Targa top rebuild article with pics??

davis911s · davis911s's Garage

Is there a good tech article out there on how to rebuild a Targa top, (pics would really help)
I have read Bob Spindels
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_targa_top_recondition/911_targa_top_recondition.htm
But there were no pics. I am a DUMMY and pics really would help.

My top does not fit right, I am going to get my new front seal in and try a top rebuild (not until I am in my house though-Moving)

Just like to see more articles.

Shawn

epbrown · 06-03-2002, 12:10 AM

Gee, I dunno, it's apparently very difficult.

These guys say refurbishing your targa top is a more difficult project than an engine rebuild! Goodness knows they've got no ulterior motive...

Emanuel

Argo · 06-03-2002, 06:11 AM

Here you go .........

http://members.rennlist.com/5150targa/page6.html

Hope this helps.

Argo
88 Targa

alan911 · 06-03-2002, 06:13 AM

Try this one. It's got pics. A rebuid is not that hard. You just have to have a lot of patience and think ahead before you do it. Think FIT and APPEARANCE.

Ask me if you need more info. Do not even consider using 3m spray adhesive. And don't use any foam backed headliner material. I've gone through 2 of them. The foam deterorates, seprates and the headliner sags. Finally got smart and used thin carpeting. Better insulation, no rattles, and less wind noise.

Don't even think about folding the top all the way when done. You'll eventually crack the vinyl.

If your top needs mechanical parts like rear alignment pins, replace them now because you can''t do it once the skin is in place. Did one and had one done for about $250 for just the skin.

Pelican has all the parts if you need them.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_targa_top_recover/911_targa_top_recover.htm

Jdub · 06-03-2002, 06:16 AM

That Ebay item is Dan at CarsInc. He is very, very good. Personally I am glad he is getting out there and advertising his stuff. He also has loads of early 911 parts.

John

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Here's my own personal writeup:

http://www.vintagebus.com/targa/index.html

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

I love that ebay post:
"Persons bidding on this vinyl should realize that restoration of a Targa Top is very difficult, if you choose to do it yourself. This job is a level 10 in difficulty. 911 engine rebuilds are only a 7.. "

I guess since I did my Targa top the engine will be a piece of cake weekend job.

davis911s · davis911s's Garage

Thanks guys. Thom and Tom both those articles are great! They will be my reading material until I muster up the courage to try this(time too)
John I agree Dan is VERY good, but also expensive. I like to try to do as much as I can on my own car. I feel better that way. Then again if it all goes wrong I'll try it, mess it up then send it to him

!

Shawn

Jdub · 06-03-2002, 07:47 AM

Shawn:

Well God hates a coward! Go for it. I did the same job some years back. New German vinyl, the double-thickness headliner, and new front pins, pin covers (rear), and the like.

Do the work on a hot, hot day, in the sun. Let that new vinyl get pliable and stretchy. Use binder clips of varying sizes to hold and shape the top material prior to final gluing. Remember to keep the front and rear arms unlocked so that, when finally locked, the top "snaps" into position.

Good luck!
John

alan911 · 06-03-2002, 07:50 AM

Where were you when I need you.

Excellent write-up. Now if I could only figure out how to replace one of the rear alinement pins without tearing the whole thing apart, I'd be one happy dude.

steve911 · steve911's Garage

How does one ADJUST the top. My left front needs a little tightening since I get a pretty good drip, drip in the rain, right on my arm and into the door pocket.

Jdub · 06-03-2002, 09:10 AM

Ask and ye shall receive! With thanks to Dan at CarsInc.:

The rear pins are bolted to side rail frame via 3 allen bolts. problem is once allens are removed the broken pin can't be removed without drilling out rivets that attach rail to the metal rib. Here is what you must do to get to remove and replace metal rear pin.

1. Remove headliner material from that side of top area.
2. Remove Trim cover and side seal from rail
3. Remove rain gutter from rail
4. Remove Vinyl from 1/3 of side
5. Remove burlap reinforcement material from 1/3 of side
6. Drill out rivets on inside portion of side rail.
7. Squeeze broken metal pin out.
8. Squeeze new pin in.
9. Pull webbing back on top inorder to re-rivet the frame to rail.
10. Reassemble.

FranksPlace2 · 06-03-2002, 10:05 AM

Here is another ebay listing that for a Targa repair kit. These guys - from Brussels - say it is easy.

Wayne, maybe you can be their U.S. distributor.

Targa Repair Kit

Frank

alan911 · 06-03-2002, 10:19 AM

Jdub, thanx.

I was afraid that it was the only way to do it.

My PO must of dropped it once and the pin is missing the last 1.5 " Still inserts enough though.

Picked up a rear Pin Assembly at Pomona yesterday for $5.00. Guy didn't know what it was or how much it really cost. But looks like more than I want to do. Guess I wait until I get really anal-ized and bored

Funny thing, have had the car for 15yrs and after reading these posts, I've discovered I'm missing both FRONT pins ! The holes have been covered over with the edge of the skin.