Protecting the targa top from scratches - cheap and effective mod | FerrariChat
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Protecting the targa top from scratches - cheap and effective mod

Discussion in '348/355' started by Volair, Jun 2, 2013.

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  1. Volair

    Volair Karting

    Apr 11, 2013
    241
    Carmel, Indiana
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    Bart
    #1 Volair, Jun 2, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    If you own the 348 with the targa top, you may have inevitably discovered that the seat back screws can potentially gouge the top when stowed behind the seats. An example of really bad engineering. To boot, the protective targa cover is not sufficient to prevent scuffing/gouging of the top as it is made from pretty thin material. But there is a cheap fix - and it comes from the Ferrari parts supply at the local Lowes (Ferrari department is isle #30). These are just perfect size to go over the screws and provide enough cushioning and protection that you can stow the top and don't have to worry about it while you travel in style!
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  2. ezmaass

    ezmaass Karting

    Apr 26, 2013
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    #2 ezmaass, Jun 2, 2013
    Now, do those cost around $1,500 a set at your local dealer? :) Nice quick fix! I'm looking at a 355 GTS purchase - are there similar concerns on the 355 GTS? I often thought that handling the top, in general, has a high potential to scratch or scuff it. Some people mentioned storing it in the garage when going out, but that limits your options if the weather, or even your mood, suddenly changes when out.
     
  3. Nosevi

    Nosevi Formula 3

    Jul 8, 2011
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    #3 Nosevi, Jun 2, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    That's why I've got one of these :) Fits 348 or 355. Are a few floating around but not too many. (foldable soft top in case it's not obvious from the pic)
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  4. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2011
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    Fab
    #4 treedee3d, Jun 2, 2013
    Good trick but excessive heat from weather and engine can unglue those things quickly...
     
  5. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula 3
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    Feb 15, 2013
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    Joseph Troutwine
    #5 GTO Joe, Jun 2, 2013
    Good idea, I'm going to do it. Suggest you wipe the area with alcohol to get any leather treatment off so they stick better. Thanks for sharing.
     
  6. ezmaass

    ezmaass Karting

    Apr 26, 2013
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    #6 ezmaass, Jun 2, 2013
    Pete - how does that work? The top has some kind of wireframe to it that allows it to fold/unfold? Does it fit in the boot? I haven't seen one before, but I can see how it could be an appealing alternative to lugging around the targa top if you plan to drive with it off but may want throw it on in a moment's notice.
     
  7. Nosevi

    Nosevi Formula 3

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    #7 Nosevi, Jun 2, 2013
    Eric, there are two types. One has the same catches as a standard roof and is a little more bulky, you lock it open then use as a standard targa. The one I have is a bit more light weight and it folds down to quite small and goes in a bag on the parcel shelf so you can keep the seats all the way back. Mine's cleared for 100mph and is fine water proof wise so it's perfect for what I wanted. This is it open and then mostly folded down:
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  8. dahveedem

    dahveedem Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2012
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    #8 dahveedem, Jun 3, 2013
    This would be a nice solution for pop-up storms when I'm out with the car.
     
  9. Nosevi

    Nosevi Formula 3

    Jul 8, 2011
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    #9 Nosevi, Jun 3, 2013
    Exactly what I use it for. Have driven in the rain with it and all stayed dry inside the car. If I'm expecting a damp day I don't tend to be in the Ferrari anyway so it's just in case I get it wrong or if you want to leave the car 'closed' when you stop. For that it's perfect.
     
  10. TheOnlyest

    TheOnlyest Formula 3

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    #10 TheOnlyest, Jun 3, 2013
    Nifty! but as such, i'm sure its nearly impossible to find one, and its 1000's of dollars.
     
  11. Falcon Wing

    Falcon Wing Formula 3

    Aug 4, 2010
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    Colorado Springs
    #11 Falcon Wing, Jun 3, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  12. Nosevi

    Nosevi Formula 3

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    #12 Nosevi, Jun 3, 2013
    Got a similar bag for mine but opens at the end. You're right though, is a neat solution to the targa getting scratched. For me it's more the fact that the seats can stay all the way back as it feels a bit cramped when you put them forward to put the roof behind them.
     
  13. ezmaass

    ezmaass Karting

    Apr 26, 2013
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    #13 ezmaass, Jun 5, 2013
    Pete - that's really neat, thanks for sharing! So, where you do you find these? Not in the tent isle at the local camping store, I suspect? :)
     
  14. Nosevi

    Nosevi Formula 3

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    #14 Nosevi, Jun 6, 2013
    Eric,

    No, I'm afraid not :) I'm chasing down some leads so bear with me. I'll get back to you guys soon. It does look though that there's a possibility that the slightly more light weight roofs such as the one I've shown are actually Ferrari OEM while the heavier ones were made by the US importer (Ferrari North America) for customers and are not in fact made by Ferrari themselves. Will report back when I know more.
     

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