S3 targa top storage - variation on a theme
Discussion
I've seen a few of the targa storage mods for the S - all recessing into the boot from the cab. This seemed like a good idea, but I didn't want to lose boot space, and would rather load the panels from the boot that from the cab. This is what I did:
The oval holes were presumably from an earlier speaker installation...
Storage box fabricated from 6mm ply... the angled front matches the angle of the tub section behind the seats.
Testing for size - it could have been fitted on either side...
Time for some fibreglass - speaker holes disappear....
Finished item. Convenient cubby-hole either side of raised 'parcel shelf' and plenty of room for the rear folding section of the roof. Still plenty of room for a couple of coats / travel rug / nodding dog with the roof up.
View from the boot. I'll either make some covers for the panels and/or make a 'hard' cover that will sit over the top of them.
Perhaps not everyone's cuppa, but for me it works well. With the roof on, there's more 'secure' (hah!) storage in the boot. The targa panels can be quickly removed and stowed without having to disturb a passenger ("she who must be obeyed").
The oval holes were presumably from an earlier speaker installation...
Storage box fabricated from 6mm ply... the angled front matches the angle of the tub section behind the seats.
Testing for size - it could have been fitted on either side...
Time for some fibreglass - speaker holes disappear....
Finished item. Convenient cubby-hole either side of raised 'parcel shelf' and plenty of room for the rear folding section of the roof. Still plenty of room for a couple of coats / travel rug / nodding dog with the roof up.
View from the boot. I'll either make some covers for the panels and/or make a 'hard' cover that will sit over the top of them.
Perhaps not everyone's cuppa, but for me it works well. With the roof on, there's more 'secure' (hah!) storage in the boot. The targa panels can be quickly removed and stowed without having to disturb a passenger ("she who must be obeyed").
A very neat installation. I did look at doing something similar with J-LLO but I have kept the spare wheel which makes it more difficult, if not impossible to stow the panels in the boot.
I thought that a reversible soft bag permanently attached to the bulkhead, similar to a vehicle ski hatch bag, could be made so that the panels could be stored either in the boot or the cabin. One for Phillpot to research? The cabin would still be sealed from the boot. I do not know if there would be any other issues, however.
I thought that a reversible soft bag permanently attached to the bulkhead, similar to a vehicle ski hatch bag, could be made so that the panels could be stored either in the boot or the cabin. One for Phillpot to research? The cabin would still be sealed from the boot. I do not know if there would be any other issues, however.
TVRees said:
Great idea ! I like it.
now we just need Glen to come up with a name 
Obviously it's the "Alternative Alan's Roof Stowage Enclosure Modification." now we just need Glen to come up with a name or ( Totally ) A.A R.S.E.M.
Like Tony, I prefer to keep my spare wheel and my original A.R S.E. orientation provides a sturdy and secure stowage for my large socket set, my spare petrol container to the right, and a cubby space for bits and bobs to the left.
I don't need to move the passenger seat to stow or remove the targa panels as long as the curved edges are turned upwards with the curve to the front, larger ( passenger side ) panel goes in first, with the Phillpot cover bag lapped around the front of it, then the smaller ( driver's side ) slipped in on top, again with the cover lapped over the front. Still leaves room on top for a hold-all and coats or other stuff.
A ski flap type soft flexible bag enclosure would be quite easy to fit, but then you wouldn’t have the solid base to secure stuff from sliding about.
Interestingly, TVR's original 'S' design was to incorporate a ski flap in the rear bulkhead, but this was omitted from the production cars due to the extra costs and the potential for exhaust or petrol fumes entering the cockpit.
Either that or Nobby couldn't be bothered.
Edit: I discounted "Targa With A Twist".
Edited by glenrobbo on Tuesday 7th November 10:59
Here's a thought for a variation on this theme. How about making that "pod" extending back into the car a bit smaller and putting the spare wheel in there? The thinking is that you won't need to access this very often so tucking it way isn't going to cause much inconvenience and you'll then have a lot more space in the deepest part of the boot. This means you'll still be able to get your roof bits out quickly when the rain gets too heavy.
Of course there is always another way
Of course there is always another way
That is an interesting alternative and i can see why it might work for you.
Putting the spare in there is an interesting thought, it is indeed the least used item. I am not happy about running without a spare, the last two punctures I have had have each ruined the tyre too much for a seal can to be of any use.
However we went for the ARSE mod because 2 up on holiday the boot is packed, and it has to be done carefully, while the 'parcel shelf' has 2 small bags on it. We do not have to disturb the boot at all and we can now work as a 'team' and get the roof up quickly and when it is down the bags fit on top very easily. Doesn't half make the boot tidier!
Pictures before it was trimmed.
I do very much agree that glassing in the ply is a good idea to retain rigidity.
With the hood on the hood bags and rear screen 'sausage' fit away nicely
We put the targa panels in upside down so they nest easily against the ridge behind the seats (S1).
Remember that on the S1 fitting the hoods in the boot is more difficult and more likely to damage the hoods as the boot lock projects in the centre.
Putting the spare in there is an interesting thought, it is indeed the least used item. I am not happy about running without a spare, the last two punctures I have had have each ruined the tyre too much for a seal can to be of any use.
However we went for the ARSE mod because 2 up on holiday the boot is packed, and it has to be done carefully, while the 'parcel shelf' has 2 small bags on it. We do not have to disturb the boot at all and we can now work as a 'team' and get the roof up quickly and when it is down the bags fit on top very easily. Doesn't half make the boot tidier!
Pictures before it was trimmed.
I do very much agree that glassing in the ply is a good idea to retain rigidity.
With the hood on the hood bags and rear screen 'sausage' fit away nicely
We put the targa panels in upside down so they nest easily against the ridge behind the seats (S1).
Remember that on the S1 fitting the hoods in the boot is more difficult and more likely to damage the hoods as the boot lock projects in the centre.
greymrj said:
That is an interesting alternative and i can see why it might work for you......
My roof lives in a bag which sits up against the back of the boot so this is just a hypothetical exercise for me. With the hood folded away in its bag I can still get two small bags on the shelf plus all the boot. 
I'd suggest that you'd only need a "pod" measuring a minimum of 22" square by 6" high (internal) to accommodate the spare. The parcel shelf is 15" deep so that means you'd only take about 7" or 8" by 22" out of the boot space. This should still leave room for a couple of small bags on the parcel shelf. Of course the "pod" could be made a bit bigger to fit the jack and the other stuff you hope you won't need.
This means the roof sections can still be carried in the boot and be easily (ha!
) accessible and creates more luggage space in the boot.As I say, just a hypothetical exercise for me and I'll leave Glen to think up a name
You beat me to this by 2 minutes! I've just come down from the loft where I measured my targas. These came out at 22" x 26" meaning there's no real difference between a "pod" for the spare and the "pod" needed for the roof panels. I was going to ask if anyone had tried putting their spare in their roof pod to see how it fitted but I've been beaten to it.
So there we are then; theory is great but there's no substitute for actually doing it.
Where have was come across that before?
I've just come down from the loft where I measured my targas. These came out at 22" x 26" meaning there's no real difference between a "pod" for the spare and the "pod" needed for the roof panels. I was going to ask if anyone had tried putting their spare in their roof pod to see how it fitted but I've been beaten to it.So there we are then; theory is great but there's no substitute for actually doing it.
Where have was come across that before?
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