How Practical is a Soft Top Targa?

[neilEbardsley]

I own a 67 912 Targa which has been converted to a hard top. I'm considering having it resprayed this year and while doing this I was thinking of taking it back to a softtop. My main worry is that I live in London, England and it does rain other here. The car isn't a daily driver but I do have to use once week in all weather conditions. Generally speaking it's my car and the Mrs has a defender so I have to use to take my son to cross country races etc on the weekends. It lives in a garage so doesn't sit outside. I've already have to reglue the roof seal one to stop the rain getting in so I'm worried that by turning back into a soft top I don't want to turn a useable car into a garage queen. However, I really like the idea of having the full softtop as it's already a lot of fun in the sun which just the roof off.

Can anybody offer any advice on how practical they are?

[jaudette3]

They leak. And the soft window bits are expensive and hard to come by. But they're glorious in nice weather. And, of course, their value is rapidly escalating.

Damn practicality! Convert it.

JohnA

[neilEbardsley]

I thought someone may of replied on that vain! I just had a look at your web site and you have a soft top so you know what you are talking about! My vin number is 550038. It appears that you have 500043 I guess the extra 5 in my number shows that it's a 912?

There is someone offering a kit which isn't cheap but could work. I'm not sure I would try to track down NOS parts was I think that would be an expensive and long process!

[EARLY911ZOO]

Hi I would advise you to do so as it is a wonderful experience to have the full feel of a open rag top.
things to consider are what is under the glass, has it been addressed? a converted soft window to glass may have been done because of the fact that there are areas that were prone to trapped moisture and water resulting in a rusty edge where the glass sits. you may have to insure that there is no rust or that it has been repaired properly and if not you should enterprise to have it repaired and protect the metal from further future assaults. I would coat the whole area of the interior rear and around the Targa bar with an anti rust such as POR-15 and take great care in properly sealing the soft window and the trim, paying careful attention to a water tight installation. I would not worry too much once you have addressed the issues that these normally have. With the help of the excellent knowledge of years of ownership here on this board, you should have no problem in successfully returning your car to its original configuration.
Go for it! Its a big plus in value, original 67 SWT are are few and far apart. May I ask what color is yours? Does it still have the overhead padding with the cut outs for the handles?
kind regards RIchard