Braces?

[wholberg]

I have a few questions for those more knowledgable than I am:

My car: '87 TL Targa, pretty much bone stock.

1. Strut braces: I have read various threads and sales pitches for strut braces. My car is a daily driver, not a racer. Would adding a strut brace significantly improve handling of the car? or is it more of a racing accessory? If I were to install one, would I be able to tell it was there during normal driving?

2. Our host sells targa braces; they connect the seat belt mounting points on each side to stiffen the chassis. Same questions as above. Has anyone installed them in a Targa? Impressions?

3. I have read comments on several threads about Targa bodies cracking over time due to chassis flex. Where should I look for this?

Thanks in advance for any information.

[widebody911]

I found metal fatigue on mine in the area just above the lower-forward corners of the doors, where 3 pieces of metal are all spot-welded together to form a seam. I had ripples where the spot welds were starting to come loose. The only fix in this situation is to brace above the problem area, which requires welding. A bolt in brace will slow the deterioration somewhat.

http://www.rennlight.com/howto/cab-brace/