A little Targa painting help please...

[1985RedTarga]

My recent purchase is pretty darn good condition externally. However, the black "roll cage", as I'll call it, is horrible. Faded under the New Mexico sun.

I'm ready to tackle this easy project, but could use some advice.

The first being, what type of paint finish came from the factory? I'm guessing it was a satin black, but your knowledgeable input would be great. Also, an suggestions other basic prep tips? Sand? Primer?

Lastly, how do I get the "Targa" emblem off with damaging it and how to reapply it? It doesn't seem to be "glued" on, but more of a mechanical attatchment.

Here's a photo to show you what I mean.

As always, thanks!
Jamie

[warner53]

To get the targa emblem off you have to take the roll bar cover off, which helps with the painting. Two nuts under the wheel well, one side you have to remove the charcoal canister. Then there are screws under the forward rubber seal. All in all not hard.

Then you can get to the twisty nuts that hold the emblem on.

I just rattle can'd mine and it looks great.

Luck

W

[twistoffat]

My Targa bar had faded with age but rather than paint it I used Mothers Back to Black which had been recommended on another thread here. It worked a treat and looks new

[KCinBR]

I had mine powder coated, satin finish.

[daepp]

There was a recent thread where newer painted Targa bars were returned to the original stainless steel look of the early cars. Just sayin...

[Winter]

Originally Posted by DAEpperson

There was a recent thread where newer painted Targa bars were returned to the original stainless steel look of the early cars. Just sayin...

+1

Do a search, there's a ton of info here on the forum. Once you digest all of it, ask questions if something isn't clear to you. But this is pretty straightforward. Maybe try the Back to Black trick as sometimes taking the bar off is a PITA due to rusty studs.

Good luck.

[daepp]

Even some current manufacturers like the stainless...







Sorry - I'll shut up now

[tcar]

By 85, the targa emblems were all black, not silver. The sun faded them.

Get a Bentley Manual for good instructions for this and other things.

I left mine on, masked very very well and repainted with Rust-Oleum 7777 Satin Black. Perfect match.

[daepp]

Some suggested that they were painted stainless steel up until the later years.

[porwolf]

In my opinion window trim should also be converted to chrome if the Targa bar finished is changed to the earlier treatment.

This is an original 1979 Targa with a chrome bar:

[RSTarga]

Stick to black if all other trim is black, be carefull when removing as the securing studs are in the wheel wells and tend to freeze up with rust . Clean and apply something to lossen up before attempting to remove. The most durable is powder coat either grainy finish or satin finish. If well prepared paint works fine.

[NOLAsc]

Hey. Welcome, Jamie.

[1985RedTarga]

Thanks all!!! I'm hoping it won't be that hard to pop off. The car has lived it's life in the desert of New Mexico, so rust shouldn't be an issue. One of the good things about living here. lol