Targa panel housing

[Alan461]

Latest project has been fitting a new set of second hand carpets in navy blue instead of the faded grey original.

While the rear bulkhead was uncovered I decided to cut a hole (700 x 120) big enough to accommodate the targa panels.
This then needed a carpet lined housing to fit in the boot on top of the petrol tank,
the existing boot carpet covers it raising the petrol tank shelf 140mm.

There is some loss of boot space but not nearly as much as with the panels in and no need to turf stuff out to get them.
The panels can't come out without out one of the seats tipping forward and I've added a retaining strap to keep them secure. The vybak window is 50mm above the panels with the hoop down.

I don't know how much stability the chassis gets from the tub and how much stiffening if any the rear bulkhead will need to make up for this.

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[Alan461]

Thanks for encouraging comments fellas, I was a bit worried about it when I was chopping into the fibreglass.

Hi Barry,

The only useable photo is from when the hole was first cut with the panels in to measure up.
The carpet is dark grey so my phone won't take a photo that shows any detail.

Better removing them with both seats tipped forward, I nearly ripped the passenger seat with one of the tangs.

[Alan461]

phillpot said:

Alan, I have a load of grey "exhibition carpet", very similar to the stuff TVR lined the boot with if want some let me know, and anyone else?

Cheers, that might help as I need to make a cover for the battery now it's in the boot

[Alan461]

glenrobbo said:

mk1fan said:

Ski hatch anyone? Those winter jaunts just got a whole lot more audiable.

I believe the first S publicity/sales brohures mentioned a ski hatch with a leather/ anbla sheath to prevent exhaust/fuel fumes entering the cabin
( Obviously this is irrelevant unless you drive around with the roof on. )

Good thinking Alan, can you .insert the targa panels from either side of the boot firewall/bulkhead?

Hi Glen, the above photo was before the mdf box was fitted so the panels go in from the cabin only.
I haven't fixed the carpet yet, still want to get the fit right.
You can see the difference in height by the marks on the carpet.

[Alan461]

Griffinr said:

That’s a really neat job, I wonder how it would work the other way round, i.e. create the box in the car and load the panels from the boot side. I think I’ll do some measuring.

This may be better in some ways
as the panels could sit flat, upside down with the curved returns (bit next to windows)in the boot.
The parcel shelf box then could be less tall, 80mm approx.
Might have a look at it