Targa bar headliner

[sballard]

I am putting my car back together after a long hiatus. I cannot quite remember out how to install the front piece of the targa interior cover. This is a narrow foam bar covered with vinyl that fits to the front of the metal targa frame. I don't remember exactly how it fits. I assume that it fits in the lower grove of the targa bar frame shown in the photo. My instincts tell me that I should completely wrap the foam core with the vinyl and glue it into the groove. Is this correct?

[Discseven]

Steve... I've got '80 for reference. And I've been into that area but long time ago so don't recall exactly what you're dealing with. Could you back away from area and take wider angle shot pls---would be helpful.

[Ayles]

My car is from the 80s as well... is the below the same area you are referencing?

[sballard]

Yes Ayles, the yellow part is what I am talking about. My '72 does not have the plate thingie with hole in it at the center of the targa bar. The yellow part, which is semi-solid flexible foam, is all one piece. In my car, the yellow part was completely wrapped in vinyl all the way around, but it is not obvious that it was glued into the grove. From your photo, am I to assume that the yellow part is glued into the slot front slot in the targa frame and the vinyl cover is then is wrapped around the yellow part and glued to the targa bar frame? (I hope this makes sense)

[Ayles]

You are on the right track, I glued that yellow part in... in my case it was a hard rubber item. Then I wrapped the vinyl and foam around the lip and glued to the back side.

One thing you will want to do is make sure the surface is clean of old glue. I had a hard time in this area as the new glue was activating the old and nothing would stick. Also, when you start stretching it around the curve you will see where the relief cuts need to be. Just take them slow and don't cut too much at once.

I hope this pics help a bit!

[sballard]

Thanks for the responses.

Ayles- After looking at your photo and my parts, it seems that the yellow (foam?) bar should be glued in place in the lower slot, then the vinyl cover should then be glued on top wrapping around the edges of the bar. Is this correct? If so, is 3M 08090 spray adhesive OK, or should I use contact cement?

[sballard]

Thanks for the reply. It makes perfect sense.

The yellow piece I have is solid, very much like the door latch panel covering. Some kind of composite material that is glued together.

[Ayles]

That sounds correct, though my only experience here is with an SC which sounds slightly different.

I used dap weldwood for vinyl to metal and 3m for foam to vinyl/rubber. I will verify which 3m product I used when I get home.

I had done roughly 0 upholstery work when I tackled this... and I feel like it turned out really well. It was two years ago and is still perfect.

1. Glued in the yellow rubber pieces
2. I glued everything to the lip as shown in the first pic
3. Worked out the relief cuts
4. Sprayed on the 3m to join the vinyl and foam
5. Applied the contact cement to the vinyl being glued to metal on the back side.
6. When both glues had set up I stretched it around and glued everything together.

[sballard]

Nice work Ayles.

I assume from your photos that this piece should be installed before the larger interior targa bar piece, which fits in behind it. That one looks like a bear to put in.

Steve

[Ayles]

That is correct you have to finish the front portion first. Installing the rear portion is a two person job.

And I apologize, I forgot to get the type of 3m I used. I will give it another shot tonight.

[RDM]

Ayles is the man on this. I did mine (with help) last week. I glued the foam to the yellow bananas, and the vinyl to the metal front and back. Mine turned out nicely also (thanks to him).

[sballard]

Thanks guys. When I took the vinyl off this front piece, I noticed that it had what appeared to be contact cement "spot welds" at the peak height of the foam and the vinyl at regular intervals. I assume that this was done at the factory to help hold it in place.

[Ayles]

Glad my experience with this has been helpful RDM!

Here is the 3m spray product I used:

[sballard]

Thought I would give an update on the targa bar work. Once I got the front piece mounted, I waited a few days before I attacked the the rear piece. To my utter shock, it only took me about an hour to do this by myself. I found it to be very easy which is apparently not the majority opinion on this job. I think having the rear targa glass out made the difference.

[Ayles]

Awesome to you hear you made some good progress!

[911JeffS]

Ayles- Excellent write up thanks - I'm in this battle right now. How can I remove the little plastic rivets on the targa bar on either side of the guide pin holes, rivets reusable or new purchase? PP best for gasket n rivets?
Thanks Ayles, Jeff

[911tracker85]

I love it when these threads pop back up just as I am considering this project on my 85 targa

[universeman]

You can pry the rivets out (be careful of your seal) but most likely they won't survive the process and you'll need new ones. They're reusable if you don't blow them apart trying to remove them.

[Ayles]

Here are the part numbers for the seal:
901-565-361-40-OEM

And the rivets (two different parts):
999-591-384-40-OEM
and
999-703-186-40-M100

I was able to pull them out with pliers but they were not usable after... I haven't put them in though and its been 3 years They don't go back in that easy and a few guys have made a tool to set them in place.

[911JeffS]

Hey just came across this video.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oYmjT8so5Lo