Here we go, lets put it to rest for good!!!

Targa to cab conversion. I only bought an old targa for one reason, ok two reasons (it was cheap to). Ive heard it both ways, you need special bracing and you dont need any bracing. I want to hear both sides, not the purist side but the informational side. How about you warren, you are the guru of the board. I had a buddy with a i think 68 converted to a cab turbo look and he had no problems with the door flying open when he hit a bump.

Tom
73T

Warren must be on a rare lunch break.
Anyways, you DON'T need to put any addtl bracing on a Targa to Convertible conversion, at least per the factory.
There was, in the early 80's, a factory "service bulletin" on doing the conversion, it was basically factory instructions for the conversion. It did not include having to do any additional bracing.
There is actually a Porsche part number for the bulletin. I don't have it, maybe Warren can research it for you and get the part number.

I too have heard that you need no bracing. I have seen several 'kits' available from various locations ranging in price from $1900+ to about $3000. I have a '72T Targa and would some day like to convert it to a Cabrio, however it is the last thing on my list. I am not really that good with physics but if you look at the removable Targa top, I don't know that it would support that much stress and with it removed, what is the difference. The bar across the back goes from right to left (or left to right) depending on your perspective, so how would it give you the support that all those doubting thomas's say you need. If I can find the links to the web sites I have found I will post them.

------------------
John Birkett
72'T Targa

This is definately a non-expert response but IMHO (a) you can (subtly) feel the stiffening effect of the top when it is on -- remember it has a metal frame and ties together the A-pillars and B-pillars so definitely plays a part, (b) the targa bar and rigid rear window probably stiffens the car at least as much as the top, (c) yes you can probably get away with little or no added stiffening. That said, I happen to love the Targa's and would never cut up a good one myself, but to each his/her own. Good luck, Chris C.

OK, I remember some journalistic discussion about this topic when the cabrio's came out in '83, and the word was that the targa body was used unmodified in any way. I think the strenth concerns were laid to rest when the Turbo cabrio's came out in, what, '87 or '88?

I think this particular conversion project is one of those incidents where the factory (or PCNA) let us owners down! There were 'rumors' to the effect that there were going to be 'economical' conversion kits available from dealers in the $2-$3000 range, and I say rumors because automotive journalists talked in reviews of the '83 cabrio as if they had confirmation from PCNA sources that such kits WOULD be available, but no names or contacts were listed!!! I checked at a couple of MAJOR dealers by phone in '85-'86, to no avail.

The explanation I got from various parts department people at that time was just conjecture, perhaps just like the original 'rumors' ... that PCNA changed their minds, with the thinking that selling low-cost kits would cut into new-car cabrio sales, which I contend is PURE BUNK!!! The people in the market for a new late '80's 911 cabrio would never have been satisfied with a converted used car, and owner's of older Targa's like myself weren't in the market for a new one, either!!!

------------------
Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Yes, but who actually puts the top on, I dont drive my car if there is a cloud in the sky so I never use the top.

Well, my car is a daily driver and get used almost every day!

Here's an opinion - if the cabrio is truely just a Targa without any additional stiffening, and minus the roll-bar and glass rear window then I'm surprised.

I can't see how the Targa's roll-bar and fixed rear window do not contribute to body stiffness, at least as far as the rear part of the car goes!

There again, targas are quite stiff - my car has very little scuttle shake or flexing - even on the 3rd world roads of Lowell, Mass.

So, presumably there is a lot of strength in reserve...

- roGER

Well, a cabrio IS at the low end of the 911/914 spectrum of stiffness values, but nowhere near as flimsy as the pre-'84 Corvettes, which were pretty famous for 'flexibility' and 'cowl shake' that Targa's never seemed to have problem with. AND, the rear glass and roll bar did contribute to some additional stiffnes, but without them, even a Turbo cabrio does not have any problems with lack of stiffness! So, there really isn't anything to be worried about! And, I don't think Corvette convertible drivers ever had anything to worry about, either, but the fiberglass body/frame combination just made so much racket that some of them HAD to complain!

------------------
Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Sounds conclusive. Targas are plenty stiff enough, particularly if, as Warren reports, Porsche demonstrated this by putting turbos in cabriolets!

I doubt if the stuff behind the driver's head does much except protect the driver if the shiny side goes down. If you take the top off, and open both doors, Porsche's stiffening challenge becomes apparent (as in any convertible). Once the floor and threshold areas were made strong enough to resist twisting and bending, the problem was solved.

------------------
'83 SC