yes, but you have to fold it...

You can't put it in the trunk anyway if you have power assisted brakes unless you fold it.

I have taken mine with me standing up on the floor behind the seats.

[HarryD]

I just fold mine and put it in the trunk.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by HarryD

I just fold mine and put it in the trunk.

Heresy, Harry...

[UrQuattro]

I keep hearing about standing it up behind the seats, but my concern about that is that the rear floor isn't flat, the middle of the top will be resting on the tunnel, putting all of the weight on a relatively small area. I'd jist be concerned that this could cause damage to the edges due to the bumping, vibrations, and various (large) g-forces that it will be subjected to.

Of course, I could be completely wrong. I'd just worry about bending the leading or trailing edges.

Michael

[daepp]

Nineball - here's another one I found - I think it was for a gallery. It's mounted on a board and is the only version like it I've seen; whereas I have seen at least 2 others like the one on my wall.

FYI:

[Canuck_Targa]

I have been hanging mine on my garage wall since I got it, folding it all the time creates wear and creases at the fold marks. I figure why fold it if I don't need to. If I am going out and think I might need it I will fold it up and put it in the trunk or the back seat, but other than that it is hanging unfolded on the wall (or on the car).

David, I gotta get me one of those Steve Steigman prints, that is a classic.

[craigyirush]

What does folding it up do to the top exactly?

Aren't they designed to be folded and put in the trunk?

I also second the question asked above - surely, resting part of the top on the transmission tunnel behind the seats can't be good for it?

[Gordo2]

I recovered my top nearly 5 years ago and toss it around like a rag. Meanwhile, a quick cleaning and it looks like new. I think a lot of people underestimate how durable the tops really are - yea, you get a couple of temporary creases, but leaving it on in the sun for a day smooths them out.

I drive with the top off every opportunity I get; mid-spring through late fall. Best guess at the weather each AM, driving my other vehicle when it calls for 50% or better

I've found that a 30% chance isolated thundershowers (normal summer forecast) means its going to be isolated over me at some point if I drive enough.

The top fits nicely folded either in the trunk or behind seats

Gordo

[HarryD]

Gordo,

I am with you.

Beside, for whom exactly are these other folks trying to preserve the Top for anyway. I see no point in treating as if it is my favorite aunt's fragile vase. I see it as part of my car to be used as needed to maximize our enjoyment.

[Canuck_Targa]

I am only trying to prevent unneeded wear and tear on mine, I believe it is either original or if recovered was done 10 to 15 years ago. it has signs of small cracks at the folds, so I figure why fold it up if I don't need to. If I do take it with me I fold it and put it in the trunk. If I can get another couple years out of it by not folding it up when I am driving it topless, works for me.

[HarryD]

Canuck Targa:

If you are worried about the vinyl getting cracked and hard, I would spend some time using one of the many excellent Vinyl protectorants that are available rather then not fold it when you need to.

[Canuck_Targa]

I have plenty of Vinyl protectants that I use faithfully thanks, and I do fold my top and take it with me whenever I might need it. I don't believe anyone said they were worried about folding up a top that was made to be folded. The OP was asking if people stored their tops unfolded on the wall and some people do. If I am going for a drive on a sunny day with no chance of needing it I will leave it in my garage unfolded instead of needlessly folding it up and taking it with me.

[steve911]

Can you guys who have them hanging from the wall take pix of the brackets? I'm having a hard time visualizing how their held up.

FYI, I stand mine against the wall, sitting on a pair of old tennis shoes. Think I got the idea from the owner's manual that talked about resting the top on your shoe tops when handling it....