Targa Top painted from factory? | FerrariChat

Targa Top painted from factory?

Discussion in '348/355' started by radback, Aug 22, 2022.

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  1. radback

    radback Formula Junior
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    Dec 14, 2020
    757
    France
    Hi,
    my car has a textured black Targa top.
    I prefer the look of the painted ones but I'm not sure I want to modify mine.

    A couple of questions:
    - are painted top from factory were textured too and modified when the painted option was ordered by customer, or are they a different part with smooth finish from the start?

    - are 348 and 355 share the exact same roof? I was told they're identical but some says they're not interchangeable.

    Thank you.

    PS: how much does cost a textured targa roof in average condition?
     
  2. Ferrarium

    Ferrarium F1 Veteran
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    Jul 28, 2018
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    The painted ones from the factory are smooth. People who have them painted aftermarket have them sand and mudded before painting.

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  3. ChoonHound

    ChoonHound Formula 3
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    May 13, 2022
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    Lucas
    Is the texture due to the coating (like a bed liner) or is it an overlay (vinyl, etc)?


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  4. 348Jeff

    348Jeff Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2011
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    I bought (and fitted) a 355 roof to my 1990 348.

    It did fit but I had to play around adjusting it plus trim a little bit of teh front rubber seal in order for it to fit properly. Even on 348s the shape of the door aperture seals changed on later models'
     
  5. 05elise

    05elise Karting

    Jul 20, 2011
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    Sharpsburg, GA
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    Dan
    The texture is molded into the top and is not in the coating so the only way to paint it smooth body color is to sand off the texture.
     
  6. ChoonHound

    ChoonHound Formula 3
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    May 13, 2022
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    Is the top fiberglass?
     
  7. 05elise

    05elise Karting

    Jul 20, 2011
    211
    Sharpsburg, GA
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    Dan
    Yes, as far as I can tell.
     
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  8. Christof

    Christof Karting

    Jun 29, 2014
    185
    Australia
    Top is fibreglass and texture is in the mound used to make ot.. can be sanded smooth and painted. No need to fill
     
  9. radback

    radback Formula Junior
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    Dec 14, 2020
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    So, basicaly the fiberglass part is the same but the seals are differents?
     
  10. 348Jeff

    348Jeff Formula 3

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  11. Ferrarium

    Ferrarium F1 Veteran
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    My 348 has the same roof liner as that 355. Probably changed in mid 90.
     
  12. radback

    radback Formula Junior
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    Dec 14, 2020
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    France
    Thank you!

    I really want a painted top, but it might be a good idea to keep the original as it is.
    Unfortunately I can't find a 355, only a 348, but if I can swap the parts around to fit as you did, that's OK.
    Still, they're very pricey when you can find one...
     
  13. 348Jeff

    348Jeff Formula 3

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    #13 348Jeff, Sep 1, 2022
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2022

    Attached Files:

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  14. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie

    Oct 8, 2011
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    Elliott Caras
    Roof liner is dependent on interior spec. There were two colours on both 348 and 355 and later on the 355 an option to have leather.
     
  15. bjwhite

    bjwhite F1 Rookie
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    My 348 top has been redone in leather on the backside. It's been painted body color also.

    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
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  16. 4rePhill

    4rePhill F1 Veteran

    Oct 18, 2009
    8,254
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    Your factory 348 targa top appears to be the earlier version, with the 308/328 GTS style leather pull straps.

    They only lasted a short time, and were replaced with the metal latches seen on your 355 top.
     
  17. 348Jeff

    348Jeff Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2011
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    Attached Files:

  18. 4rePhill

    4rePhill F1 Veteran

    Oct 18, 2009
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    I'm not sure when they switched from the leather straps to the metal latches, either date-wise or serial number -wise, but my 348 TS was also a 1990 car, and that had metal latches on the targa top.

    For reference, the chassis number was # 86579 - First registered in the UK in September 1990

    There was nothing in the records that came with the car, as I recall, to show the top had ever been replaced.

    I'm not sure why they changed to the metal latches, as it was quite early in the 348 production life (possibly due to concerns of the leather breaking?).

    At the end of the day - That's a fairly rare top you have there! :):cool:
     
  19. 348Jeff

    348Jeff Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2011
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    I've just put my black textured top into a bodyshop to get it colour - coded red to match the rest of the car so I will let you know how I get on - estimate for teh work is £300 UK pounds / $350
     
  20. radback

    radback Formula Junior
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    That's a good price.
    I was quoted €500.
     
  21. Mavic850

    Mavic850 Rookie

    Apr 25, 2021
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    Guy foulger
    I did mine this year at the same time as having the front bumper done. Looks so much better in my opinion.

    Having both items done cost £600.


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  22. judd10

    judd10 Formula Junior
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    Dec 30, 2006
    479
    Seattle, WA
    I'm looking for a black textured top for my 355. If you find a painted roof, let me know if you'd be interested in selling your textured black targa top. Thx!
     
  23. radback

    radback Formula Junior
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    Dec 14, 2020
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    What is the cost of a 355 or 348 top usualy?
    I found only one for sale, but at €1500, I'll pass.
     
  24. Candide

    Candide Formula 3

    Apr 6, 2017
    1,484
    Monaco
    When painted, how can we say 1 is factory painted and another locally ?
     
  25. 348Jeff

    348Jeff Formula 3

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    Mike Morrissey and marioz like this.

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