2g Targa Conversion/Restoration...

[Jake]

So instead of clogging up Andy's thread I'll just post the pictures here.

I am picking up a 95 Talon AWD on Friday. White w/ Black roof. Plans for the car is the Targa top, full "restoration" I guess you could call it. All of the suspension will be powder coated, the underside of the car will be Line-X'd, and a few other things done to it. Just want a nice looking "show" quality DSM. The goal is 700awhp.

Here are a few pictures of a targa conversion. I believe this guy (Dre) was the first to complete it.

http://www.twingles.com/ideck/looks060903/outside9.jpg
http://www.twingles.com/ideck/looks060903/outside_interior2.jpg

The targa top that I am doing will be somewhat identical, although my cage will be up a lot tighter, attached to the body with gussets like this:

http://www.nittotire.com/blog/bodyImages/53.jpg
(more pictures here) http://www.nittotire.com/blog_detail.asp?id=9

There will be a 1 piece bar that will run down each A pillar and across the top of the windshield, all gusseted like above for strength. 2 bars will be attached to the "removable roof" with gussets, to connect the A pillars to the main hoop. There will be 4 quick release pins to remove the roof and 2 replacement bars to install when the roof is off so the car remains solid.

If anyone is interested in doing this, its fairly simple, on a DSM at least... Supra targa weather stripping fits almost perfectly. With the use of a heat gun to shrink it, its perfect. Slight trimming might be required, but not much.

[Talon]

Cant wait for the progress pix to start. I also hope to see this car at one of our meets sometime

[Jake]

Since its so late in the year already I am not sure how soon I am going to start it. The car already needs some work to begin with so we'll see. If I plan on driving the car at all this year I dont think I'll be able to get the top done until this coming fall/winter.

I have 1 month until the track is open and dont want to be without a DSM for another year due to projects that I want to accomplish. I will most likely be able to get the underbody done though. We'll see!

I'm sure most of you have seen the car as its from Waupaca.

I was originally going to do this to my other 2g talon (red) but instead of painting a red car white (personal preference) I decided to just find a white talon and build that. So things are getting off a little slow.

[Talon]

Are you going to be keeping the stock front and rear or are you upgrading to a 2gb front and rear?

[Jake]

2gb front end... 95 side skirts and keeping the 95 Talon rear end.

I will put a 2gb Turbo spoiler on it and a OEM Carbon Fiber hood. Thats about all I will do with exterior. (Body wise)

[Dizmm]

ya, I'd get it all running good, enjoy the car this summer, then take on the targa project next fall/winter. It sucks going all summer with no "fun" car.

[BoostinPower]

thats awesome looking... I like!