Looking for help with a 68 Softie

[Microgator]

Just bought a 68 soft window targa US model 911. Having fun driving as is but would like the recommendations of the board on some reputable shops with experience in these cars for the following in the North Florida area:

General repairs - I would like to upgrade to SSI heat exchangers (current ones are rusted thin and I don't want to go to sleep on the road with the heat on . Also want to have the car get a good once over and repair the minor leaks, new belts, etc.

Seats - passenger seat reclining mechanism won't hold a position. I have disassembled the whole seat, stared at it, put it back together, and gosh-darn if it isn't any better than when I started. Also the seat cushions feel like they are too soft....is that the way they came or do they need repair?

Soft-top - the mechanism that puts the top up and down needs repair -- it is not properly attached. Also, I need a new soft top ... hoping for original materials if possible. I don't plan to drive with the top up, but I think I would like to have a "working" top.

Wheels - can anyone tell me the correct wheels this car came with? Currently has Fuchs (have to measure to know size). They look pretty good, but I plan to send them off to get refinished when the car is being bare metal, windows out repainted to the original ivory.

Seals - guidance on who can repair the rubber seals on the targa bar and whether or not this is worth doing?

Front bumperettes - car did not come to me with any front bumperettes..have seen pics with and without and would appreciate thoughts about this.

Head lights - the inside peice of trim (don't know what it's called) is chipped. Should I go to H4s or replace this peice?

I would appreciate advice and counsel of experts here. Really like the car and would like to make it as nice as possible while still enjoying it.

Thanks,

Jason

[sithot]

Jason:

Tony at Autobahn Interiors can handle the top and seat issues.

Good luck with the car. Were it mine I'd fix the top and leave it in the closet (provided you have a garage).

Best,

Tom

[FL-Frank]

> Wheels - can anyone tell me the correct wheels this car came with?

It was most likely delivered with 4.5JX15 steel wheels, unless it's an S which would have come with 5.5JX15 Fuchs

> Front bumperettes - car did not come to me with any front bumperettes..have seen pics with and without and would appreciate thoughts about this.

I believe front bumperettes (aka over-riders) were standard issue in 1968, regardless if the car was for the US or ROW.

> Head lights - the inside peice of trim (don't know what it's called) is chipped. Should I go to H4s or replace this peice?

I would recommend converting to H-4's not only for their cleaner look, but also for their improved lighting.

Now.....how 'bout posting some pics of your new softie?

All the best,

[Microgator]

Thanks for the info so far. Frank....no pics yet. Will try to post some in the next few days. Currently the car looks pretty rough. I have a bare metal, windows out paint job contracted to begin next week. I will however take some before photos. Car is currently white but am putting it back to its original light ivory. Also need some trim work.

Any advice on bringing the car back to as nice a weekend driver as I can is much apprecitated.

[rgrimm]

My '68 (non-"L") came with 5.5JX15 chromed steel wheels, and a painted 4.5JX15 for the spare.

I had guards front and back (all chrome, no rubber).

Are you talking about the gray plastic inner-portion of the "sugar scoops"? If so, that portion can be replaced and, if you like the look, you can get 7" replacments for the sealed beams that take an H4 bulb. You get nearly the lighting improvement of the Euro H4s while maintaining the original look.

[Microgator]

Roger

Do you have some pics of your 68 that I can see for reference?

Thanks for your help.

Jason

[rgrimm]

Here are a few shots. I'm hardly the original owner, but I walked to the man who owned the car in the late 60s/early 70s some years ago, and he walked around the car pretty thoroughly. He was the one who lowered the car, put in the wood steering wheel (right after he bought the car, so while not original, certainly period!) and painted the lower rockers and rear bumpers with what is basically an underbody spray, which I've kept on the car.

I did replace the gray plastic inner-portion of the sugar scoops (you'll be surprised at how much they may have weathered). And these are the 7" H4 replacements sold by our host.

I unfortunately never got the original fogs. After having a pair of covers painted, I broke down and bought a set of the H3 reproductions you see for sale.

There were "protection bars" between both the front and back bumper guards, which I removed. It also had a black plastic engine lid grill when I bought it, which I replaced years ago with a correct aluminum grill.

I've always had the original side reflectors, the mirror is the smaller 4" Durant (never was sure when the changeover to the slightly larger Durant occurred).

I did complete a set of 5.5JX14 Fuchs which I normally drive with--you see them in a few of the pics.

I've never gotten a COA, but as far as I know, it's just a plan, un-optioned standard non-L coupe. It's in storage, not at home but not far away. Let me know if you'd like to see anything else in particular and I'll try and dig up a shot or take one (I need an excuse to pay them a visit!).

[edmayo]

RGRIMM, that may be un-optioned and plain, but that is a clean looking car. Glad to see you kept the reflectors on, very few 68's have those anymore, makes that year very unique.

[Microgator]

Roger:

Thanks so much for the pics.... definitely made me smile. My car is white now, but I am going to put it back to its original light ivory...that is the color of yours right?

I need to find a pair of fog lamps as mine does not have them. In addition, I would like to get the chrome "bumperettes" if you can give me a lead on where to find them I think they look great.

What seats do you have in the car? Also, if I could see your door panels that would be helpful.

I can't wait to get my car painted so I can show some pics.... our cars are definitely close relatives!!

Jason

[fg1227]

there's a '68 softie on my photo site;wheels are 5 1/2X15