I tried this a few years ago with some success. I have more time to kill nowadays and thought I'd give it another try. I like the way it turned out so far. I used an old roof that I cut up and had the rest made of "sunbrella" at the local upholstery shop. It's supposed to be "water resistant". Maybe I'll have a chance to find out if it ever rains here again. I tested it a speed today on the highway and it did fine. It bows up like most ragtops at 70mph and didn't seem to flap at all. It doesn't take up much room in the trunk. Kinda reminds me of an old British sports car top. LOL
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Nice!
Elliot,
Normally I really like what you have done, both the black car and the yell one...both cool.
But I have to ask...
Why do this and WTF is the point?
RIch
I really like that. I love how it keeps your trunk usable.
Post your plans on how you built it.
How about more like the Boxster Spyder top? Use the front portion of the targa top and stretch it over the targa bar to a couple of attachment points out back?
This is just like the Lotus Elise soft top - only the Elise has two front to back fibreglass stays to support the roof and keep it under tension in a slight bow
It works incredibly well
I really like that boxter top. Maybe it can be my next WTF project.
Looks a lot like the old Triumph Surrey tops. I like it!
Didn't the early 911 Targa tops fold in half? I've looked at them and always thought it would be nice to have a targa that folded in the middle so it could be put in the front.
This http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/348560-targa-top-restoration.htmlhas some photos showing the 911 framework.
I kinda like the spyder / jeep bikini top type.
I think you have too much time on your hands. Why don't you come to Seattle and work on my car?
I have an extra bed and will feed you
I like it, Elliot
I happen to have a spare top, an assortment of cutting tools, a lot of aluminum flat stock and an upholstery supply store near by ... and like Elliot, I'm also retired
I've had the desire for a similar top for a few years as well. I'll probably fabricate one like this to start out with, but I've seen other similar designs (Garold Shaffer has one too), that I'll study a little more before trying to fabricate a fresh design that will incorporate the best features from all of them. The new design will have some sort of skeleton scissor-frame with foldaway center supports for more rigidity
I like it! looks like the Sunbrella fabric could use some tightening but pretty cool...
Actually, the concept copying the Boxster Spyder's top would appear very doable. You could incorporate attachment points at the outer edges of the engine grill, and just need a solid piece to attach to the windshield header. If only used for sudden rainstorms, I think it would serve quite well. Now, I just have to find an old top and a friendly upholsterer to give it a try!
The 911 targa's up through 89 or 90 had fold up tops to store in the hood. They do pretty well if covered correctly. I think one could find an old frame and modify it to work and would end up looking factory....
Although the 911 frames installed in the back the same the front does, i.e. flush with the roof line not on top!
Nice job and execution!
Ok, never mind on the used top. Those things have gotten way to expensive!
I think this is a very cool idea, and I'd buy one if they wee available. Space savings is the key.
I have a 911 targa here. The tops are a joke compared to our targa top. Heavy, bunch of moving parts to wear out and if not installed with the correct seals will leave the car at over 100 mph. If I owned a 911 targa I would weld on a proper roof.
Cool idea. Just for style, I'd have the canvas flap over the front and rear hard parts, add a couple of snaps to the front and corners, and then it's a complete rag top. It has a kinda funky look with the targa front and rear. Otherwise, great project.
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