Targa Bars Worth It?

955i911sc · 01-23-2005, 07:52 AM

The rear Targa bars that utilize the rear seat belt mounts... are they worth it? Can you feel the difference? Also interested in a harness bar for the Targa...

Shaun @ Tru6 · 01-23-2005, 09:05 AM

there's this thing called search, it works pretty well, and this subject has been discussed to death, but I'll save you the trouble and say they pretty much do nothing. Get a Brey-Krause harness bar.

JMPRO · JMPRO's Garage

Some people speculate as to what works and what does'nt, even people that have never had or installed a set of targa bars on thier car. Just repeating what someone else said that they heard from another guy that knew a guy that heard a story does not make it so.
Buy a set of targa bars and if they don't do what the manufacure says they will do -then return them for a refund. That simple!
I stand behind my product. I have sold over 200 sets of targa bars without a single complaint or returned set . They will stiffen up your car and make it quieter { less squeeks and groans} and more pleasurable to drive.
Do a search and find 1 person that actually installed a set on their car and was not satisified with the product. You may find a few nay-sayers that have never owned a set or even a Targa that "think" they know and are willing to speculate at someones elses expence but most of us know where to place them on the bbs I.Q. chart.
Jerry
JM PRODUCT DESIGN

JBO · 01-23-2005, 10:01 AM

..hard to argue with Jerry's offer..try them risk-free. I may do that myself. Some folks also say a strut brace does nothing, but Steve Weiner, who is a rennlist tech advisor and knows more than most of us, says strut braces are a worthwhile addition for cabs and targa's. I've never heard any comments from him on the targa bars.

955i911sc · 01-23-2005, 10:11 AM

Thanks for reply, I am no stranger to the 911, I was a factory premier tech up to 98 after 25 years at the dealer then went to work for a manufactor, I have test driven hundreds of Targa`s for a living, I do not expect a total cure for a flexilble flyer, only an improvement. If I wanted a real stiffy I would have bought a coupe (or a 904.. right). The Targa was a compromise with the wife, I`m not a rag-top guy, she`s a rag top girl. How about a light weight cage for the Targa?

JBO · 01-23-2005, 10:20 AM

I agree with you Scott. My targa was a compromise for ME, and I love it. I was not going to be racing or autocrossing, and I didn't want a cab. I know I'm in the minority, but I actually like the look of the targa as much as the coupe. Last spring/summer my targa top was only on the car for maybe 5-6 days! I have never liked the looks of the cabs, with the top up or down. The 996's look better as the tops go "flatter" when they are down. I.E contrast the look of a corvette with the top down with the pre- 996 911 or VW Beetle.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 01-23-2005, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JMPRO
Some people speculate as to what works and what does'nt, even people that have never had or installed a set of targa bars on thier car. Just repeating what someone else said that they heard from another guy that knew a guy that heard a story does not make it so.
Buy a set of targa bars and if they don't do what the manufacure says they will do -then return them for a refund. That simple!
I stand behind my product. I have sold over 200 sets of targa bars without a single complaint or returned set . They will stiffen up your car and make it quieter { less squeeks and groans} and more pleasurable to drive.
Do a search and find 1 person that actually installed a set on their car and was not satisified with the product. You may find a few nay-sayers that have never owned a set or even a Targa that "think" they know and are willing to speculate at someones elses expence but most of us know where to place them on the bbs I.Q. chart.
Jerry
JM PRODUCT DESIGN

Jerry, first let me say that I have your targa hardtop for my 84 and think it's a great, very well-made product.

But let me set the record straight here on my experience with the type of bars described. I bought a set on eBay this past year. I have no idea if they are yours or not, I installed them. They did nothing.

2 summers ago I installed an AJUSA front strut brace (thick, black, very light bar with only 2 aft bolts model) and it was like I had my 86 Coupe back again.

About 500 - 1000 miles prior to this, I R&R'd my entire suspension with Chuck's bearings, bilstein sports, 22/29s, turbo tierods, lowered and corner balanced. That was the best money I've ever put into any car. But the AJUSA bar actually improved it even more.

fast forward to earlier this past year. Scouting around eBay, I found a set of these targa bars for little $, bought them and installed them. they honestly did absolutely nothing for the car. Directly after that I purchased the Brey-Krause bar that connects the seat belts on the Targa bar with the seatbelt bolts on the sill. The car is noticeably tighter now. that crossbrace really makes a difference. The best test is pulling out of a gas station onto the main street, sometimes the dip is significant. Since the front of my car is so low, it needs to go down on a diagonal. Pre-BK bar, you could feel the car twist, post bar, no twisting.

If you've got a money back offer, I would recommend anyone take you up on it. Who knows, perhaps my suspension is too stiff for structurally isolated bars.

wholberg · wholberg's Garage

Shaun,

Can you post a pic of the Brey-Krause bar? I am just curious how it is different.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 01-23-2005, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wholberg
Shaun,

Can you post a pic of the Brey-Krause bar? I am just curious how it is different.

I looked through all my photos, but couldn't find one of my car with the bar; here's one from the BK site. By looking at it, you would think that the verticals go to the center tunnel seat belts. they actually go to the sills. Quality, fit and finish are first rate.

955i911sc · 01-23-2005, 05:31 PM

This makes good sense just looking at it. Nice piece. I could not find a price on their site. Sorry about the snotty grandstanding prior post.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 01-23-2005, 05:42 PM

Scott, I didn't read it that way at all.

Anyway, the bar is sold through distributors which I think you can find at the site. I don't know, but I would check here with Pelican first.

for the life of me I can't remember how much it cost.

I had thought of making a mini-cage out of it with the help of TIG welder to really sure the car up, but it's intended purpose is just to hold your belts and stiffen up your car.

If I cut the Targa bar off this summer, I'll end up making a cage that ties the A pillar to the B pillar to the rear suspension through the firewall.

Oh, to dream.