Targa Restoration
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 5
From: Herriman UT
Targa Restoration
I read a post a while back about restoring a clear targa top (sanding followed by clear coating). Anyone know where I can find that write up? How effective is it?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 5
From: Herriman UT
I thought most were having this profesionally done but I'd love to give it a crack myself too hopefully someone smarter than I can help.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: Warren Michigan
careful.
I used to work with the company who manufactured these polycarbonate targa tops, they are dip coated with protectants after molded. The coatings have UV stabilizers and believe it or not, scratch resistance (to a reasonable extent).
I used to work with the company who manufactured these polycarbonate targa tops, they are dip coated with protectants after molded. The coatings have UV stabilizers and believe it or not, scratch resistance (to a reasonable extent).
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,401
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From: Retired but working
Cruise-In VI Veteran
I did mine from the directions given and it turned out great. Quite a bit of work but it looks new.
Basically it's san, buff with grit polish, clearcoat. wetsand and polish and buff then wax. I didn't ake pics cause the guy had them the way he did it. Wished I had now. I'll see if I can find it.
Basically it's san, buff with grit polish, clearcoat. wetsand and polish and buff then wax. I didn't ake pics cause the guy had them the way he did it. Wished I had now. I'll see if I can find it.
Race Director
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From: Retired but working
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
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From: Hawaii
Depending on the degree of delamination, sanding, buffing and a shot of clearcoat is an iffy proposition. After two attempts (the clearcoat continued to spiderweb) I just had it painted to match the color of the car. Turned out real nice. (a yr and a half later) An unexpexted plus was that from the inside looking up the top has a black mirror like finish.
If what you propose doesn't work try painting it either black or the color of your car. Good luck
If what you propose doesn't work try painting it either black or the color of your car. Good luck
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Race Director
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From: Retired but working
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Depending on the degree of delamination, sanding, buffing and a shot of clearcoat is an iffy proposition. After two attempts (the clearcoat continued to spiderweb) I just had it painted to match the color of the car. Turned out real nice. (a yr and a half later) An unexpexted plus was that from the inside looking up the top has a black mirror like finish.
If what you propose doesn't work try painting it either black or the color of your car. Good luck
If what you propose doesn't work try painting it either black or the color of your car. Good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,336
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From: NW Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
my top had the infamous 5 inch strip above the passenger window when I purchased it. last year I removed the remaining coating by sanding and recoated with clear. the factory coating was more substantial than paint, it took some work to remove it. I stayed clear of any chemical strippers for fear of damaging the surface. since I already had spray equipment and dupont chromabase clear on hand, a few hours sanding and 3 wet coats and it was as good as new.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Herriman UT
Here you go, works great. Like new.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2020059
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2020059
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Good write-up in that link. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
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From: Hawaii
It is good to know there is a way to restore the top. It sounds like hard work though. I stay clear of "hard" work. Hell, I stay away from "WORK". Period!!!
I'm happy with my painted top. My take on the issue is that if I want to see the sky..... I REMOVE THE TOP!!! Besides it was too hot.
I'm happy with my painted top. My take on the issue is that if I want to see the sky..... I REMOVE THE TOP!!! Besides it was too hot.
Last edited by HawnHog; Jul 11, 2008 at 06:31 PM.
