Converting a 1977 cabriolet back to its original Targa

[Rdr]

Hi. I'm UK based and looking at buying and shipping to UK a rust free/mechanically solid US California LHD 1977 Carrera which was in the past converted to a Cabriolet from being a Targa. I'd like to understand how difficult/costly (possible?) it would be to reconvert back to its original Targa. The guy selling it has the original Targa glass and roll bar but no roof/seals etc. Are the spares readily available? Many thanks. Much appreciated. Richard

[McLovin]

Here's someone who did it

Cab back to Targa! Project "BugBug" goes back to where he once belonged

[Rdr]

Many thanks for this

[47silver]

Targa parts will cost ~5000 with a decent roof.
Seals, screws, bright work, targa bar cover, can be bought new here.
Interior bar cover, ligthts and wiring get used.

Targa hoop. This is the difficult piece,
How are you going to fasten it without a jig or another targa sitting next to it bare to the hoop? Every measurement has to be precise or your $2000 used roof will blow off or not fit.
Think of the fitment: height, angle, front to back, cross body, this is not a task for the faint of heart. I weld a bit but this requires a Pro.
All told this will cost $10000 and if not done exactly correct it will be a frankenstein that will rattle and leak like a sieve.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Rdr

Hi. I'm UK based and looking at buying and shipping to UK a rust free/mechanically solid US California LHD 1977 Carrera which was in the past converted to a Cabriolet from being a Targa. I'd like to understand how difficult/costly (possible?) it would be to reconvert back to its original Targa. The guy selling it has the original Targa glass and roll bar but no roof/seals etc. Are the spares readily available? Many thanks. Much appreciated. Richard

Richard,

Unless you bought this car very cheap, I would advise you to seriously consider your decision to buy this project car. I always wanted to own a cabriolet and thought about getting my pristine ‘78 Targa converted to cabriolet. So I bought all the needed parts including the cabriolet top frame, canvass top, body panels with the mounting hinges, etc. At the very last minute before starting the conversion, it was brought to my attention that converting a nice and pristine Targa was a bad choice.

I was ready to do the cutting and chopping the chassis for the cabriolet conversion when common wisdom prevailed and aborted the project. In your case, the mounting area for the Targa overhead bar was removed in place of the hinge body panel. And installing the rear Targa glass, bar and top to make a good fitment is not that simple.

Instead of spending $7K~$9K for my cabriolet conversion, I bought a red ‘89 cabriolet in excellent condition for $15K 4 years ago. This is not a typo. If you think you are saving by buying this car, think twice.

Tony

[Speed metal]

Originally Posted by 47silver

Targa parts will cost ~5000 with a decent roof.
Seals, screws, bright work, targa bar cover, can be bought new here.
Interior bar cover, ligthts and wiring get used.

Targa hoop. This is the difficult piece,
How are you going to fasten it without a jig or another targa sitting next to it bare to the hoop? Every measurement has to be precise or your $2000 used roof will blow off or not fit.
Think of the fitment: height, angle, front to back, cross body, this is not a task for the faint of heart. I weld a bit but this requires a Pro.
All told this will cost $10000 and if not done exactly correct it will be a frankenstein that will rattle and leak like a sieve.

It can be done....
I actually bought the bar for $350(?) with outer cover and inner trim.. The substructure will be there, just cut out the cab mounts. My thread is the one above. Honestly, with all the measurements that the Pelicans gave me, it really wasn't that tough. Id do it again.
I agree that if hacked together it would be a real ****box, but the car was a Targa, and with a top, the bar and the rear glass.. You are in business if you are patient and careful.
Mine is a Targa again, and is sweet
Don't be scared! If you do bugger it up, it can always be a cab again. Nothing you do will make that irreversible.

[Rdr]

Wow..lots of valuable feedback/advice for me to consider. Thank you so much guys. I really do appreciate this. Richard

[47silver]

I read that post.


nice job, i stand corrected it can be done.

[Speed metal]

Originally Posted by 47silver

I read that post.


nice job, i stand corrected it can be done.

Thanks! I appreciate it