Targa- Things To Look for on PPI

[304065]

OK, I admit it. I sold my Carrera and used the proceeds to buy a tow vehicle. Now my only Porsche has monoballs and a roll cage.

So I am looking for a Targa for a summer car. There are a few around and prices are in the $12k-16K range for an SC.

Question: What are the Targa-specific concerns? I have heard about leaks, and integrity of the body structure is very important, but would love to hear from the long time Targa folks about what to look for.

[emcon5]

Originally posted by john_cramer
Question: What are the Targa-specific concerns?

You mean beside this:

(thanks to BlueSkyJaunte for the pic)

I would make sure it didn't start life as a coupe.

I know, not much help.

Tom

[pbs911]

Great choice with the Targa. I have used mine as a daily driver for the past three years.

As for strentgh in the frame, use the factory jacking point with a jack pad and jack up the car. A worn or weak body will be evident when trying to open and close the doors. They will either not open or have difficultly closing due to the body flex.

As for the Targa Top sealing issues, be sure to inspect the Targa top rubber on the top and the car itself. These can be expensive if you have to replace all of them. In fact the early front Targa seal is NLA and a later model must be adapted. I have had mine for three years and although there is a little noise, it does not leak a drop.

Aside from that I really can't think of anything different on the Targa than the coupe. Oh yea, use sunscreen. Just don't drive around with the Targa top off and the windows up.

[Brian993]

Paul just curious, why no windows up?

[epbrown]

John, you want to look for leaks, water damage and water damage by-products.

Leaks - you want to make sure that the front and rear seals are in good shape, especially over the quarter windows. A bad seal in that area generates more wind noise and lets water in. Replacing the seals can run you $200-$400, easy, plus having someone fit them. Fitting Targa seals is an art since the pre-88 seals have been discontinued. You have to get the seals trimmed for the earlier years. Keep the seals clean and soft for the best fit - some folks use vegetable oil on them.

Water damage - someone that seriously neglected a Targa would have rusty floor pans. Someone less neglectful would have moldy and discolored carpets in the front or rear area, and maybe the parcel shelf. Bad leaks over the quarter windows result in deformed door pockets from moisture to the cardboard, and shorted door speakers. Warped door panels aren't uncommon. Replacment door pockets, preferably fiberglass to avoid the problem re-occurring, run $258 each @ Pelican.

Targa top- check the condition of the top itself. It should fit properly, with no curling at the front or rear from loose or missing clips. The ribs that create the shape shouldn't be bent so that the top is convex rather than concave. Accept no cracks, rips, tears, or poor repairs of same. Make sure the headlining is sound. Make sure all of the hardware is still there, like the handles. Rebuilding a Targa is about $500, replacing one about $750.

Because of the weaker structure of the targa, serious rust to the frame will lead to doors, engine lid, and or trunk lid not closing properly. Make sure the car is straight and clean, especially the rocker areas, inner and outer.

Also verify that the HVAC is working up to standard - these are marginal at best in any Porsche, but in a Targa they become more important. You'll always be colder and damper than you would be with a coupe due to the poorer insulation overhead, even without leaks.

Driving:

You'll want good sun visors so replace puffy ones; a good hat with a brim that fits well enough to not blow off while you drive; and a nice pair of shades. Learn not to leave anything lying around inside your car - it will blow out, even stuff you thought was too heavy. Assume anything lighter than a full-grown human needs to be secured.

If you want to leave the top off while you're parked, note that Targas have a lock in the trunk handle so someone can't just reach in and pop the trunk. Lock that and the glove box, don't leave anything out (Targa owners learn to keep their cars neat for security if nothing else!), and you're good to go.

Warning: leaving the top at home is a sure-fire guarantee of rain, I don't care if you live in Arizona, Palm Beach, Somalia, where ever. You may also find surprises from our little winged friends, scorching hot seats, and the occasional trash thrown in by jealous passers-by (someone once got their interior decorated with a McDonald's mlkshake). I keep a spray bottle and towels for emergency clean-ups.

There ya go - have at it!

Emanuel

[epbrown]

Originally posted by BigBpainta
Paul just curious, why no windows up?

It just looks lame.

Emanuel

[BK911]

That 914 pic was awesome! The first sign that's happening is the door gap becomes uneven.

[Jamul74]

BigB,
YOU can drive around in a targa with the windows up as long as you have your dress on

[Ray B]

Make sure to go out and drive a targa. After the carrera, the room for the pedal cluster in the targa seems much narrower. There isn't much lateral room in the targa footwell for big feet. I only speak for the 2.7-era cars- maybe the SCs are different.

[epbrown]

Nope, I've got an '83 SC Targa and wear a size 15 shoe. With basketball shoes, I'm pretty much hitting all 3 pedals at once even though my feet are pretty narrow. No problem with my Timberlands and running shoes, which I wear most often anyway.

Emanuel

[Brian993]

Originally posted by Jamul74
BigB,
YOU can drive around in a targa with the windows up as long as you have your dress on

Hmmmm......How do I handle this kind of BS. I will have to give it some thought.

[Jamul74]

BigP,
It was a JOKE! Don't send me any more private emails with threatening language.

[Brian993]

Hey Jamul, with all the crap BS52 was writing in the OT section, your timing could not have been worse. The PMs only asked why you were breaking my balls and if this was going to persist I would then have to react. No threat there just one man talking to another. Sorry I didnt realize you that you would feel threatened so easy.

[Jamul74]

BigB,
I'm not sure who is giving you grief on the OT threads. It's none of my business. I'm done!
Regards,Dan

[BierHunter]

Well, my first porsche happens to be a targa. Fortunately, I bought it from a friend whom I trust. And it has been a good experience.

I will say that after driving around topless in this targa, I can't imagine not owning one. It's a wonderful experience.

But...I would pay close attention to all of the advice listed above. In fact, even though I bought mine from a trusted individual, I am still going through it with a fine toothed comb. It just makes sense to do so. My wife drives it, so I want to make sure it's in great condition and safe. But then again, I would do that with any car.