Composite Targa Top Development

[toddc]

Thanks John, I'll keep an eye out for it.

As we get closer, it may be worthwhile sending a few to AUS in one shipment.

[FKA901]

Originally Posted by toddc

I offer no correction whatsoever, I am not intimately familiar with what folding tops the factory offered for what years.

We're comparing apples to oranges.

My carbon hardtop is a clone of the factory hardtop that was offered as an option in '75 that has been modified to allow the use of factory J-Hook latches that were used in all variations of the folding top from 74-86.

The beauty of this hardtop is that allows someone to install it as they would their original folding top with no modification required and the added benefit that items like latches and guide pins are serviceable without the destruction of the top which is something that is not possible with a stock folding top.

I truly hope this helps clear up that we are not making a comparison between vinyl tops and hard tops.

Regards,

I am wondering if your top will fit and work on a earlier 1972? nice piece.
What is the cost of fiberglass unit?
thanks

[toddc]

Originally Posted by FKA901

I am wondering if your top will fit and work on a earlier 1972? nice piece.
What is the cost of fiberglass unit?
thanks

I'm not 100% certain, but it think it does fit the earlier cars by changing the rear guide pins.

Perhaps another pelican can confirm.

[fintstone]

I have seen quite a few early cars with the factory '75 hardtop that your version is patterned after...so obviously it can be done. Those used the original factory latches in the front.

[Jack Stands]

His problem has been trying to find replacement latches for the early type fiberglass roofs - NLA and no reasonable alternative that isn't cost prohibitive. I used to own a 75 with the solid top, and it was nice. I'm hoping to be able to get one for my '84 Targa when finances permit.

[toddc]

Originally Posted by Jack Stands

His problem has been trying to find replacement latches for the early type fiberglass roofs - NLA and no reasonable alternative that isn't cost prohibitive. I used to own a 75 with the solid top, and it was nice. I'm hoping to be able to get one for my '84 Targa when finances permit.

Thanks Jack,
you are absolutely correct. We have tooling for the factory hardtop clone and have built a few for peeps who still had OE hard top latches available however that crowd is small.

Hence the move to redesigning a bottom frame that incorporates the J-Hook latches which apparently work on everything up to '86.

That tooling is done and we're ready to produce however we're down on capacity with every product right now to to moving into a new facility.

Soon, very soon.

[fintstone]

Right...but if it will fit an early with the '75 style latches, there is little reason to believe it will not with the J-hooks...which seems the perfect solution (other than originality or a little more weight than the ''75 style hardtop latches). This is exactly what enthusiasts have been asking for for decades. The only thing keeping me from ordering one so far is that I never put the top on either of my targas and I have very nice soft tops and a spare soft top.

[trader220]

Any word on the roller latch model for 87-89 cars?

[RSTarga]

The only reason the factory added a third pin is because the soft top would bow up at speed and let away from the seal. A rigid top will not do this so a 3d pin is unnecessary.

[porschemike]

Originally Posted by trader220

Any word on the roller latch model for 87-89 cars?

I'm also in desperate need of a top...I would love to hand you my money!

[toddc]

Originally Posted by porschemike

I'm also in desperate need of a top...I would love to hand you my money!

I apologize for not replying to the previous roller latch question.... Whirlwind of activity here.

We're just now getting the first few J-Hook latch tops built and are focused on delivering them.

I really would like to get the roller latch tops going before the snow flies. In order for us to do that, we'll need someone to provide a sacrificial but straight roller latch frame with functional latches and guide pins for the modeling phase....

Regards,

[porschemike]

Originally Posted by toddc

I apologize for not replying to the previous roller latch question.... Whirlwind of activity here.

We're just now getting the first few J-Hook latch tops built and are focused on delivering them.

I really would like to get the roller latch tops going before the snow flies. In order for us to do that, we'll need someone to provide a sacrificial but straight roller latch frame with functional latches and guide pins for the modeling phase....

Regards,

I hesitate to offer you my slightly torn top, because it's the only thing keeping out the Tampa rain for me. How long would you need it, and will it be in pieces when you return it?

[toddc]

Originally Posted by porschemike

I hesitate to offer you my slightly torn top, because it's the only thing keeping out the Tampa rain for me. How long would you need it, and will it be in pieces when you return it?

Hi Mike,

the roller latch frame we need will indeed be sacrificial. the front section of the frame will be consumed during the modeling process. It will not be returned. The sides however would be.

Regards,

[strikee]

Can someone please remind me if the targa top can be stored, unfolded behind the front seats? I am leaning towards one of todds tops instead of refurbishing my targa soft top, but want to check its storable when out on the road.
Thanks
Ed

[jimrs2000]

Yes it will fit behind the seats unfolded.

[dbinpv]

Its now coming up on 2 years since I first encountered this post. Personally I am waiting for the roller version since I have an 89 Targa. Knowing what it has taken to get this far in the process do you expect any to be available before 2016?

[toddc]

Its now coming up on 2 years since I first encountered this post. Personally I am waiting for the roller version since I have an 89 Targa. Knowing what it has taken to get this far in the process do you expect any to be available before 2016?

Good question. We're just now building the first few of the j hooks. I anticipate starting the roller frame as soon as we can source a sacrificial frame. From frame to first proto should come late this year with production coming in early 2015

[toddc]

Finally in production!

[boba]

Great news, now on to the roller frame!!! Here's hoping you can source a roller frame quickly. I'd give you mine but I still need it to keep the rain out.

[toddc]