Have you reupholstered the headliner / Targa top /  visors in your 912/912E?  Yourself or through a shop?  Thanks to Jip Woudstra for this question.

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From: Robert Burn; I am just about to redo my targa top for the first time.  I received an Email from one of the registry members recommending http://www.targettops.com/.  They are in the SF bay area, but can send you a box in which you can ship them the top.  Sometime in the next few months I plan to drive over there, as this is where I live...

From: akbat; ;I recently replaced the headliner in my 68.   It's not that hard to do.  I coordinated the headliner with new glass rubber, so all the windows were out when the new headliner went in.  I can't imagine doing it any other way.  The headliner material wraps around the flange which holds in the window rubber, so having access to the flange is critical to a durable installation.
I bought my new headliner from Autos International. The URL for their web site is http://www.autosintl.com/.  They were able to match my original light grey material very well.  The fit was perfect.  Highly Recommend them.
I can offer the following advise:
1. Take the old headliner out intact, or at least keep track of which support rod go in which pocket.  They are each a slightly different length.
2. Take your time figuring out how the seams are located.  You want the seams to be more or less directly below the support rods, and it is possible to pull the liner too far toward the front (or back) of the car.  Find the center before you start gluing.
3. Work from the center to the corners at each of the four sides. I started at the front, did about 2/3s of the length, then went to the back, did about 2/3.  Sides were next, about 3/4s. Corners, near the front and back window posts were last.
4. Use lots of clamps.  I brought home several boxes of ACCO spring steel paper clips from work.  They work great.
5. Use an appropriate glue. It's important to wrap and glue the headliner material back around the window flange.  This allows you to use a little muscle to stretch the material tight without fear of it
coming loose later.
6. Trim the excess material from the window flange after the glue is dry. Cut out the holes for the interior lights after the liner is installed and you are satisfied with the fit.  The same applies to the visors, hooks and rear view mirror.
7. Don't forget to take the clips back to the office.
My new liner has been in about 9 months now, and still fits perfectly. No bags, sags, or loose edges.  The worst part of the job was installing the rear window and rubber, but that's another story.

From: SquawV;  I had the vinyl top replaced on my '67 912 SW Targa when the car was painted by Everret Adams in Reno, NV, 20 years ago.   The shop that he sent it to did a good job but the vinyl texture did not match the original.  Since the soft window vinyl surround (we only replaced the clear part) is still the original, the two textures do not match.  Apparently, Everret had a falling out with the shop owner over this incident, as he is extremely precise about his work. The headliner on the targa top was slightly ripped by the folding frame, but I haven't replaced it because I didn't want to risk it not being done correctly.  Molly Kenney

From: John F Lacey;  Rick -- In spite of many years of commitment to regular Armorall and VinylFood feedings, I had a few minor/tiny cracks begin to develop last fall in the two rear fold points on my top.  I keep it off the car, but in the fully opened/unfolded position more than 90% of the time during the driving months in the East. To stem the tide, I have used a simple solution: Benjamin Moore 45 year adhesive black vinyl caulk spread into the cracks/spaces (max half inch or so), wiped in with a sponge.  Maintains high flexibility in all temperatures. So far, so good.  I have heard widely in PCA circles for quite some time that OEM smooth vinyl top material is no longer available and/or nearly impossible to find (later, grainy finish is a cinch to get).  I will be interested to hear if any Registry members have dealt with this recently.   One frequent Hemmings advertiser from Florida (without an email address) represents he has it but I have not investigated. As for the foam headliner, my constant issue throughout my years of ownership has been the edges coming loose from time to time -- hot glue is applied as a stopgap to maintain tension/appearance.  I am pretty convinced that my intense Yankee thrift will have to be set aside at some point, and I will be biting the proverbial bullet to have it redone.  Best regards, John Lacey

From: Jip Woudstra;  First, your site ids DYNAMITE!!!!!!
My 1966 - 912 is in dire need of replacement sun visors. I have been unable to locate a source so far; any help will be greatly appreciated.
I am also taking the plunge and replace my headliner. This will be totally uncharted waters for me. My primary concern is the removal and repositioning of the windshields. Should I attempt this myself (windshields, that is) or should I leave this phase to a professional?
Those who have accomplished this operation, your comments please.  Thanks, Jip Woudstra

New! 912 Registry Members can share technical information, add technical information, and access quality, up to date technical information on our 912 Wiki.