1969 Targa soft top any Hirth roller cranks

[GH Glass]

Hi guys,
My name is Gary and I own a 1969 912 Targa soft back window. I have owned the car since 1980. When I purchased the car it had been converted to a hard back window. 10 years ago I got a bug up my ass to restore the car. It was painted by Al Martinez in Orange CA. At the time I was not considering in changing the back window back to a soft back. Recently I have decided to take it back to the original and need some help in finding parts. As I understand the car is more colectable in its original state. It has 43K original miles on it. In the back it has a flat carpeted panel rather than the folding seats. It is my understanding that that was required in 1969 by the DOT because they considered the seats with soft back window a safety hazard. What I need is help in getting this baby back to its original state. I rebuild Porsche 912 engines for a hobby and would be willing to do some trading for the parts I need. I'm also heavenly into roller crankshafts (SPG and Hirth) I rebuild them so if that is a need maybe I can help out out that way also. I am also helping a friend neighbor restore his 1967 912 coupe to its original state. Engine (912) parts I have tons and have been rebuilding them for 40 plus years so any help there please feel free to ask. Please if you own a soft top and are willing to take detailed pictures and possible sources of back window parts that would be a great help. My work is I am a manufacture of classic truck glass for 1947 to 1980 Ford and Chevy trucks.

[GH Glass]

Please help on soft back window pictures and parts!

[Tony V]

Hi Gary,
If you use the search feature, of the bbs, you'll find loads of posts on what you're looking for. THere was a guy in Canada that was reproducing all the soft window parts, including the handles. Here's a link to that post: soft window targa kit should I build them

World upholstery also sells the kit but it's $5800.00! http://www.worlduph.com/porsche/911/classic/targa

Tony
'68 SWT

[pors1968]

Yes FREEZING14 still make these kit .

[djdsc]

A '69 SWT is a very rare car indeed as most '69 Targa's were hard window. Here is a posting estimating 40-50 '69 SWT's built.

1969 912 Soft Window Targas bringing hefty price

A potential buyer would want to see a COA or Kardex indicating an original SWT I would imagine.

[JT912]

Couple things for you.
Here is a link to some pictures I posted regarding SWT hardware. SWT
Also another site whose members would cetainly enjoy seeing pictures of your car is www.912bbs.org
Lastly, check out www.912vin.com and input your cars information.

[GH Glass]

Hi guys and thank you for the replies so far. I will get some pictures ASAP. I have tabled this project for 10 years and am now just getting interested in completing it. I was told by the original owner (I am the second) that he had changed the window from a soft top and the handle brackets actually have the bolts hand tightened in them still. I don't have any Proof that it was a soft top other than the back window was kind of poorly put in and some other things that gave me a the idea it was an original soft back. Top rubber falling out that was in-between the glass and roll bar for example. In the vin number or on the birth cert does it ever say it was a soft top? The car does have the storage shelf without the back seats which is another thing that makes me think the original owner was correct. You have to remember back it was unpopular to have a soft back window because of the hassles of the plastic and up keep so most people switched them out and did not brag about it... The holes in the body where the 4 snaps on each side have been filled in and the cover of the roll bar was replaced where the cutout where for the lock handles. I will get out some pictures soon and thank you for the posts of getting it registered with the clubs. Yes it should be shared with the community I agree...

[pors1968]

THE COA will tell you soft window will be written as a option for 69 .

[Bob Harriman]

Your next door neighbor also has a 912 Aren't you lucky. I gotta travel 50 miles to find somone.

[GH Glass]

I finally have the pictures of the back window. I will be posting them as soon as I have time... probably tomorrow. Looks like I have an original 1969 soft back window Targa!

[pors1968]

Happy for you it a rare car what is the color code.

[Rick Becker]

Hi Gary,

First, great to hear you have a '69 912 that was a SWT! No question the factory produced them, at least one piece of 1969 factory literature still called the 'Version II' HWT "an extra-cost option", and notes "Rear seats are included in Targas with fixed windows." Here's a link: PCA 912+912E Register Facebook image . And there is other factory literature showing SWTs with the 1969 and later Targa bars with ventilation slots.

As of now there are roughly a couple dozen listed on the 912 Registry Owners List: 912 Registry Owners List 1969 Targa, VIN 0000-0400

Speaking of SWT parts, in 2013 Porsche announced a new batch of the handles; brace yourself, then look at page 4 of this product booklet with the price listed:
Porsche Classic Product Highlights 01-2013

For a little inspiration, here's an image of a nice Burgundy 1969 912 SWT: PCA 912+912E Register Facebook image

Keep us informed how the resto progresses!