Minimal Targa Changes Add Up to a Lot

[Seattle Diver]

Over the last 90 days or so I'm made 4 changes to my targa that have really made an overall difference in a big way. I should have donned my lab coat and safety glasses and did a measurement of the incremental improvements as I scientifically added each variable, measured impact, repeated my experiment,reported results and then measured my results against my control targa". That said, i did none of these things.

So here is what I did:

Strut brace - snappy, more responsive steering/control.

Targa body brace - might be the sugar pill in a clinical trial but I noticed a difference. In the "battle of the experts" geometry discussion I'm not going weigh in but the difference is noticible.

A full targa top rebuild by Dan and Cars Inc. Not only is Dan a incredibly knowledgable and helpful - he answered all my questions. He's a straight shooter who delivers what he says he does. My top came back looking absolutely new. The best doesn't come cheap but in the big picture his prices are well within the boundry of the cost of having an expert ensure you are getting exactly what is needed. Expertise costs money and my experience tells me that if I need this done every 27+ years or so it's money well spend.

Lastly, I replaced the front window seal frame with a new correct seal.

With the top on it's quiet, no creaks, no wind noise. Also, not a single drop of water (not that it ever did) intrudes, my car looks great and the car handles like never before.

I'm sick and tired about the whole notion that targas are donor cars for coupe parts. I'm not (at least at this point) going to go into the dissertation that the targa is, for more reasons that I have the energy go into now, the greatest all around sports car ever made. Those of us who have them already know. Those of you chopping these up to make parts donations to some sort of project of the month - have at it. When the worms turns there will be that many less of truly originals left over. No shortage of long hoods modified to impact bumpers or, my favorite, some sort of hybrid 959 body kit Frankenstein - don't forget this was a pretty popular thing to do along with converting longhoods to impact bumber cars. I say have at it boys -maybe add a mustache to the Mona Lisa while you are at it. And last but certainly not least thanks to all for the expert advice, unsolicited emotional advice and crazy ass ideas I find here every day. Happy Thanksgiving.

[ivangene]

hey...how tough was the windshield seal swap..did you DIY????

I need this but an scared...PM me details

[nesslar]

+1 for Dan and the front seal; top I have came from him, and though I haven't added braces, I'm dry (if I drive in the rain) including washes..... nuttin like the open air, don't give a rip about those who just don't get it (though I like Coupes, too, for sure).
Oh, meant to say, my front seal is orig.; but only -70K miles..............

[nesslar]

Originally Posted by ivangene

hey...how tough was the windshield seal swap..did you DIY????

I need this but an scared...PM me details

I think he's speaking of the Targa seal at the front......there are those out there that don't fit. Dan will tell you; only because he KNOWS. Great guy, great work, knows almost TOO much.

[Seattle Diver]

Nesslar- give both sets (strut and targa braces) consideration. Cost factor is pretty low considering the hobby we dabble in. feel free to contact me via PM for more info. I drive for pleasure only and I've noticed a significant difference. Have a great holiday weekend.

Yes, I got the windshield shield directly from Dan - perfect fit!

[ivangene]

oh...

[nesslar]

lol....

[nesslar]

Originally Posted by Seattle Diver

Nesslar- give both sets (strut and targa braces) consideration. Cost factor is pretty low considering the hobby we dabble in. feel free to contact me via PM for more info. I drive for pleasure only and I've noticed a significant difference. Have a great holiday weekend.

Yes, I got the windshield shield directly from Dan - perfect fit!

Hobby? What? That's not what Wifey Dear said.......
I'll do a strut brace; anybody listening? Buyer in the wings!! Seriously, 'cuz I agree.

[Seattle Diver]

Originally Posted by ivangene

hey...how tough was the windshield seal swap..did you DIY????

I need this but an scared...PM me details

yep I mean front seal over over the winshield frame. My bad.

[seamore2001]

Which/whose strut brace did you use? Which targa body brace?

[DRACO A5OG]

Well said sir Targa

He is talking about the Targa Body Brace that our Host sells made by JMPro.

If I may suggest OP, I would add several more Mods for pre '86 Targas. I upped to thicker '86-89 Sways Front and Back and as well as larger Torsion Bars 22/29's and Cabriolet Mounts (4).

On the Drive train for 915 Gearbox, Ivangene's Derlin Coupler and Sherwood's Siennes Gate Shift Kit.

I use mine mainly for Street and an ocassional DE. She is very heavy with tail, AC, Rears Seats, the thicker T bars still makes the ride smooth with firmness when needed.

Jim

[schulr]

I would have replaced my seal long ago but was not aware anyone had one that would fit. I just sent Dan an e mail at Cars Inc to see what he has. He rebuilt my top but I still have a good bit of wind noise.

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by schulr

I would have replaced my seal long ago but was not aware anyone had one that would fit. I just sent Dan an e mail at Cars Inc to see what he has. He rebuilt my top but I still have a good bit of wind noise.

Yeap, that will do it You should notice Dan's seal will allow the top to sit lower in front and as result a proper seal. Inspect the side window alignment in case PO adjusted it to the wrong front seal. I had to re-adjust my parallelism points.

[dhagood]

link for dan, cars inc, and the majik targa front seal?

edit: may i please have a link for dan, cars inc, and the majik targa front seal? my mommy would be displeased at my discourtesy

[fintstone]

Here is a link: Vintage Porsche Parts and Targa Tops for Porsche

[Seattle Diver]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Well said sir Targa

He is talking about the Targa Body Brace that our Host sells made by JMPro.

If I may suggest OP, I would add several more Mods for pre '86 Targas. I upped to thicker '86-89 Sways Front and Back and as well as larger Torsion Bars 22/29's and Cabriolet Mounts (4).

On the Drive train for 915 Gearbox, Ivangene's Derlin Coupler and Sherwood's Siennes Gate Shift Kit.

I use mine mainly for Street and an ocassional DE. She is very heavy with tail, AC, Rears Seats, the thicker T bars still makes the ride smooth with firmness when needed.

Jim

thank your the additional feedback. I've added these to my "to do" list. Thanks!

[dhagood]

Originally Posted by Seattle Diver

Lastly, I replaced the front window seal frame with a new correct seal.

where did you source said correct seal? from pelican?

[DRACO A5OG]

Wind Shield Seal our host

Targa Top Front Seal DAN at Carsinc, link above

[schulr]

Received the following from CarsInc

Yes I have the correct seal. It is $187.99 shipped. Do you have some pics of top where it meets windshield?

Carsinc Office 609 298 2277 Cell 609 351 2068
Dan Petchel, 5 Matthew Ct Ste B, Bordentown NJ 08505
Targa Tops, Vintage Parts & Porsche Answer Man

[Hugh R]

I might just spring for that front seal. $187.99 for a piece of extruded rubber!!