Removing targa roll cage

[Gideon911]

I知 about ready to start this project. I知 thinking it will be best to cut around the welds rather than try and grind these thick welds for an indefinite amount of time lol. Thoughts?

[Gideon911]

[Gideon911]

[stownsen914]

To remove the tubes, I'd cut the tubes themselves with a Sawzall or similar. Cutting welds is a pain, so avoid when possible. Where the plates are welded to the unibody will probably need to be ground at the welds to remove.

[Gideon911]

I'm planning to cut the tubes with a sawzall. The main question is where to try and grind down each weld point (8) or cut the the perimeter around the welds to remove. I'm thinking that it will take a huge amount of time and more of a mess to grind down each weld. Although I won't need to weld in new pieces if I go that route.

Originally Posted by stownsen914

To remove the tubes, I'd cut the tubes themselves with a Sawzall or similar. Cutting welds is a pain, so avoid when possible. Where the plates are welded to the unibody will probably need to be ground at the welds to remove.

[stownsen914]

Gotcha. My first choice would be removing the welded in plates and leave the unibody, if possible. But it will be a tedious job. It'll get really tough at the inside corners where you can't easily get a cutoff wheel. I guess for those portions you could grind perpendicular to the weld and take away the plate along with the weld. Sounds fun!

Full disclosure though, I haven't had to remove plates like this before - I've only welded them in. Perhaps someone with better experience will chime in.

[Showdown]

For the amount of time it痴 going to take to cut/grind out the plates delicately without doing damage to the tub, it kind of feels like a plasma cutter and patch project. That way you might even be able to salvage the roll bar and sell it.

[Gideon911]

thanks Stownsen914. I've cut out a cage before but haven't done it with a car I wanted to save/restore.

Showdown- I agree with using a plasma cutter/patch project.

Maybe someone with more experience doing this actual job can give a recommendation

[Solamar]

I would use a cutoff wheel (probably several sizes) to cut diagonally most of the way through the weld bead. Hit the cut gap with a chisel occasionally, this will give you a clue as to when your almost through the weld. If you can get three sides loose, the fourth side can be rocked enough to break the weld.

[Gideon911]

Solamar, I like that idea. I'd think I might have to bend it too hard to break the fourth side loose. If I can rock it back and forth to break the side I can't reach, without bending the body..that would be awesome. I think I'm going to start at this tomorrow. It's worth trying. I think that could be the easiest/cleanest way to do it.

Anyone else before I start?

[Gideon911]

I appreciate any and all input from you guys. I've never done a project this big, and I want to do a good job. I will use the search button as much as I can, but sometimes I have a hard time finding what I need. Also, I have seen guys do these targa conversions, but mine is unique because it wasn't converted to a cab, like the threads I've seen. I'm hoping the structural targa bar is just under the body line (top of the door).

I'm going to document this project here. Thanks in advance to anyone following along and willing to give me advice. I really enjoy this forum.

[Solamar]

Just in case you didn't know. Never use cheap/Harbor freight cutoff wheels. When they come apart very bad things can happen.

My favorite is SAIT thin kerf .045

[Gideon911]

I can imagine, ok I値l be sure to use good wheels

[Jim2]

First you must mask off any glass which may get hit with sparks, windshield both sides, door glass, gauges, mirrors. Put a tarp over your other car or better move it away.

I've had a few caged cars which I converted back to street, they too had glops of weld surrounded each footing pad. I ended up leaving the footing pads in place but trimming the tube clean off. It became evident the only way to deal with the corners where you can't cut the weld is to cut into the tub and patch. I still have one car to do but not excited about diving in.

[Gideon911]

[Gideon911]

So easy! I知 already done! 🤪 ok seriously now the first real challenge

[Gideon911]

I知 going to first attempt to make a diagonal cut at the plate welds. I致e already started with the cutting wheel. I think cutting the tub may be the way to go but I want to give this a shot first on one or two of the points to see.

Jim2- luckily my car has no glass. I will mask my gauges and one side mirror. Thanks for the reminder

[mepstein]

I did the same on my 914. Cut the tubes with a saws-all and then ground it smooth. My metal guy will cut out the plate and fab in some patch panels later in the build. He said that will be faster and easier then trying to cut around the corners and save the old metal. He'll make it nice but even if it doesn't look factory, it's under seam sealer, sound proofing and carpet.

[Gideon911]

Yea I致e been at these welds for a while. Im going to try and get one plate out to see how difficult it is, and how it looks. These welds are pretty heavy lol. If this welder ever sees this he is going to have a good laugh

[dannobee]

Way back in my early nascar days, we'd cut out cages to save the cages and throw away the rest of the wadded up car. Kinda exactly the same, only different. ;-) The tool of choice was an oxy-acetylene torch with a "scarfing tip." After a bit of practice, you get pretty good at saving both parts and only blasting out the weld bead. A little touch up with the die grinder for the leftover parts.