Targa Top Paint

[Highland]

Has anyone ever repainted a 914 Targa Top with the original grain surface?

Is the factory Targa top painted with a lacquer? Does it require priming?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The typical way to refinish it is to use Wurth Body Schutz, and experiment with angles and distances and such until you get the pebbled finish the way you like it.

I don't know what exactly the original finish was. I suspect black gel-coat, but I don't really know.

--DD

[Highland]

Thanks.

I actually just had some small spots to repair. I took some touch-up paint and used an old sponge to duplicate the pebble.

It looks pretty good except the weathered original black doesn't match the new paint; so I was thinking about applying a fresh coat of matte black paint.

Is painting the targa top with the original pebble finish a bad idea? If spray painting the top is okay, what type of paint should I use so I don't get peeling and wrinkles in the future?

[PNine64]

FWIW, I had a few specks and scratches on mine (scratches where the top fits in). I was actually able to use a Sharpie pen to "dab some black on" and "smudge some off". With the pebble finish, the slight difference in color and sheen blends right in. If it's a larger area this probably won't work but for small stuff it might be worth a try. If it doesn't look right you aren't out anything either.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

As I said, the Wurth stuff replicates the factory finish. That's the typical way to redo the top.

The pebbled finish is a Very Good Idea, as it hides a ton of imperfections. People have sanded their tops smooth and painted them (generally body color if they're going for the smooth look) and it usually takes a good bit of filler to smooth out the top. All of that is hidden by the black pebbled finish.

If you find something that works for you, go ahead and use it. As long as you like the results.

I think the original finish is more "satin" than "flat", though.

--DD

[fly]

Originally Posted by PNine64

FWIW, I had a few specks and scratches on mine (scratches where the top fits in). I was actually able to use a Sharpie pen to "dab some black on" and "smudge some off". With the pebble finish, the slight difference in color and sheen blends right in. If it's a larger area this probably won't work but for small stuff it might be worth a try. If it doesn't look right you aren't out anything either.

When I restored my 1.8 75 I wasn't sure if I should paint the top or keep the original black look. So I purchased a second top from Craig's list for 50.00. I now have a black one and a color matched top. I did not sand the top, too much work and the end result is the same look from 10 feet away.

Painting at home: regardless of paint color I recommend the following, (for original look) Clean the top very good with alcohol. If your keeping the grain look don't use sand paper. A thick rag is all you need. Clean it three times to be sure and remove all the oils. You can use almost any spray can from your local hardware store. Hands down, the best paint for fiberglass in a spray can is rustoleum. I know it sounds odd, but it is very durable and you wont be doing it again in a year. It works amazing for wood as well. The down side is that it will take longer to dry, but once it does, you will have a five year paint Job with a factory satin finish.

fly