frankc, if you go with a factory hard top (or any hard top) that uses the factory hard top clamps you must source the escutcheons that surround the windshield frame hole. There is a lot of hold-down force applied by the clamp toggle that must be resisted by the hardened escutcheon. Targa Dan in NJ supplied mine.

Joeaksa, I wish I had thought of sheet metal screws instead of the small machine screws, washers and nuts I used to attach the escutcheons. It was a high anxiety activity working through that small hole with my pinky!

I figured it was time to give you guys an update.

Yesterday the last coat of fairing primer was applied and let to cure. Over the next couple of days we'll have it slicked out and will begin building a proto skin mold. The skin coming out of that mold will be used to mock up the frame.


Regards,
--todd




http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1360240991.jpg

Getting close. Very exciting for all of us!

.... now all you have to do is paint the targa bar and you will have it right. That is really how Ferdinhand envisioned it anyway.

I bought mine from my Porsche parts counter guy about 5 years ago. They had to send back to Germany for them, but got em. The holes in the windshield frame are there but are just covered over.

We thought about that but then what do I do when I put the black Targa soft top on the car? That would not look right...

Decided to just leave it black as the factory did it and enjoy...

Statement is correct for cars from 1974-1983 or so. After that the holes are not in the frame and need to be cut open.

You know while were on this subject, I have always thought the center hood section, that portion that is indented in needs a nice bold off black stripe too running right down to the front bumper, that is if one keeps the off black targa bar as is. IMO.

Sort of like this.....with a factory hard top...http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1360347001.jpg

Yeah ..... but not the front bumper too. ;)

top has been flanged, sealed, gel coat applied and we are just about ready to make the mold.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../IMG_0336.jpeg

we are also starting to work on making rear fuse panel covers since they seem to be an item most people want. here is the part getting ready to be molded.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../IMG_0334.jpeg

I was just i the garage yesterday thinking how good the car would look with a color matched hardtop. Great work guys.

update! progress has been made and here is the first outer skin fresh out of the mold.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...n/IMG_0358.jpg

for those of you heading to hershey we will be there with a slew of cf and fg parts including at least one top (that will be mounted on my personal car).

Very nice looking.

I should loan you my early deck lid, if you don't have one already.

thanks for the offer but no need as of this moment. between developing and producing the targa top, fuse panel covers, steering shaft covers, targa braces, dashboard and floorboards we are pretty busy right now. as time goes on we will be expanding into more parts but we prefer quality over quantity.

as far as i know the only difference between early and late decklids are the license plate light mounting points, correct?

Early lids have a center bar across the middle of the grill opening, along with the license plate lights.

Just add it to you possible list of parts please. Maybe add the rear license panel too? Just my wish list :)

all in due time... we started out with the idea of making a top for my car and you can see what it has expanded too in a short time. who knows, maybe one day you can have 50% or more of your 911 in cf, all from one vendor :)

Subscribed..dont forget about the 964/roller latch guys (like me)


I had a Saratoga top and there was nothing I could do (or anyone else ) to make it secure enough to use

Giddy Up!

Looks great!

Sweet. Watching with interest.
Any idea on pricing once you're in production?
-C

that hasn't been determined yet and most likely won't until we are ready for sales. there is no point in guessing at a cost only to have it change later, at least that is how i would want it as a consumer. i've been a part of pre-production buys, group buys and everything related and i really hate it when prices change, especially since they only seem to go up.

The top looks awesome so far NineB! Really cool, and sure you guys want to put the best product out! Hope to see you at Hershey!

thanks, but give the credit to todd, i'm just here for my looks and amazing people skills :) i've been playing with fiberglass for years and he still amazes me with each piece he creates. he is the guru.

can't wait for hershey, but don't look for me during the first hour or two. i have to run the rows and see what i don't need yet have to buy. i always get my best deals first thing in the morning. i'll have a pelican sticker on me somewhere and an ohio state hat but i'll be back at our spot when i'm out of cash and hopefully carrying a set of SSIs.

The top looks very nice. I have an 86 roller latch car and cash reserved for one of your production tops.

It was Butzi's idea to give the Targa roll bar a brushed stainless steel finish that contrasted with the body color: "That idea was mine ... the roll bar has a function and adds stiffness, which is why it should be a different color from the car."

Haha! Hey I understand, you both are doing something cool for all of us with Targa's so it is really appreciated!
Well I'm not going to be there until that Saturday hopefully before lunch. Hopefully be sporting new Euro 17x9's on the back but 16x7's on front. Going for a different look! I really want to see the prototype top on your Targa!

BTW: nineball, you have the touch man. Great Craftsmanship and an Astute keen attention to detail !

Wonder what that will do for the value of good condition original factory hard tops? Are they not currently going for around $ 2000 - 2,500 ? Many times this replacement scenario actually increases the value of the "real thing" to collector status if these tops are not already there.

Have seen the factory hard top available in the $1200 price range. I paid something around $800 or so for mine but then it needed some help as well.

There are not enough factory hard tops around in the market for this to reduce their price IMHO but it sure would make a lot of others looking for one happy.

Carbon Fibre Pattern
 

Toodc and Nineball,

Nice work! What pattern in the CF for the targa tops? So of us may want to match it with body vinyl wraps.

chime

pattern is 2x2 twill....

I'm anxiously waiting.

Quick update, I've had a couple people contact me privately about a launch date.

We're targeting Hershey and if the stars fall into proper alignment we'll have on nineball's car and a spare or two at our spot along with a variety of other carbon and fiberglass bits.

Wow, awesome work guys.

well, like most things in life the plans have changed. after tood spending countless hours reworking the aftermarket top we had we came to the realization that it just would not be up to our standards. we have sourced an original factory top that needed a bit of repair and basically have started over from scratch. there is no point in making a part that we would not be happy with and then trying to sell it, that just isn't how we work, and we know none of you would be happy with it either.

we are still aiming to have at least one top completed for hershey. everyone say a prayer (or something) for todd as he will be working many, many hours over the next 3 weeks to get it completed. we will post pics and progress as they happen. here is a shot of the factory top after being surfaced and painted.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../IMG_0432.jpeg

Im with you on that, and like my Dad used to say "If you are not going to do a job right, then don't do it at all"! Hope you guys are able to at least get the new prototype by Hershey!

I'm glad to hear that you guys are still on the case! This top is at the top of my list of mods once it is ready for the street. I'm up for some beta testing if required :-) Keep the pictures and info coming.