Hello all, I have been a member over at Pelican for a while and recentlly found this place so thought I'd ask here as well.
Anyway I have a 1973 911T Targa and have been doing some research on what my options are for a new/improved top. A few months ago I thought I was helping myself out by installing new weatherstrip around the windshield seal only to find out that the "new" seal has a chance of causing top flyoffs along with other problems, so now I'm not driving my car due to lack of a top (bit chilly in the mornings). I also found some minor issues with my top and discovered Dan with CarsInc and the restoration process and availability of the correct weatherstripping.
The problem is I contacted Dan and he says due to the age of my top it requires the 4-stage $995 restoration, and the seal is $189, so I'm looking at nearly $1200 and that still doesn't address the rear targa seal window and door seals etc to actually make my car water-tight.
I've been reading some about the "Sundial" hardtop and it seems like the new ones are a decent option, but wanted to get some other feedback.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180558521466...=p5197.c0.m619
My 911 is a "fun" car. With the old windshield seal and top in its current condition I drove it in all weather conditions including heavy snow (Jeep was out of service for a few days) and never thought much about it. If the car was left outside during a heavy downpour some water got inside but never a big deal and the car is very rarely left outside during a downpour. Pretty much I want a top that will keep some heat in during the colder months, and be something I can put on when I leave the car outside during the work-day in case of a stray rainstorm. Basically I just want an option to have a top "in case of emergency" and for heat retention when it's cold. 100% water-tight isn't a concern, "coupe-like silence" would be nice but not a big deal. I suppose I could just get the correct seal and continue using my top in its current condition, but I have seen some concerns with that idea and really like the hardtop idea.
So questions
1) Will the Sundial top fit in my trunk? It seemed the response was that it was OK without power brakes. I do have a strut brace, does that interfere?
2) Are there other/better options than the Sundial that are in the same price range?
3) Is a new Sundial a good/reliable option? I have read some concerns but also some glowing reviews on here... any consensus on the current product?
I have also been reviewing this thread
Fiberglass targa top build and that looks promising, but apparently not ready yet?
Thanks!