Targa Top
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,142
Likes: 802
From: Espanola New Mexico
Targa Top
I have a 97 and the Targa top is really looking bad, its got a couple of small cracks and its really hazy. I purchased 3M carbon Fiber vinyl and planning to apply it to the top as well as spraying a couple of coats of clear on top of it, has anybody on the forum done this, and is it a good idea? Any and all advise appreciated. Regards
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 568
Likes: 2
From: Dayton, Oregon
Oldtimer
My 97 had a vinyl overlay when I bought it.(The lexan was beyond repair) Don't know how long it was there but it tended to bubble/blister when it got hot. Maybe an installation problem, maybe not. I finally bit the bullet and got a re-manufactured top. Not cheap, figure $800, but a new one is $1400. You might be able to find a used one but just hope it's local, shipping is expensive for such an oversize package if the seller will even do it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 7
From: Lawrenceville PA
This thread tells you how a member refurbished his top. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...sh-how-to.html
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 13,614
Likes: 1,357
From: Home of the VOLS ! Knoxville, TN. Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '15, '16-'17-'18-'19
I got mine refurbished at a local body shop for $200.00 and it looked really bad before. Now it looks almost like new.
He uses a very hard clear coat on top of sanding it down to the Lexan.
It was in the body shop a total of 3 days.
He uses a very hard clear coat on top of sanding it down to the Lexan.
It was in the body shop a total of 3 days.
Race Director
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 16,574
Likes: 13
From: Winfield IN
Unless you are a professional vinyl installer, the contours of the top make it extremely difficult to get a good application without wrinkles and air bubbles. Don't ask me how I know. 
Your best bet (which is what I'm going to have to do as well) is to just find a local body shop that can either refinish it with a clear coat, or paint it solid black or your body color.
Your best bet (which is what I'm going to have to do as well) is to just find a local body shop that can either refinish it with a clear coat, or paint it solid black or your body color.
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Yes, there has been at least one forum member that has done what you are asking. I have a Word file that details the process he used - if you'd like a copy, PM me your e-mail address.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
The rubber weather stripping is available from GM but they are charging a super high premium price for it even though we know they didn't pay that much for it. Other companies have it too such as Mamotorworks but even they are expensive. You need to insure its dry inside or don't drive it in any weather.
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