818 Targa Update

[Larry J W]

Attached are pictures of the 818 targa project. The goal was a easy to remove and store top. I was concerned about the visibility, ease of entry and exit. So far it is not real problem even for this 75 year old man that is getting stiff and sore. Sorry it took me so long to post!

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The top sections are formed from .1 inch Home Depot plywood heated to soften the internal glue and coated with vinyl fabric. A reinforcing rib is glued along the front edge. Nutserts are used on the windshield. They are both expanded and glued in place. Ideas for those inclined to experiment.

The rest of the body changes were foam core fiber glass. If I re did it, I would used the plywood as the base for the glass in that the core is not very crush resistant.

Larry

[Hobby Racer]

Looks very much like a Lotus Elise! Nice work.

[Ajzride]

Wow, I was just working on sketches for one of these last night, that is awesome!

[FFRWRX]

That is really cool! Gives the car a very different look. I don't suppose the panels store anywhere in the car do they?

[Larry J W]

Yes the panels are sized to easily fit under the rear deck. I looked at a single panel but the width was too long. I also looked at a soft top but it was going to be more work. After being caught in some nasty down pours and hail an easy top to install was needed.

Using a center support for the two panels also stabilized the windshield from vibrating so bad. The aluminum tongue in the center eliminates extra lose hardware.

Larry

[Jetfuel]

Thanks for posting this clever idea. It goes to show that there's more than one way to skin a ......
In this case is keeping the weather away from the cat's head..
I'll experiment this winter with the two T tops set up

Jet

[lance corsi]

It brings to mind a Honda DelSol. Nice work!

[redbudrr]

A great job and alternative to a rag top!!

[aquillen]

Great look and work - thanks for sharing...

[AZPete]

Very impressive design and fabrication.

[Mechie3]

Fantastic work. Any pics from the front? What did you do with the center of the engine cover?

[Larry J W]

Mechie per your request here is a picture from the front. If you look closely you will see your hood hinge kit.

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Here is the rear deck. It pivots on 2 UHMW blocks on the shoulder belt cross bar. The whole assembly attaches to the original mounting points and can be returned to stock in less than a hour. Part of the goal was to get more air through the engine and maybe eliminate some fumes in the cockpit. A second goal was to eliminate the question "is it on a VW chassis?". Also I never did like the humps.

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Finally off topic is how I worked the windshield wipers in between the cowl and windshield. It took a little cut, fit, try, and repeat to get the geometry right but it works excellent. No modification to the body work is required The motor is stock from my JDM front clip. Fast, slow, park and intermittent all work. When parked the wipers are hidden.

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Larry

[pixel]

Very nice fabrication!