Targa to Coupe conversion, further from stock but more desirable?

[Hans H]

Hi all,

So I'm wondering what people think about converting my 1986 targa steel wide body (done by PO) to a turbo look coupe.

I'm thinking since the car is no longer stock it doesn't really matter what happens to it next. Furthermore, if I did the coupe conversion the car might become more desirable maybe even valuable? Ultimately I'd do the conversation because I prefer the look and performance, but not loosing value would be a nice bonus. What do you guys think?

[Jack Stands]

Sell the Targa and buy a coupe if that's what you desire. Unless you can do the labor yourself, the cost of parts and labor to install them may make it a financially poor decision. On the other hand, if you like your car and enjoy projects, go for it (cost be damned).

[dicklague]

well that would be one less targa and one more coupe in the world.....that is good!!

[Trackrash]

I predict that some day Targas will be very desirable. I remember when no one wanted big block convertible Corvettes. Only a few years ago long hood drivers could be had for $7K. So who knows?

I seem to remember a thread a while back were a Targa was converted. To do it right would be a lot of work.

Considered making it a Cab? Or Speedster?

[LakeCleElum]

Personal preference:

Me: I have both a coupe and Targa Longhood (73.5 and 69)....I prefer the looks of a Coupe, but only drive the Targa....

Do what you prefer, but don't consider it an investment......Value will go down if modified..

Two thumbs up on a Cab conversion........3 thumbs up on a Speedster.......

[Rich Gas]

Most targa owners have coupe envy. It's only natural to want something that looks better, drives better and is worth more. You're doing the right thing.

[Ronnie's.930]

^^^ Although I agree with my buddy Rich "Methane" Gas, I recommend that before you bother with any kind of "Targa-to-Coupe" conversion business, you should FIRST build a proper Turbo engine to go in yer widebody . . . 'lessen youse actually like having a sheep in wolf's clothing, buttofcourse!

Oh, and speaking of buddies and sheep, have you talked Targas with my good friend Bob K.? Hopefully he'll weigh in when he gets baaaaaaaack from attending to his (his Targa, that is)!!!

[osl]

This seems to degenerate into another Targa bashing thread after only 7 posts?

In response to the OPs question, I'd say sell and get a coupe if you really want one as that likely makes more financial sense. If a project is your main thing and money no object, Im with Ronnie, invest $$ and tinkering into more ooomph.

Now - unsubscribe.....

[Coastr]

Wide bodies can be returned to original. Coupe conversions cannot.

I would say sell the targa and buy a wide body coupe if that's what you want. Quicker and easier. Or buy a coupe rolling shell and transfer all your car into it, including the wide body.

[Hans H]

Thanks all for your feed back. It all came up because my mechanic, who lets me tinker in his shop, found a roof clip on the cheap and offered to help me do the conversion as a way of learning body work and getting the car to stop squeaking! Targa top is driving me mad no matter what I adjust or lubricant...

I agree with some of the comments that it's probably money I'll spent and I also agree that Targas will probably be a "thing to have" down the road.

I guess I'll leave it be and enjoy the car as is. It's almost spring, prime targa time!

Thanks for your thoughts,
Hans

[Dan Morton]

Do you drive the car a lot? If you would enjoy a speedster then to that route and learn your body work on the windshield frame and body stiffening. The coupe option on the cheap also sounds okay too and would probably make you happier. I say go for it and don't worry about resale since you already have a converted vehicle.

I have both a '69 RSR Coupe and a '70 Targa (stock) and I really enjoy the targa on sunny days and the coupe on other days. I would probably go crazy with squeaks too with a wide body targa...

[aprilkontak]

Originally Posted by Rich Gas

Most targa owners have coupe envy.

My dad says you are a maroon and that Ronnie has a far greater depth of character, even being a maroon himself.

Edit: My dad is on a road trip with some guy named Karl. Said something about Texas and payback.

[sleepy911]

Wide body convertibles look super sexing and the chick's like them. Also I fixed my squeeky top rubbers like I lube most of my important rubbers. Do I need to say more.

[jittsl]

I have both a 911 coupe and a 912 targa. If I want to travel quickly and enjoy the driving I take a coupe. If I want to cruise and enjoy the Texas spring I take the Targa. I love the open air. If I could only have one (and I could keep my race car for when I really want to enjoy rapid driving) I would probably have a 911 targa. As a PS, I have a factory '75 hardtop on my 69 (covered in vinyl to look like a soft top) and I have zero squeaks.

If it were me I would decide what I wanted and then buy the appropriate car. Unless your car is a junker to start with you will almost certainly devalue it by bastardizing it. I also suspect that you will probably be less than satisfied with your result if this really is the car you are going to learn bodywork on. There are a lot of subtle (and some not so subtle) differences between a coupe and a targa and although it has been proven that it can be done it is going to be a big job.

Since you asked our opinion about values MY OPINION is - it will cost you a lot in both labor and cash and there is no way it will end up more valuable. Coupes currently demand slightly higher prices but bastards always fetch much lower prices - there is no comparison between a wide body conversion (that emulates a factory option) and a targa to coupe conversion which is one man's folly. Once again, just my opinion.

[dsfnctn]

Cab to Coupe conversion I did myself. I was able to sell of a lot of the parts and at the same time before I welded on the new roof I had the chance to build a very nice cage and do a proper job of welding it and painting it before final welding of roof.Id say do what ever makes you happy

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by aprilkontak

My dad says you are a maroon and that Ronnie has a far greater depth of character, even being a maroon himself.

Edit: My dad is on a road trip with some guy named Karl. Said something about Texas and payback.

April, it is a joy to know that you are not frozen like a Popsicle up thar in balmy Akron. Yer dad hasn't mentioned you much as of late, seeing as he is so focused on tending to his errrr, ummmm "flock".

Oh, and Daddy Bobusmaximus and Sir Karl are most definitely NOT ready for all this!

[Rich Gas]

I hate being called a maroon, it infuriates me. And as far as character, my shrink says I have plenty in my head. If you don't like those, I have others. So, April, the hormone therapy working? I've noticed a mustache in some of your instagram posts. Changing your name to Karl was a good choice.

[keynsham1]

Originally Posted by Rich Gas

Most targa owners have coupe envy. It's only natural to want something that looks better, drives better and is worth more. You're doing the right thing.

What a daft comment!
I have a targa and wouldn't give a coupe the time of day. I already own a two door car with a roof... a Ford! I don't need another.

[Rich Gas]

What does daft mean? Speak American.

[Dpmulvan]

I'm in the middle of removing the rear glass on my targa today and the thought of smashing it and welding on a hard top did cross my mind. All you coupe guys have made me sad with your targa trashing. So where can I find a hardtop to weld on??