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> targa top, plexiglass?
will
post Oct 24 2007, 12:33 PM
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Has anyone thought about customizing a targa top using plexiglass? Plexiglass can be molded to any shape. This would be a great replacement for the NLA saratoga top.
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RoninEclipse2G
post Oct 24 2007, 12:41 PM
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sounds like fun, have at it.

my hands are full with bumper rubbers
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SECHSER
post Oct 24 2007, 01:14 PM
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i saw one for sale on the samba not too long ago, but i can't find the ad now so they might have sold it. not sure if someone already makes that but i think it's a great idea.
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jim_hoyland
post Oct 24 2007, 02:07 PM
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Will,

Year ago I talked to a Plastics place that specializes in Marine winshield about making up a plexiglass top. Very doable, the tricky part is getting the fittings together. The place is in Costa Mesa on 18th street just west of Placentia.

It is a good idea, you can mold in flat side edges to mount the standard track for ruber seals; the quality of Plastics is much better than in 1973, etc

You may want to touch base with them

Jim
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will
post Oct 24 2007, 05:53 PM
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QUOTE(jim_hoyland @ Oct 24 2007, 01:07 PM) *

Will,

Year ago I talked to a Plastics place that specializes in Marine winshield about making up a plexiglass top. Very doable, the tricky part is getting the fittings together. The place is in Costa Mesa on 18th street just west of Placentia.

It is a good idea, you can mold in flat side edges to mount the standard track for ruber seals; the quality of Plastics is much better than in 1973, etc

You may want to touch base with them

Jim

Thanks Jim,
I have a couple of plexiglass company in my area that I will contact. I hope it is not too terribly expensive.

Will
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Two914s
post Apr 29 2008, 10:27 PM
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I have a Saratoga top listed on ebay right now ( April 2008 ).

Item # 200219075560
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biosurfer1
post Apr 29 2008, 10:40 PM
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what about cutting away most of an existing top and replacing it with plexi? that way you could use the existing mounting, seal channels, etc.
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70Sixter
post Apr 30 2008, 11:48 AM
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QUOTE(biosurfer1 @ Apr 30 2008, 12:40 AM) *

what about cutting away most of an existing top and replacing it with plexi? that way you could use the existing mounting, seal channels, etc.
I saw it done back in the days of aftermarket sunroof kits. Somebody put a large sunroof into the 914 top. Ugly.

Your thought is much better use of a screwed up top.
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brer
post Apr 30 2008, 01:48 PM
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QUOTE(biosurfer1 @ Apr 29 2008, 09:40 PM) *

what about cutting away most of an existing top and replacing it with plexi? that way you could use the existing mounting, seal channels, etc.


I worked on this idea for awhile but never finished the lid.
someday maybe it will get pulled out again.
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biosurfer1
post Apr 30 2008, 03:54 PM
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eh, I was just throwing out ideas...I hate having the sun on my head unless the top is completely off
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JC 914
post Apr 30 2008, 05:37 PM
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QUOTE(biosurfer1 @ Apr 30 2008, 12:40 AM) *

what about cutting away most of an existing top and replacing it with plexi? that way you could use the existing mounting, seal channels, etc.




Something like this???
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Rand
post Apr 30 2008, 06:14 PM
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QUOTE(biosurfer1 @ Apr 30 2008, 02:54 PM) *

I hate having the sun on my head unless the top is completely off


Unless there's rain falling. I know, that's a dichotomy, but I live in the PNW. So I like having a clear top. And cutting the center out of an old top & riveting plexi over it makes for a nice extra alternative top to have on hand. Depends on where you live I guess, but I'll take all the natural light I can get.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
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TROJANMAN
post Apr 30 2008, 06:23 PM
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Looks nice in pictures.........
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QUOTE(Rand @ Apr 30 2008, 04:14 PM) *

I'll take all the natural light I can get.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

You might consider moving...........(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
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Rand
post Apr 30 2008, 06:27 PM
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Yeah, Gregor will be here all night... And be sure to try our burrito special.
(As I'm planning my "geographical independence." Seattle summers are perfect, but beware, I may be in your neck of the woods next winter.)
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brer
post Apr 30 2008, 10:48 PM
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I was just going to cut hole, router out a large area to create overlap, then take to my local surfboard shop and have them reglass the hole with tinted fiberglass.

greenish color I was thinking. Maybe use the graphite colored cloth to cut the sun but still allow light to come in.

Anyway, thats what I was thinking.

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Rand
post Apr 30 2008, 11:00 PM
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My approach was, hole saw the four corners to make a nice radius in said corners, sabersaw the straight lines, pick up the plexi from Tap Plastics, drill the holes for pop rivets, put a dab of silicone goop in the hole, and pop-rivet to fasten. Do your craftsmanship well and you won't be embarrassed of it.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

If you live in the PNW you'll be happy with the sunlight. If you have a thick hide, the teasing of the brothren south of the Cal border won't phase you.
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brer
post Apr 30 2008, 11:07 PM
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plexi sure might expand and contract differently which is why i was leaning towards reglassing it.
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Rand
post Apr 30 2008, 11:11 PM
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YMMV. Love new ideas. Post the results. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
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brer
post May 1 2008, 02:54 PM
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someday I just might.

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dflesburg
post Sep 23 2008, 10:08 PM
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We are currently planning on doing a prototype for a 914 top with a very large section replaced with dark gray lexan. When we get the first one done, if it looks good, we will be making more. We will keep you posted.
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