Targa top restoration - level of quality question

[miken426]

I recently had my top restored by one of the two leading top US restoration experts for a total of about $1350. I've had an old top that was never properly restored, for years and never new the look of a 'correctly' done top. While the top looks great overall, I feel there are two issues with the work performed, but not sure, as i have no point of reference.

#1: Should there be a slight downward impression in the top beneath the latches when top is secured?

#2: Should there be a small gap of just under an 1/8" between the front of the top and the windshield frame?

See photo's:

I also included a pic of the rear of top where it meets the targa bar. Notice how it slightly over the silver bar. I would think the front of the top should sit slightly over the windshield just the same?

If anyone could be kind enough to share pics of their top done correctly, or showing how mine is incorrect, that would be great!

Thanks
Mike

[miken426]

Here is a pic of the rear of the top where it meets the targa bar and sits nicely over the bar:

[Jim kinker]

I have my original top on my 69 so material my very from years but the grain on the top and trim looks totally different otherwise I belive the gaps are correct but being my top is 45 years old maybe due to shrinkage. My top has some downward impressions but I think that's from where it folds! I'll try and post pictures later. Jim

[keith]

Here is a pic of the rear of the top where it meets the targa bar and sits nicely over the bar:

This what the grain on my '72 looks like, and that fits better than mine.

[LiveFromNY]

The fit looks pretty good to me. As for the grain, the 69 grain is different than the later grain (and I've been told by, again, one of the two top restorers that it is no longer available).

[miken426]

This is helpful all. So the gap on the front windshield area is normal. Are the impressions at latches normal on a freshly done top? I would think on an original/older top, they would appear in time
Mike

[pu911rsr]

I had a 73 targa with a fresh top, fitment was never perfect, looked like yours.
Phil

[mfitton]

Do you have the original front seal on your windshield frame? If seal is a replacement it could be wrong one and would not seal properly. I can only comment on Dan Patchel's work he has done several for me and it would be correct in every way, he is the same as Harvey is with wheels. I will post some pictures later. By the way FYI I just found out that the targa top fits unfolded behind the front seats, I have had targa' for many years and never knew this.

[mshaver51]

the front seam should not fit over the windshield frame. the front seam should tuck behind the frame, as yours appears to do.

there are two reasons. first, if the targa material is above the windshield frame, rain/water would be pushed under the top material, causing increased leaks. second, there would be increased wind noise.

for what my opinion might be worth, it looks to me like your top is pretty nice.

[Jim kinker]

There's also a nice original top bag to store the top! Jim