what year targa had soft window option?

[rudy sanchez]

Hello,

friend of mine has a soft window kit/conversion that he is offering to sell me. I really like his 69 targa w/ soft window but mine will go into a 72 targa. I'm not sure it is a good idea if the soft window was not availalbe in 72, or was it?

all info/opinions appreciated

TIA,

rudy sanchez

[Jeremy Cottrell]

I believe 68 was the last year. Fixed glass was an option in 68, and standard in 69. Maybe your friends car was converted??

[Jeremy Cottrell]

I stand corrected. 69 was the last year. Thanks Tyson.

[david c.]

There was a guy on the board the other day with a 71 softie. And I believe they said that a 72 had been sighted at some point. I could be nuts.

[Oldporsche]

I'm sure that there were soft window targas available in Germany after they were discontinued here.

Good luck,
David Duffield

[Hootie]

There's a member on the board that has a beautiful 71 soft window and I think it's original...maybe he'll see the thread and chime in.
BTW, if you decide not to purchase, I would be interested in speaking to your friend.

[82SC]

i have been planning to convert my 73...but if your friend has a kit...I would be VERY interested...keep me updated

MJ

I know of at least one 71 softie.

[70flatsix]

Rudy,
From what I have read and learned over the years, the option for a soft/foldable rear targa window ended in 1972. I do not know if any were actually manufactured in 1972. I have seen two 911's with that option that were manufactured in 1971. My 911 was manufactured in November of 1969, to be sold in 1970. When asked how many were manufactured in 1969 and 1970, the factory says "only a handfu.l" I'm not sure how many "a handful" is. Best guess is less than 100 manufactured with that option for those two years. Can't say about 1972!
Converting to a soft window targa would be quite a project. Carrara Charlie, a member of this BB, was in the process of converting his 911, but I don't think he is anywhere near finished.
The downside of owning a soft window:
1) Your car is less secure.
2) It takes you approximately 10-12 minutes to take the window down, cover both sides of the window with a cotton towel or flannel, and install the boot; or to remove the boot and the towels, zip the window back up and store the towels and the boot.
3) The sound level from the wind, the engine, and the exhaust note in the rear seats is approximately 115 db at 120 kph.
4) The soft rear window will leak a little onto your pristeen interior when it rains, and
5) You will be the envy of every other Porsche 911 targa owner who sees your car!
The upside: I recently read that a 911 targa with the soft window option was worth approximately $3,000 more than a regular 911 targa.
If you decide to take on the project, I wish you well. Contact me if you need measurements, pictures, info, etc.
Rock

[rudy sanchez]

so far, I am thinking I like this soft window! I live in santa cruz so we don't see that much rain (it all comes at the same time) and the targa would not be a daily driver. it would be a fair weather car. it would be pretty secure in my driveway and I never lock doors on a car so security is not a big concern.

supposedly the kit my friend has is complete. inlucing all clips etc. his soft window targa is what inspired me to start looking at these cars again.

thanks!

[rudy sanchez]

anybody here considered these guys?

it's not clear if this can be used as a conversion. they mention custom installation

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/partsobsolete/tarsofrearwi.html

[69 Soft Targa]

Rudy,
What you're seeing at Parts Obsolete is the window only. As in the zippered vinyl w/window for "replacement" on a Soft Window Targa.

To do a "conversion" you would still need the hardware to mount and tension the window.

[cegerer]

There was an original 72 softwindow at Hershey last year. I posted a photo of it on the board. I think the owner told me he was aware of 1 other in the US. They were special order only. -- Curt

[70flatsix]

Curt,
I believe the soft window that was at Hershey last year was a '71. I've never seen a '72. I hope to have mine there this year!
Rock

[cegerer]

On second thought, you're right. It was a 71.

Here's the thread:

71 Soft Window

-- Curt

[red-beard]

I'm coming to this thread late...

I have a 1974 Targa with a missing rear window. Living in San Diego, rain isn't usually much of a problem. Is there a "conversion" kit around for the rear window to go soft window?

James

James, the subject of a soft window kit has been discussed before but I've not seen any info on a retrofit. You can buy a replacement top and boot from Parts Obsolete, but the hardware is NLA as far as I know.