Home  |  Forums  |  914 Info  |  Blogs
 
914World.com - The fastest growing online 914 community!
 
Porsche, and the Porsche crest are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. This site is not affiliated with Porsche in any way.
Its only purpose is to provide an online forum for car enthusiasts. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
 

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

> I love to top. Some say I top too much., current topic: sourcing targa top seal track
ahycaramba
post Oct 10 2020, 04:01 PM
Post #1


“I live my life a quarter mile at a time.”
**

Group: Members
Posts: 161
Joined: 17-March 15
From: Murrieta, California
Member No.: 18,534
Region Association: Southern California



I know there is a difference in tops from early to late. My questions can the tops be interchangeable if the internal latches and fasteners are swapped? is it only the latches that make them different or is the structural also different?

Thanks in advance.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
3 Pages V  1 2 3 >  
Reply to this topicStart new topic
Replies(1 - 19)
mepstein
post Oct 10 2020, 06:07 PM
Post #2


914-6 GT in waiting
***************

Group: Members
Posts: 19,142
Joined: 19-September 09
From: Landenberg, PA/Wilmington, DE
Member No.: 10,825
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region



I thought I remembered someone saying the windows fit differently but I’m not 100%
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Gint
post Oct 11 2020, 08:18 AM
Post #3


Mike Ginter
***************

Group: Admin
Posts: 16,063
Joined: 26-December 02
From: Denver CO.
Member No.: 20
Region Association: Rocky Mountains



I'm curious myself as I've never researched it. And I need to figure out someday which of a couple of tops I have around here are early or late. So this was timely. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
mepstein
post Oct 11 2020, 09:27 AM
Post #4


914-6 GT in waiting
***************

Group: Members
Posts: 19,142
Joined: 19-September 09
From: Landenberg, PA/Wilmington, DE
Member No.: 10,825
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region



QUOTE(Gint @ Oct 11 2020, 10:18 AM) *

I'm curious myself as I've never researched it. And I need to figure out someday which of a couple of tops I have around here are early or late. So this was timely. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

Early top has a thin rib, late top has a thick one.
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Gint
post Oct 11 2020, 09:37 AM
Post #5


Mike Ginter
***************

Group: Admin
Posts: 16,063
Joined: 26-December 02
From: Denver CO.
Member No.: 20
Region Association: Rocky Mountains



QUOTE(mepstein @ Oct 11 2020, 08:27 AM) *
QUOTE(Gint @ Oct 11 2020, 10:18 AM) *
I'm curious myself as I've never researched it. And I need to figure out someday which of a couple of tops I have around here are early or late. So this was timely. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)
Early top has a thin rib, late top has a thick one.
Thanks Mark.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Jamie
post Oct 11 2020, 09:41 AM
Post #6


Senior Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,023
Joined: 13-October 04
From: Georgetown,KY
Member No.: 2,939
Region Association: South East States



QUOTE(mepstein @ Oct 11 2020, 07:27 AM) *

QUOTE(Gint @ Oct 11 2020, 10:18 AM) *

I'm curious myself as I've never researched it. And I need to figure out someday which of a couple of tops I have around here are early or late. So this was timely. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

Early top has a thin rib, late top has a thick one.

So what is the time line that delineates between early and late? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
mepstein
post Oct 11 2020, 09:49 AM
Post #7


914-6 GT in waiting
***************

Group: Members
Posts: 19,142
Joined: 19-September 09
From: Landenberg, PA/Wilmington, DE
Member No.: 10,825
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region



QUOTE(Jamie @ Oct 11 2020, 11:41 AM) *

QUOTE(mepstein @ Oct 11 2020, 07:27 AM) *

QUOTE(Gint @ Oct 11 2020, 10:18 AM) *

I'm curious myself as I've never researched it. And I need to figure out someday which of a couple of tops I have around here are early or late. So this was timely. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

Early top has a thin rib, late top has a thick one.

So what is the time line that delineates between early and late? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

If I'm right about the side windows being different, it would start when the newer style window mechanism was added to the doors. Mid '72 I believe.
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
altitude411
post Oct 11 2020, 10:06 AM
Post #8


I drove my 6 into a tree
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,306
Joined: 21-September 14
From: montana
Member No.: 17,932
Region Association: Rocky Mountains



Early vs. late
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=73129

early top doesn't seal well with late doors/windows
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=86067

more...
http://914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=329937

I believe early till mid 73 (some 73's manufactured in 72). Build date Jan of 73 had crash bar requirements
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
mepstein
post Oct 11 2020, 10:25 AM
Post #9


914-6 GT in waiting
***************

Group: Members
Posts: 19,142
Joined: 19-September 09
From: Landenberg, PA/Wilmington, DE
Member No.: 10,825
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region



QUOTE(Gint @ Oct 11 2020, 11:37 AM) *

QUOTE(mepstein @ Oct 11 2020, 08:27 AM) *
QUOTE(Gint @ Oct 11 2020, 10:18 AM) *
I'm curious myself as I've never researched it. And I need to figure out someday which of a couple of tops I have around here are early or late. So this was timely. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)
Early top has a thin rib, late top has a thick one.
Thanks Mark.

Looks like I reversed the rib with - per Paul's thread.
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Gint
post Oct 11 2020, 10:39 AM
Post #10


Mike Ginter
***************

Group: Admin
Posts: 16,063
Joined: 26-December 02
From: Denver CO.
Member No.: 20
Region Association: Rocky Mountains



QUOTE(mepstein @ Oct 11 2020, 09:25 AM) *
QUOTE(Gint @ Oct 11 2020, 11:37 AM) *
QUOTE(mepstein @ Oct 11 2020, 08:27 AM) *
QUOTE(Gint @ Oct 11 2020, 10:18 AM) *
I'm curious myself as I've never researched it. And I need to figure out someday which of a couple of tops I have around here are early or late. So this was timely. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)
Early top has a thin rib, late top has a thick one.
Thanks Mark.
Looks like I reversed the rib with - per Paul's thread.
I'll check it out. This is what I was hoping would come of this thread. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
bdstone914
post Oct 12 2020, 09:54 AM
Post #11


bdstone914
****

Group: Members
Posts: 4,496
Joined: 8-November 03
From: Riverside CA
Member No.: 1,319



@Gint
@mepstein

I have a late top that I am going to add the early rubber blocks to
and test fit on an early car.
The early blocks are shorter and wider. I don't know why they would change that.
I don't know it the top web height was changed at the same time.The window seals should not be an issue. 914 rubber list the late seal as better sealing and can be used on the early car for better sealing.

Then I am going to test an early top with late blocks on a late car.

Will report back her with the findings.

The other top differences do not appear to affect fit like the raised bosses on the front latches.

@ahycaramba
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
bdstone914
post Oct 12 2020, 09:58 AM
Post #12


bdstone914
****

Group: Members
Posts: 4,496
Joined: 8-November 03
From: Riverside CA
Member No.: 1,319



@mepstein
@Jamie
@Gint
QUOTE
If I'm right about the side windows being different, it would start when the newer style window mechanism was added to the doors. Mid '72 I believe.


PET show the window seal changing in 74.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ClayPerrine
post Oct 12 2020, 10:13 AM
Post #13


Life's been good to me so far.....
***************

Group: Admin
Posts: 15,367
Joined: 11-September 03
From: Hurst, TX.
Member No.: 1,143
Region Association: NineFourteenerVille



I have a lot of recent experience with this.

The top must be matched to the type of window regulator. If you have early regulators, you have to have an early top. If you have late regulators, you have to have a late top. It has to do with the seals and how they meet up to the top edge of the windows.

I know this for fact. My red six conversion (Igor) is a 73, and the top (painted to match the car) is an early top. So the seals don't fit right, and they leak. The top on the Blue 70 914-6 (Elwood) is a late top on an early car. The seals don't quite reach the top edge of the windows. So I added an aluminum strip between the top and the seal mounting track. They actually touch the windows now, but they don't fit right either.

I actually took the top of the red car and put it on the blue one. The seals fit fine when I do that, but the car looks really funny... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I have a early top that I am going to get refinished like they did at the factory for the blue six.

Also, a 70 914 didn't have a headliner on the underside of the top.

Clay

User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Gint
post Oct 12 2020, 05:21 PM
Post #14


Mike Ginter
***************

Group: Admin
Posts: 16,063
Joined: 26-December 02
From: Denver CO.
Member No.: 20
Region Association: Rocky Mountains



QUOTE(altitude411 @ Oct 11 2020, 09:06 AM) *
Early vs. late
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=73129

early top doesn't seal well with late doors/windows
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=86067

more...
http://914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=329937

I believe early till mid 73 (some 73's manufactured in 72). Build date Jan of 73 had crash bar requirements

@altitude411 Thanks for finding Paul's posts.

And I now realize that the top on my 74 is an early top. The late top was sitting on top of my /6. It looks pretty nice and only needs a couple of tiny paint applications. And a left rear mount.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Gint
post Oct 12 2020, 05:24 PM
Post #15


Mike Ginter
***************

Group: Admin
Posts: 16,063
Joined: 26-December 02
From: Denver CO.
Member No.: 20
Region Association: Rocky Mountains



QUOTE(ahycaramba @ Oct 10 2020, 03:01 PM) *
I know there is a difference in tops from early to late. My questions can the tops be interchangeable if the internal latches and fasteners are swapped? is it only the latches that make them different or is the structural also different?

Thanks in advance.

@ahycaramba Did this discussion give you the info you were looking for? Questions?



@bdstone914 Hey Bruce,
Do you have a late left rear targa top mount? This part. Or a set refinished would be great.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads/post-4253-1241844925.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads/post-4253-1241844904.jpg)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Gint
post Oct 12 2020, 07:10 PM
Post #16


Mike Ginter
***************

Group: Admin
Posts: 16,063
Joined: 26-December 02
From: Denver CO.
Member No.: 20
Region Association: Rocky Mountains



I did find another targa latch mount, albeit a crusty one with crusty hardware. That late top on a late car makes a lot of difference. I don't have any idea why I did that or when. Probably because of a mount failure (or departure).
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ahycaramba
post Oct 12 2020, 08:36 PM
Post #17


“I live my life a quarter mile at a time.”
**

Group: Members
Posts: 161
Joined: 17-March 15
From: Murrieta, California
Member No.: 18,534
Region Association: Southern California



I don't know about you but I hate when water leaks inside the car. Thanks to all who have tackled this thread. Your help was VERY useful and informative. You all saved me from making a mistake and future headaches. I can't thank you enough. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Hope to meet up with you guys one day and thank you in person.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
eric9144
post Oct 16 2020, 09:28 PM
Post #18


Advanced Member
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,731
Joined: 30-March 11
From: San Diego, CA
Member No.: 12,876
Region Association: Southern California



Interesting thread, I've been trying to find a really good 'stock' top to be able to swap out my body colored top just to change up the look if so inclined. I have 3 spare tops now as I've searched for one that needs only paint and minor refinishing vs a full on re-do.

After this thread, realized that I have two early and one late, I need the late one so will be probably bringing the early ones to sell off next time we ever have a G&R Swap meet...

Early:
Attached Image

Late:
Attached Image
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Gint
post Oct 16 2020, 09:55 PM
Post #19


Mike Ginter
***************

Group: Admin
Posts: 16,063
Joined: 26-December 02
From: Denver CO.
Member No.: 20
Region Association: Rocky Mountains



As long as we're on the subject...

What is the preferred product to treat a top exterior to freshen it? Even further, if a guy wanted to respray it, what's the DIY solution or product?
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Garland
post Oct 17 2020, 12:25 AM
Post #20


Restoration Fanatic
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,325
Joined: 8-January 04
From: ......Michigan......
Member No.: 1,535
Region Association: Upper MidWest



Post # 146 Link

Here’s how, and the product I used. It turned out nice. Distance when spraying the texture coat, will give you the factory effect as far as texture. Then finish with the black satin used in an earlier post on the same page for the bumpers.

Attached Image
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post

3 Pages V  1 2 3 >
Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 



- Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 28th March 2024 - 12:12 PM