Hi, new member and restoring a 993 targa

[Philreeves]

My first post, so hope this is in the spirit of things...Currently restoring a 96MY 993 targa, which is my second porsche (first being a 997.2 c2s, but sold due to lack of use). However, I would appreciate a few tips if possible as I'm encountering a few areas of "stubbornness", particularly in places I didn't expect. In short I am renewing the suspension with Konis, new springs (all to be compliant with the targa structure), brake disks, bushes, lights (solid red and clear lenses) and exhaust before it goes for a full respray in original midnight blue. It will also be finished off with 17 inch Fuchs as I am not keen on the standard 2 part targa wheels. My issues so far being :
On removing the hub, the ABS sensor is held on with a torx headed bolt. Bolt heads sheared off...Now having to drill out and re tap for the new bolts. Only on receiving the new ones did I realise that they had screw lock on them.
The brake pipes have been a nightmare. Ones on the hub totally solid, so new ones bought along with goodrich braided brake hoses, but am having to replace the ones leading to the union in the centre. I've decided to make my own after looking at the costs and the potential for the rear to be in a similar state of seizure. I am going to use cunifer, but anybody have any advice here ?
Finally, on the bushes for the lower wishbone arms. Any advice on removing the old ones ? Heat, press, ??
Happy to share my experiences to date with anybody interested. I am surprised at how rust free the body is, but some items Porsche used in construction seem a little fragile, nuts and bolts, rear bumper struts in particular.
Many thanks.

 

[chas3.2]

Hi Phil The cunifer brake pipes are ok and easy to bend to shape
you will need a special tool to make the cone ends.

The lower suspenshion arms will need to be removed to install
the new front bushes. Drill out around the rubber and remove the centre,
then hacksaw through the metal outer ring from the inside it will now knock out.

Mark the caster adjusting bolt so you can put it back somewhere near.
When you have done all the susp jobs the car will need a full geometry reset.
C O G are the best. Copper slip everything. or Allie Grease.

 

[Graham-S]

As Chas said. Centre Gravity are the best. Had my Targa done by them in Dec last year. A very differnt car now. They can do the bushes, dampers brakes etc They live and breath doing this sort of thing and you see it when then work too. Give Chris and Pete a call 1st and they can advise you
http://www.centregravity.co.uk

Graham

 

[Philreeves]

Many thanks for the advice posted. Been in touch with CoG and car will be going there post the respray and rebuild, hopefully May !
I've got the DIN brake flaring tool and started practicing a few pipes. Now awaiting another pipe bender as the one I had doesn't get tight enough radius's. I've read that I shouldn't use copper grease as it could interfere with the ABS sensors; is this correct ?

Working on the callipers at the moment. More parts to order...


I am surprised at the ease of many things on the Porsche. I just hope it all goes back together nicely. It's only done 38,000 so it's going to be with me a while..

 

[Graham-S]

CoG dont use copper grease as there are different metals involved.

 

[wilsonny]

CoG dont use copper grease as there are different metals involved.

yep...totally agree, you need a variety of greases when working on porsche brakes. I use a specialist brake grease for the sides of the pads and alumgrease on general parts, eg. hub. I tend to keep copper grease for exhaust parts in the main.

 

[Chrissss81]

A 993 targa is an excellent choice

I am surprised at how rust free the body is, but some items Porsche used in construction seem a little fragile, nuts and bolts, rear bumper struts in particular.

The targa roof can also be problematic though, as it is rather fragile and can also rust in the a-pillar region (scroll down for pictures, it is not my car):
http://www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?p=841044

I had some problems with the roof as well, the sun blind didn't work, and the glass needed to be readjusted. Finding a good garage was a bit tricky, but I found one and they fixed it completely.

 

[Graham-S]

I had some rust at the top of the A Post. Found it when I have the main front rubber changed. That was done by Greg at Tognola http://www.tognolaengineering.com/index.htm
I have some pictures somewhere, I'll look them out for you.
The glass is fairly easy to align if you have some time and patience
Never had a leak in the 12 year I have had mine!. I do have some PDF's to do with wind noise, water entry and setup the roof etc if your interested

Graham

 

[Chrissss81]

How can the rubber seal at the a-pillar actually be removed? I would like to check the situation on my 993 targa.

 

[Graham-S]

It's pretty crude method but it works otherwise you have to remove the roof. Tognola used a crowbar to prise the gap carefuly open after the bolts are removed
This is why I watched and took pictures
Here is the Link
Password is 993Targa
http://s168.photobucket.com/user/tel0020/library/Porsche%20Targa%20Roof%20Works
To see the end of the rubber seal all you have to do is removed the inner trim.
Removed the sun visors and interior light (Don't short the wires on the car body and blow the fuse as you pull it out!)
Then you have the 2 side panels, can't remember off the top of my head how they come out other than I think they push or pull towards the car windows or the centre. Don't think there were any fixings. Been a while since i last did it
The reason for the rust is the top rubber joins the door seal and drains though that. If you look at the pics you will see. The water then comes out the holes in the bottom of the door seal. you can see 3 or 4 along the seal/door sill
Hope this helps
Graham

 

[Chrissss81]

Thanks a lot Graham, your comment is really helpful.

 

[Shootetm]

I've a 96 Targa which needs a respray to resolve issues on most panels including around the A pillar, I believe Greg from Tognola has left so Peter doesn't repair Targa roofs. I've been to Precision Porsche and they seem capable - are there other options I should consider? Car is 93k miles and not aiming for show condition just to be nice usable condition for weekend use. Thanks

 

[Philreeves]

Hi there, I did the same for my ‘96 targa. Had done 39k, but plenty needed doing. I used a company in Nottingham for the respray and they were excellent. However, before it went for the respray I took the time to replace the shocks and bushes which on a targa are notoriously fickle. Getting underneath it as well enabled me to see just how far the tin worm has nibbled away. Rear bumper supports and heat shields in particular need looking at if yours haven’t been done in the past few years. More than happy to discuss, help, send info that I amassed from my experiences. Today my 993 targa looks sweet and drives even better. It’s worth the effort to get it right. Have plenty of photos, etc, so the offers there. Phil

 

[kingroon]

I'd suggest Bob at RGA in Vauxhall, London, but I know he has a queue and I'd like to make sure you don't jump in front of me before I have called him for the Work I want done this Winter..!

Have you looked at JuanSheeet on Instagram..? He did an amazing job of his Targa Resto.. https://www.instagram.com/juansheeet/

 

[Shootetm]

Hi there, I did the same for my ‘96 targa. Had done 39k, but plenty needed doing. I used a company in Nottingham for the respray and they were excellent. However, before it went for the respray I took the time to replace the shocks and bushes which on a targa are notoriously fickle. Getting underneath it as well enabled me to see just how far the tin worm has nibbled away. Rear bumper supports and heat shields in particular need looking at if yours haven’t been done in the past few years. More than happy to discuss, help, send info that I amassed from my experiences. Today my 993 targa looks sweet and drives even better. It’s worth the effort to get it right. Have plenty of photos, etc, so the offers there. Phil

HI Phil - Yes I had considered suspension work as a second activity after sorting the bodywork out, mines 93k and there is some record of damper replacement in the service history but that is many years ago now. My key quandry currently is do I attempt the removal of all brightwork/topside parts including the targa roof to send the shell to a paintshop, or do I pay for a garage to do this for me. I do have an issue with the roof visor as only one side pops up correctly and I've taken the visor glass out and suspect that the "shuttle" that locks the slider into place to hinge the glass correctly is missing or stuck. Hence why I am looking for a grage that's done targa's previously. I'm hesitant to do the dismantling myself, not because of the technical challenge but more the time commitment - I can easily see it turning into a multi year duration. Would be good to have a talk if you've any thoughts about this?

 

[Philreeves]

I see where you are going. when I bought my targa 993 I had no idea how complex they’d made them. Mine was making all sorts of noises; grinding, clicking and frightened both me and my wallet. However I took mine to an independent porsche dealer called cavendish just outside nottingham. They got the roof up and running, along with the roller blind for very little money. They seemed to know their targa’s so maybe worth a call. I did this before any paintwork. I then did the suspension, brakes and rust underneath and sent it then to the bodyshop. It was transported there as it had no exhaust, bumpers or lights. Getting bumpers and wheel liners off is an eye opener and I’d highly advise doing this before the paintwork. My number is 07833220898 and happy to talk. Can talk most evenings and days but I’m busy until after Friday lunch this week.