Targa Top Tech

[carsinc]

Sorry about posting previously in wrong area.
Some info about your Targa
1. If you buy side seals from any vendor make sure they are German made. Side Seals being made else where are too fat and they don't stay glued together.
2. Vendors are still selling the incorrect over the windshield frame seal. Vendors believe that because they are oem they will work when in truth the oem seals people are selling are too big and are actually seals for a 964.
3. I have the correct size seal.
4. Years ago it was easy to get a local shop to recover your top for the inner reinforcement still had strength and not torn and stretched. Not so today. All tops need a four stage restoration. After all it has been 20 years since the last Targa was made.
5.If you are going to get your Top rebuild locally, you must do the following: Ask to see the fixture being used to keep the top square during the entire process. Get a warranty, in writing, against wind noise for a 12 moth period.
6. Happy to answer any Targa Top questions

[cobra935o]

Do you powder coat the frames, or just fully strip them and paint them in the restoration process?

[carsinc]

I sand prepare and paint frame at no charge in my restoration process. It is not a good thing to power coat frame it cause hinge interference.

[Joe Bob]

Powder provides a thicker coating....in some cases thicker can be a problem....

[carsinc]

Yes thickness is one of the problems the other is the reattachment of tin plates.

[Tom F2]

Where do I trim the side seals? I bought new ones from the Porsche dealer a few years ago, just getting around to installing them. They are a hair too long, and the way that the front wedge piece sits, it's difficult to get it glued in place. I use the Wurth clear cement. If I put a dab of silicone grease on either end of the new seals they sit down pretty well, but still bunch up at the rear. I have them adjusted all the way out and back.

Also, I have on stripped side seal screw. What is the best fix for that?

This is in an 83 Targa.

[Discseven]

Dan,

When rebuilding a top, is it possible to move the center plates backward slightly... aproximately 1/4"?

[Jfporco]

Dan:

I have a '75 Targa, does your restoration include new seals and front latches, or is that in addition to the stripping, painting, restoration? I have two tops, both have the broken left latches (go figure), one is in good shape (for a later Targa), the other not so good (original '75). can you PM me on my options?

Thanks,
JP
'75 Targa

[47silver]

dan did my top a couple years ago it is perfect. I have a 75

[carsinc]

A 4 Stage rebuild doesn't include side seals and latches. These new from Porsche would be over $1200 new. Visit my website i you are un sureof what a 4 Stage includes. carsincnj.com
thanks

[carsinc]

The top plate can't be moved back for clips will not line up to arms

Problem is the inner reinforcement is worn out and the sign is the top is too small. Very common.

Top needs a 4 Stage rebuild.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by carsinc

Problem is the inner reinforcement is worn out and the sign is the top is too small..........

Hi Dan,

Isn't another sign that the top pulls down at the front latches more so than the rest of the front lip?

Also, when you say "inner reinforcement" are you speaking of the three or four inch leather-ish straps glued (riveted?) to the primary metal structural spans on the front and rear of the top? I think you may have referred to this as webbing?

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by carsinc

The top plate can't be moved back for clips will not line up to arms

Problem is the inner reinforcement is worn out and the sign is the top is too small. Very common.

Top needs a 4 Stage rebuild.

Ahhh... I did not communicate as clearly as I should have. I'll have another go at it!

The top is the right size. The problem as I see it is the internal plates (I believe there are two of them at the center inside the roof) are too far forward in the roof unit. If those plates were shifted backwards within the roof unit about 3/8", then the center part of the roof would fit the car nicely --- in other words the leading edge of the roof at its center would not be pushed up by the body of the car... and the rear edge of the roof would seal better.

The sides of the roof fit the car nicely both front and rear.

Some photos to illustrate:



Below is a look at the rear edge. Notice how the center of the roof is forward and as you look to the far side of the roof it tightens up to the Targa bow. The point here is there is space for the center of the roof to move back.

I posted on the forum a while ago and was advised that the roof would have to be taken apart completely to correct this. You being the "resident expert"... I'm posting this situation for your expert commentary.

[carsinc]

Top must come apart completely. Eery bit of materil off top.

[76_rookie]

what is your turn-around time?

[carsinc]

3 days turnaround most top.

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by carsinc

Top must come apart completely. Eery bit of materil off top.

Thanks Dan.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by carsinc

3 days turnaround most top.

Leave some time for shipping on each end. UPS. You pay front. Dan pays back as per my full rebuild in Feb/March.

Dan does such nice work.

It's the quickest "long one" you will forget you spent in your life if you are tired of your tired top.

I just stared at it. Turned it over and stared some more. Nice!

[Bob Kontak]

Dan,

Could you please address post number 12. Thank you.

Regards,

Bob Kontak - a satisfied customer.

[BeeMaster]

I have a 76 targa that I just got and wondered how to unlock and fold them?
I also would like to know what to use to lubricate the hinges once they are loose?
Do I have to worry about some lubricants eating at the targa top material?