Targa top recover
07-07-2014, 10:50 AM
#1
Racer
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: New Gloucester, Maine
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Targa top recover
Well, I took this project on with a frame that I purchased at a great price to serve as a top I could fold and use when I was driving the car open air ( so I do not ever need to fold the factory original top). I'm into this thing for about $600 all in, so not bad. I learned a few things along the way that I would do differently , but I'm not likely to do it again. I'll be sending my original ( 1984 orinial skin!) to Dan in NJ for professional results.
For starters, this is not a horrible job, but somewhat messy. Second, the quality of the top I obtained from ebay was ok, not the best, but ok. I was able to get a good quality burlap and used batting from a fabric store as I could not find 1/4 inch foam wide enough for this project. Seems to work well, but likely a bit less springy than foam. I took to clean and paint components and replaced on side seal. I did not replace the canvas binding that holds the varios aluminum pieces in the proper orientation. It was in good shape.
I took the time to find the true center of the top and the replacement vinyl and worked out from there. In retrospect, I should have started by affixing the sides to get a tighter stretch across the length of the top. Instead, I worked from the center out and did the sides last. I saw both options displayed in my internet searches and I can tell you that sides first is the way to go.
I worked hard to create the 30 degree down angle on the leading/trailing edges of the top, but actually ended up with more than that. It is probably ok and will likely straighten in time. The liner was easy and , actually, the reinstallation ofthe targa clips was easy as well as I used gorilla tape to hold them in place from the backside ( someone had posted that great idea).
The top folds easily and looks pretty good. There are some wrinlles that came following my first use of the top ( had it folded in the boot for a half day or so) and I am not sure how well they'll come out in time.
Having this top for functionality vs looks was my intent and I am ok with the outcome. I worked on it nights for a few days and was able to soften the top one afternoon for install. Not bad at all.
Here are some pics:
For starters, this is not a horrible job, but somewhat messy. Second, the quality of the top I obtained from ebay was ok, not the best, but ok. I was able to get a good quality burlap and used batting from a fabric store as I could not find 1/4 inch foam wide enough for this project. Seems to work well, but likely a bit less springy than foam. I took to clean and paint components and replaced on side seal. I did not replace the canvas binding that holds the varios aluminum pieces in the proper orientation. It was in good shape.
I took the time to find the true center of the top and the replacement vinyl and worked out from there. In retrospect, I should have started by affixing the sides to get a tighter stretch across the length of the top. Instead, I worked from the center out and did the sides last. I saw both options displayed in my internet searches and I can tell you that sides first is the way to go.
I worked hard to create the 30 degree down angle on the leading/trailing edges of the top, but actually ended up with more than that. It is probably ok and will likely straighten in time. The liner was easy and , actually, the reinstallation ofthe targa clips was easy as well as I used gorilla tape to hold them in place from the backside ( someone had posted that great idea).
The top folds easily and looks pretty good. There are some wrinlles that came following my first use of the top ( had it folded in the boot for a half day or so) and I am not sure how well they'll come out in time.
Having this top for functionality vs looks was my intent and I am ok with the outcome. I worked on it nights for a few days and was able to soften the top one afternoon for install. Not bad at all.
Here are some pics:
07-07-2014, 10:58 AM
#2
Team Owner
nice work .where did you get those reubber pieces for along the top of the window or did they come with the top ?
the ones i bought from uro were total junk.
the ones i bought from uro were total junk.
07-07-2014, 10:23 PM
#3
Racer
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: New Gloucester, Maine
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The originals were on the top when I bought it. One was damaged, so I bought a used one via ebay for reasonable money ( paid 45, I believe). The other was usable and I treated it with 303 to get the supple feel back. Purchased all new machine screws for the targa clips. Well worth that small investment. Knowing what I now know, I will probably buy another top skin and re-do it down the road. Nice to know I don't ever need to fold the factory original. Great project.