Early Targa rust repair - a cry for help for a targa guru

[RichMason]

noticing that the gaps on the tops of my doors increased noticeably when I jacked the car up, I started poking, then scraping, then I cut the door latch post and part of the rear fender off. The rust is bad - the kidney is gone, the inner fender behind where the door latch post joins the car has a three - four inch missing section. The most intimidating problem, however, is that the inner fender has rust through where the targa bar joins it. While the outline of the spot welded lip are still there, the rest is almost completely separated from the outside of the car. The inside of the bar is still firmly attached but I am unsure how to rebuild the targa bar (are there repair panels available or should I find a bar from a donor?). I can send pictures to people who think they can assist but they are too ugly to post.

[Bill Douglas]

Never fear Rich. A week ago someone was cutting up a couple of Targas and selling the pieces. try doing a search.

[Jim Smolka]

Rich,

You can cut piece from the 86 Targa parts car and weld them into yours. Let me know what you need.

[RichMason]

Thanks Jim. Does anyone think the dealer would sell part #7 on this diagram? I can fabricate the sheet metal behind it but this piece is a little more complicated. The Targa bar slides into it then is welded tight.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/911/911_Parts/1969/body2_big.htm

[dtw]

I show this as being part #911.501.203.40, which is still a good part number. Pelican shows the cost as $22.82. Looks like you're in business!

[RichMason]

hmmm...I need a copy of that software. Looks like the way it works is this plate (the filler plate according to the PP description) is welded to the inner fender. The Targa bar slides into and is welded to the filler plate and then the top of the rear fender is crimped/shaped to match the profile of the filler plate and Miged/Tiged (not spot welded) across. The inner fender can be basic flat stock I would imagine. Thanks for the help.

[dtw]

What software?

[RichMason]

OK, next big issue for repairing this thing - can I remove the targa bar completely without having the dimensions of the car change. Since there are convertible conversions floating around, you must be able to remove it completely without too many bad things happening. If I can remove it, it will make this repair alot easier.

[dtw]

Why do you need to remove it completely? I'd try to avoid pulling the bar at all costs - it is hard enough to get a Targa to seal without worrying about if you are a couple mm out on your re-install of the bar.

[RichMason]

I'll explain it when you get a chance to look at it. I'm not sure how I would replace the attachment piece (and the metal under it) without getting the bar out of the way.