Targa Soft Window Conversion

chuckw951 · 10-06-2002, 09:38 AM

Has anyone converted a targa to a soft window targa?

I suppose this would have to be all custom work right?

Chuck

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

Chuck, this has been discussed several times and you will find information under a search for 'soft window'. In a nutshell, it is a difficult conversion because even the Targa bar itself is different. Finding the hardware is near impossible. Here's the easy way to do it - bid on this one!

-- Curt

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1864544929

DByers · 10-06-2002, 12:46 PM

Speaking of Soft Window Targas, saw this one yesterday at a 356 get together.

82SC · 10-06-2002, 01:53 PM

well I think it is straightforward if you buy a targa bar shround and soft window...all would be required is a good convertible shop to make the attachments to the rear cowl

I found a guy with 3-4 complete sets...I will take a bunch of pictures when I go...he wants 900+ for the sets...

I have also taken ALOT of pictures of the ones I've run into...I can send you them if you want to have a convertible shop custom make it for you

If you want I can buy 2 sets when I go and send you one...

MJ

chuckw951 · 10-06-2002, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cegerer
Chuck, this has been discussed several times and you will find information under a search for 'soft window'. In a nutshell, it is a difficult conversion because even the Targa bar itself is different. Finding the hardware is near impossible. Here's the easy way to do it - bid on this one! -- Curt

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1864544929

Right, forgot to check the archives. Seems likes everything's been discussed at some point in the past

25 large is a bit rich for my blood!

chuckw951 · 10-06-2002, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 82SC
well I think it is straightforward if you buy a targa bar shround and soft window...all would be required is a good convertible shop to make the attachments to the rear cowl

I found a guy with 3-4 complete sets...I will take a bunch of pictures when I go...he wants 900+ for the sets...

I have also taken ALOT of pictures of the ones I've run into...I can send you them if you want to have a convertible shop custom make it for you

If you want I can buy 2 sets when I go and send you one...

MJ

I'm lost, sets of what?

So the targa bar on the soft window cars is different? How so?

82SC · 10-06-2002, 02:45 PM

by set I mean the targa shroud, the rear window, the cover for it

the targa bar is different because of the attachment of the soft window...I've heard it is easier to replace the shroud then try to attach the soft window to a reg targa bar

he told me he has sets which include the shroud, window and cover

let me know

MJ

curtisaa · 10-06-2002, 03:28 PM

Can you please send me the persons name also....?? I might be doing that in the near future....

70flatsix · 70flatsix's Garage

Hey guys.
There are several differences between the hard and soft rear window targa. In addition to how the soft/foldable rear window attaches to the targa bar and the car, the targa bar itself is different. There are two tensioner handles built into the underside of the targa bar. These tensioners are needed to "relax" the rear window for easier removal and installation. Fasteners also need to be installed to hold on the boot that fits over and protects the soft rear window when it is folded down. The fasteners go inside and outside the car. If anyone needs pictures, measurements, etc. I'll be happy to help.
There are a couple of drawbacks to having a soft rear window targa. Security is less. Noise levels increase dramatically with the rear window folded down. Water leaks in even easier. It takes a good 8-10 minutes to put-up or take-down the rear window. And, the rear window scratches easily and must be protected on both sides when folded down. But you'll be the envy of all the other targa owers you know!
Carrera Charlie (a pelican bb member) was in the process of converting his targa to a soft rear window. You might want to check in with him and see what he thinks.
I've enclosed a a small picture of mine
with the rear window folded down and the boot on, so you can see the differences.
Good luck!!
Rock

82SC · 10-07-2002, 10:43 AM

also from my research I've run across 2 styles

one the soft window is COMPLETELY removable

the other is zippered only on the sides and top and it folds down

curtisaa and I will be heading over to my "secret" source who promises to have 2-3 complete sets

also I just contacted a convert shop...they do convertable tops and targa tops from Porsche...he said he can do the soft window for 199.00...I am VERY VERY VERY skeptical...but I am gonna follow that through and see...

I may have to call you on those measurements if the sets I located turn sour...

but I think buying the right targa shroud is necessary? is that where the widow attaches or the physical structural targa bar underneath??

thanks

MJ

70flatsix · 70flatsix's Garage

MJ,
I've never seen a soft/foldable targa rear window that is completely removeable. Mine unzips on three sides and then folds down behind the rear seats. I replaced my rear window earlier this year. The replacement window was $375 and $350 more to have it installed. New boots are also still available if needed. My boot has shrunk a little, but still fits okay. I know I'm going to rip it someday though putting it on! The guy that installed the new rear window for me was a pro. He said it took him the better part of a day. I'd be skeptable about the $199 price!
Having a completely removable rear window would be an improvement over the stock setup I have. You wouldn't have to worry about scratching and/or pinching the plastic window when it is folded down behind the rear seats. It's a pain to get it covered on both sides with cotten or flannel to prevent scratches. The soft/foldable window is also weather/temp sensitive. Porsche does not recommend folding the rear window down if the outside temp is below 60-65 degrees. It is much easier to fold-down the window and install the boot when it is warm out! Actually, the hotter it is out the better!!
The soft/foldable rear window attaches under the stainless steel targa cover. A rubber seal covers the connection on the outside. I was going to replace that seal as it is kind of ratty looking, but I was quoted $300 just for the seal so I will wait until it gets much worse looking before I replace it!!
If I can be of any other help, don't hesitate to ask. Good luck!!
Rock

82SC · 10-07-2002, 02:11 PM

can you either post or email me your source for the replacement window?

my source wants about 1K for a shroud and the window....

Now I am wondering if I can attach the window to a normal targa bar...hmmm

thanks

70flatsix · 70flatsix's Garage

Two sources, Parts Obsolete and World Upholstry, come to mind. There may be more (or less) sources now.

http://stores.yahoo.com/partsobsolete/index.html

www2.worlduph.com

Good Luck!

Rock