Targa Tops Rebuilt by Dave Brown

Type911 · 10-26-2013, 10:26 AM

If you own a Porsche 911 Targa, at some point in your ownership you are faced with restoring the top. No matter the enviorment the top has a shelf life of about 20 years max.

There are lot's of issues associated with that need. My top aesthetically looked acceptable but my low mileage Targa suffered from lack of use the last 15 years or so. Since owning it the last 4 months we have used the car a lot and the top started to deteriorate on the vinyl seams where it folds when stored.

After reading some threads, and a nice conversation with Dave Brown it became apparent who would restore my top. Dave Brown's shop is in Boulder, CO about 350 miles to the north of where I live. The classic Colorado fall weather with the aspen's turning was a perfect opportunity to drive to Boulder in the car to visit Dave. Dave took the time to measure the car, and showed us how he restores the tops using a special jig he devised and explained the complete restoration process and some common issues with the tops. The end result is a top akin to a work of art the factory would be proud of ! Fantastic fit, look and now quieter than it was before.

If your top needs help, you need to get it The Targa Top guru with over 35 years experience. Thank you Dave !

Targa Tops Rebuilt by Dave Brown
6186 Gale Dr.
Boulder, CO 80303
303-499-0110
TargaExpert@comcast.net

timmy2 · timmy2's Garage

Looks great, any pricing information?

jason2guy · 10-26-2013, 11:32 AM

thats nice

javadog · 10-26-2013, 01:11 PM

I've used Dave as well. Great guy, great work.

JR

PushingMyLuck · 10-26-2013, 04:07 PM

Ballpark price for this?

speedo · speedo's Garage

I had a 71 targa top recently restored by Dave. We had some issues with mine...right side frame piece was broken and I had to find a new one, side rails were toast and sourced replacements, etc. All in I was $1200 and I originally thought my old top was in pretty good shape. Top is beautiful and worth every penny. To the best of my knowledge, there are two targa top gurus in the country, Dan Petchal back east and Dave here in Colorado. It takes special jigs, tools and experience. Not something us shadetree mechanics can do. The price is usually alacarte as your top probably has one or two issues in addition to needing to be recovered...mine actually looked decent, and I had no idea the frame was broken.

Speedo

Type911 · 10-27-2013, 06:07 AM

Mine was $1086 including shipping. Base price is $850, but as speedo said every top is unique in what it may need done.

My Targa Top now looks like it must have in the showroom back in the day...

Tony V · 10-27-2013, 08:30 AM

Top looks great. Are the side drip rails covered in vinyl?
Thanks,
Tony

Svendsen1 · Svendsen1's Garage

That top looks amazing. I'm going to get an estimate from Dave for mine.

bergerda · bergerda's Garage

I'm in Los Angeles and my '88 Targa suffers from horrible wind noise above 60mph and irritating rattles over bumps in the road. I think it's time for rebuild and wonder if anyone has an opinion on whether it is ok to ship the top to one of the experts mentioned here, or take the car to them? I could use a road trip… Also, anyone know of an expert closer to Los Angeles?

javadog · 10-27-2013, 01:20 PM

Shipping the top is the way I'd do it, as they don't need the car to rebuild the top. They'll probably ask for some measurements, which are no big deal to get. If you decide on the road trip, keep an eye on the weather. These cars aren't great in snow with summer tires.

JR

bergerda · bergerda's Garage

"If you decide on the road trip, keep an eye on the weather. These cars aren't great in snow with summer tires."

Good point. Thanks for the advice.

Type911 · 10-29-2013, 06:07 AM

Had my 964 Targa past 100 yesterday with the top on. Never sounded quieter!

I am amazed at the level of quality of this restoration. I had an 82 Targa that Dan Petchel restored, I have to say the level of detail and craftsmanship is far superior on this one.

craigyirush · 10-29-2013, 08:20 PM

Has anyone used Autos International in CA for a Targa top rebuild?

Also, to really reduce road noise, the seals on the car would have to be replaced too, wouldn't they?

javadog · 10-30-2013, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigyirush

Also, to really reduce road noise, the seals on the car would have to be replaced too, wouldn't they?

That depends. Are they in bad condition? Deformed? If you replace the top seal, use the one made by Dan Petchel. Then, make sure all of the various top and window adjustments are correct. There's a small manual that was produced by Porsche that outlines how to adjust a targa top.

JR

alniki · 12-07-2013, 01:52 PM

Can a SC Targa top be used on a Carrera 3.2 without issue?
I got a freshly rebuilt 964 Targa top for my Carrera 3.2 a few years ago but it simply would not fit!

HarryD · 12-07-2013, 02:00 PM

There is a thread here by Dan Petchel that provides the cross reference if what fits what.

alniki · 12-07-2013, 02:28 PM

Thanks, Harry!

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigyirush

Has anyone used Autos International in CA for a Targa top rebuild?

Good question.

I would not trust anyone except the two guys mentioned above.

Petchel is a bit eccentric. Dave Brown, I don't know. But I KNOW from my $900, Petchel kicks ass as far as delivery, and I believe Brown does as well.

You want to roll the dice?

jass · jass's Garage

I saw a question on a post above asking if there is a vinyl cover on the rain gutter. I also would like to know the answer to that please. Anyone know what Dan does for his rain gutters?