Targa lovers: Restretched my skin.

Jdub · 07-19-2002, 06:35 AM

Hoo boy I can hear the RUDE responses to this post already ;>

But I don't mean to be circumspect (ha ha) here, so let me get to my point: restretched the German vinyl on my Targa top approx/ 1.5 years after reskinning the top (myself).

I picked a nice hot day, pulled the gutter rails and side seals, and left the top upside down in the sun. After a bit, starting pulling the material from each side. Using binder clips, broke the folding arms a bit and clipped the material to the "new" position I wanted. Let it sit for a while, then returned and moved out of the sun. With a small (1/4") disposable paintbrush and a tin of contact cement, I brushed the cement on the top and pulled the material where I wanted it. Note that, with the top in the "broken" position, you can pull more than the top can handle. I was able to pull about 3/8" perside.

Glued, set in place overnight with binder clips in place. Next day, cleared holes for gutter rail screws (DO NOT use a sharp instrument to break the material and push into the hole: you WILL screw up the threads: use a sharp Xacto knife and cut a circle around).

Put top, rightside up, in the sun at the hottest point of the day. Said a prayer after about an hour (the top was almost too hot to touch) and pushed the arms into the locked position. Wow. Tighter than a snare drum.

I have a lot of information about clips, screws, and serrated washers as well which I won't bore you with. Overall, a very satisfactory redo that was a breeze. You might consider this. Best done by pulling three sides of the material, sides X2 and front, so that you can pull the "bead" of the front of the skin down so that it no longer catches the wind. The bead on my top was in good shape in this regard and so I didn't have to redo the front.

John

targa80 · targa80's Garage

I did a complete rebuild of my targa top about 2 years ago and I am considering a restreaching of the vinyl. I have several dips or depressions on both sides where the rain gutters are located. The dips correspond to where the clips are screwed in. the front seam fits tight to the frame when the top is installed. the back seam sits high and needs to be pulled down a litle. I haven't installed the inside liner yet ( I know it has been a long time since I did the rebuild) I was not happy with the fit so I had decided to wait until I did it right before putting the liner in place. Well, two years later and other priorities have take up my time but I am sure I will get to it within the next 6 months. Actually I have spent the past 2 years remodeling a 30 year old house. two bathrooms to go and then I will be able to tacke the car. I made a promise to the wife the house before the car. I should have said the car before the house but It would have be a miserable experience for me if I did. I know who feeds and takes care of me.

weber92037 · weber92037's Garage

I just finished installing a new headliner in my targa top using black trunk lining material from the auto supply store. Cost $10 for a roll and gave me a very nice finished look. I recommend this approach.

Jdub · 07-19-2002, 11:08 AM

I have to say that when I redid the top prior to the restretch the top fit very, very tight. In fact, I made the mistake of over-pulling the front bead such that it sat over 45degrees pointed down. Great I thought, but on testfit I found that the trough in which the front of the targa top sits was not deep enough to allow the bead to sit as I had left it. Instead, the bead was forced a bit up, and the skin just aft of the bead was forced loose in a small hump. Just a word to the wise... Also next time I replace the straps and the burlap to realign the aluminium plates.

The SC I have is a daily driver, so it certainly has been through whatever Seattle could throw at it. High speed driving is probably the "worst" thing that can happen as the lift caused by high speed air above the top lifts the material. Then there is the cold/hot/cold cycle that naturally stretches the material.

I still have an ad up for a hardtop in the Wanted section. Having rebuilt several TR6 tops I am game to take this one on.

John

RazorRacer · 07-19-2002, 03:59 PM

I'm a (proud) new owner to a 78SC targa. The top is in excellent condition. Will it hurt it to keep it folded up in the bonnet or trunk or what ever it's called.

bell · bell's Garage

i keep mine in there alot, keep an eye on the stitches where the top folds. i reinforced the stitches ( more stitches) in these areas and it holds up nicely. it's not an ideal method of storage though, if you leave the roof off for periods at a time i'de leave it unfolded in your garage.

alan911 · 07-20-2002, 06:44 AM

For what it's worth. If you keep the top folded for extended periods of time or fold it and unfold it constantly, over time it will develope "fold lines" running from front to back and eventually the vinyl will crack. Just slightly folded it will fit behind the seats.

"bell" is right. It's better to leave it unfolded. I keep mine hung on 2 shelf angle brackets against a wall hanging from the front latch bar. Safe and out of the way.

The reason for the need to re-streatch is, some people use that 3M spray glue when they re-do a top. Convienent and looks good for awhile but never lasts. Contact cement-the only way.

Lastly, if you're going to totally re-do a top don't replace the burlap with burlap. Use same demension Dacron (1/4 "). Better sound proofing, insulation, adhesion, doesn't suck up H2O, won't rot and better protection from friction of the aluminum slats if you fold it.

Jdub · 07-23-2002, 06:44 AM

Alan:

Great stuff! When I do get around to a total rebuld I will be sure to use a more space-age material. Also, I agree that a semi-fold of the top and tuck it behind the seats is the way to go.

I go to my local upholstery shop to get contact cement from their barrel. I have a tin, with a top that has the integral brush (remember kindergarten and those "glue pots?"). They fill it up for a six-pack of beer.

John

schulr · schulr's Garage

this is a great idea, never thought of just stretching the vinyl top. Mine gets stretched and loose when driving for long periods at high speed any pics on the process you went through?

Bob

alan911 · 07-23-2002, 08:14 AM

Guys,

AS you can tell from several of my post on tops, I'm not a big fan of of the 3M stuff.

The trick with Contact Cement is to put it on both surfaces, let it dry to the touch +/- 20 mins., then mate the parts. If you get side-tracked, just re-apply a little more cement and it will re-activate what you already put on.

When you let it dry, you'll sware it won't stick, but just try to pull it apart if you make a mistake. That's why you only get one shot at it.

Weber: I did the same thing with my head-liner. That foamed backed stock head=liner material sucks. did mine twice in two years until I wised up.

BTW, there are a lot of good threads on this board, some with pics, from folks that have re-done their tops. Excellent tips on what to do.

We Targa owners got to stick together. We're alone out here. The coupe and cab guys don't give us any respect.