I have a dumb question for my first post to this forum. I am restoring a '73 914. The padding at the top of windshield is bad shape and missing large chunks. This piece seems almost impossible to find and if you do, it is rather exspensive. If I leave it off and replace the rubber seal (from 914World) will the Targa top still fit and seal correctly?

Thanks!

Yes, I believe so, but will have an unfinished look.

Oh....and Welcome !!!

I have seen the piece recovered with vinyl. There has also been talk of having these reproduced. Mark may be working on this now. (914Rubber/Mikey914)

There was a discussion similar to his last week:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=224758

I took that as being the rear Targa pad. I think I can re-cover my rear pad. The front pad is missing large chunks, so that is not an option. I'm just wondering if I leave the padding off, will the top still seal tightly. As for dressing it up, I plan to paint the newly exposed metal to match the body color. I may do something similar with the dash face. I like the old painted dashes from the VW's...

If that vendor can cover the rear Targa pad, they can cover your padding at top of the windshield even if it is missing large chunks. Would not hurt to contact them if you want to pursue it.

you're referring to the bolster attached to the bottom front of the targa top?