Composite Targa Top Development

[trader220]

Which years were J hooks which were roller type? I would be very interested in one for my 87.

Thanks

[toddc]

I'f I'm not mistaken, 86 or 87 was the first year for Roller Latches....

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than I will chime in.

[javadog]

1986...

Jr

[Howard M]

The OEM Targa hardtop, available in 1975, used a different clamp and different holes in the windshield header. Those clamps might be easier to reproduce than the folding top j-hook clamps, though they are no longer available.

[toddc]

Thanks Howard.
We've had clones of the 75 or hardtop available for almost a year however the latches are simply nowhere to be found. We looked into stamping them but at a cost of nearly 80k for dies we opted to Go another direction. This the j-hooks.
J-hook latches are currently available from our host and others. In addition, someone wanting to swap working latches from their busted folding top will have the option of saving a few bucks.

[trader220]

Todd,

I am a bit confused. Are you producing a top right now that will work on an 87 right out of the box? If not what is required to make it work on an 87 if possible, or will you be producing one anytime?

Thanks
Howard aka Trader220

[toddc]

Howard, I apologize for the confusion.

The top we have in production is a clone of the 75 hardtop. Meaning it accepts the same OE hardtop latches as the 75 top does.

Next up is the j-hook top. The outer portion is the same as all other targas however the inner frame is designed to accept the j-hook latches.

After J-Hook, we'll look into the roller latch frames.

If someone were so inclined, outer top skins can be provided separately such that you could bond it to an existing frame.

Hope this clears up the mud just a little....

[ScottT80]

How is this project coming along?

[andy_uranium]

Cool to see this kind of stuff happening in my backyard. Very cool top! Thanks for sharing the process with us.

[toddc]

It's coming. Slowly. Lots of priorities to juggle.

Molds are done, next step is proto part layup. test fit and trial.

Hopefully not long now...

[toddc]

Won't be long now, bottom mold for the J hook version is being laid up right now!
Next is pull the proto, test fit on Nineball's car and go for production!

[boba]

Great news Todd, how long from the J hook to the roller style for later cars?

[toddc]

Will keep you posted Bob,

for now, the j-hook miolds are complete, proto layup happening this week.

Tops finally drawing near.

[nineball]

the bottom mold is finally done!! j-hooks here we come!!

[Karaya]

Hi toddc,

Do you have other carbon products for the 911? would it be ok to ask for a photo/s and cost please?

Thank You,

Karaya

[toddc]

Originally Posted by Karaya

Hi toddc,

Do you have other carbon products for the 911? would it be ok to ask for a photo/s and cost please?

Thank You,

Karaya

Thanks Karaya,

I have several different parts available in CF or fiberglass for the 911's.

Most can be found in various threads here.

Rather than derail this thread feel free to email me and I can put together a list for you.

Thanks,

[Karaya]

Thanks toddc!

[toddc]

up!

proto top skin in natural amber fiberglass and proto J-hook bottom frame complete and ready for test fit, fixing on a model......

I'll post up some pics later today/tomorrow after primer dries.

[trader220]

Todd, keep us roller latch guys in the back of your mind. I am very interested in one for my 87.

[toddc]

The long awaited J-Hook bottom frame is now finished. I'm moving into the test fitment phase now and am looking for a couple different vehicles to verify fitment on.