Targa Top refinishing options | FerrariChat

Targa Top refinishing options

Discussion in '308/328' started by Crowndog, Mar 4, 2020.

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  1. Crowndog

    Crowndog F1 Veteran

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    #1 Crowndog, Mar 4, 2020
    It’s time to freshen up my targa top. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere it’s now a very ugly grayish blackish worn look on a brand new looking car with bright black anodized or painted surfaces here and there. It doesn’t match anything except maybe the bottom of my shoes. So I’m wondering what you all have found successful and what to stay away from? Thank you!
     
  2. Saabguy

    Saabguy Formula 3
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    #2 Saabguy, Mar 4, 2020
    Don't laugh. Clean well with Simple Green, dry well, very well, mask underside and rattle can it a nice glossy black. If you have the touch it will look great. If you don't it will look a lot better than it does now.
     
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  3. Crowndog

    Crowndog F1 Veteran

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    #3 Crowndog, Mar 4, 2020
    Thank you.
     
  4. eyeman1234

    eyeman1234 Formula 3
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    #4 eyeman1234, Mar 4, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2020
    They are fiberglass. I had mine professionally painted by Luc, "the best" Ferrari specialist, and after it looked brand new!
    Ship it to Florida...;)
    2301 SW 66th Terrace, Davie, FL 33317
    (954) 494-8772

    P.S. He has more Cavallino Platinum awards and concours awards than can be counted!
    (No affiliation)
     
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  5. Crowndog

    Crowndog F1 Veteran

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    #5 Crowndog, Mar 4, 2020
    I have been investigating the situation and here is a decision. Apparently the top is fiberglass with a black gel coat finish. Like gel coat on boats with time it oxidizes. Hence the awful gray haze over the surface of the top. So there are at least two approaches: remove the oxidized layer and polish and wax with a boat gel coat restoration kit or paint the thing. So I will have to mull over these options and wait for others to chime in with their successes and failures. I’m glad yours came out so nice.
     
  6. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
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    #6 thorn, Mar 4, 2020
    I spray this on mine a couple times a year. Eventually wears off, yes... but that takes awhile, and it looks nice until then. Also works well on the bumpers.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
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  7. Crowndog

    Crowndog F1 Veteran

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    #7 Crowndog, Mar 4, 2020
    Hmmm what type of product is that?
     
  8. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

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    #8 Rosey, Mar 4, 2020
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  9. Crowndog

    Crowndog F1 Veteran

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    #9 Crowndog, Mar 4, 2020
  10. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
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    #10 thorn, Mar 4, 2020
    Dunno. Something my son suggested...tried it, was pleased.
     
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  11. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

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    #11 Rosey, Mar 4, 2020
    I'm at work so I will post one later tonight my time.
    At the recent Concorso on Sunday a few people commented on my roof and thought it was new.
    It's the same age as the car, 31 years old.
     
  12. Ferraridoc

    Ferraridoc F1 World Champ
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    #12 Ferraridoc, Mar 4, 2020
  13. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

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    #13 Rosey, Mar 4, 2020
    1000% better.
    It is honestly one of the best products I have used.
    No artificial shine, no oily finish.
    It restores the deep colour of the finish and leaves it a factory matt finish.
    Definitely worth buying a bottle, you'll find plenty of uses for it.
     
  14. Ferraridoc

    Ferraridoc F1 World Champ
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    #14 Ferraridoc, Mar 4, 2020
    Back to Supercheap I go!
     
  15. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

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    #15 Rosey, Mar 4, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2020
    Hahaha.
    Excellent for the vinyl finished targa top, mirror housing, roof spoiler and even tyres of my 328 as it is a fantastic UV protectant so stops colour fade.
     
  16. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

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    #16 Rosey, Mar 4, 2020
  17. Crowndog

    Crowndog F1 Veteran

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    #17 Crowndog, Mar 5, 2020
    Certainly looks fantastic. Directions recommend reapplication every 40 or so days. Do you find it necessary to do that?
     
  18. JLF

    JLF Formula 3
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    #18 JLF, Mar 5, 2020
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  19. Ray F

    Ray F Karting

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    #19 Ray F, Mar 5, 2020
    I had mine covered in actual black vinyl. Looks wonderful.
     
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  20. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    #20 miketuason, Mar 5, 2020
    Any pics?
     
  21. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    #21 miketuason, Mar 5, 2020
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  22. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

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    #22 Rosey, Mar 5, 2020
    As promised, here is a photo of my targa top.
    My car is a bit of a garage queen, only gets driven once a month and only in sunshine so I don't need to reapply 303 every 40 days or so.
    One application will last me a year or so.


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  23. eyeman1234

    eyeman1234 Formula 3
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    #23 eyeman1234, Mar 5, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2020
    Top was repainted and "grain" was preserved. My early 1986 U.S. 328 did not have that matte top Rosey has.[​IMG]DSC_0660 by eyeman1234, on Flickr
     
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  24. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

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    #24 Rosey, Mar 5, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2020
    Funny how some tops seems to be shinier and smoother than others.
    Mine is matt/satin and has quite deep fine graining.
    Might vary with build dates, mines a mid 1989.
     
  25. Crowndog

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    #25 Crowndog, Mar 5, 2020
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