Targa to Cabriolet

[kevin v]

I have a 1978 911SC which started its life as a Targa and has been converted to a Cabriolet (which weren't introduced until 1983).
My question is whether the body would have required any additional stiffening when the Targa 'roll bar' was replaced with the Cabriolet rag top assembly?
I have been under the impression that the Targa and Cabriolet bodies are identical in this regard but would be grateful for authentic verification ( or otherwise) of this matter.
Kevin V ( Australia)

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by kevin v

I have a 1978 911SC which started its life as a Targa and has been converted to a Cabriolet (which weren't introduced until 1983).
My question is whether the body would have required any additional stiffening when the Targa 'roll bar' was replaced with the Cabriolet rag top assembly?
I have been under the impression that the Targa and Cabriolet bodies are identical in this regard but would be grateful for authentic verification ( or otherwise) of this matter.
Kevin V ( Australia)

Kevin,

The reinforcement body panels would indeed give additional stiffness to your targa body. I also have a '78 SC that I've been planning to convert to cabriolet. Got all the parts including the panels (already welded) but haven't got the nerve yet to remove the rear targa glass.

Contact Mark Spraker (Euro Tek) and a very nice guy to deal with. The biggest problem you have is the shipping cost to Australia. You might be better off having it made locally. Send me your email address and will forward some pictures of the stiffening panels and installation photo.

Tony

[gsmith660]

Oh just take the plunge you will thank yourself later. As for stiffening I would recommend it as some have complained of their cars becoming flexy flyers and vibration from removing the targa bar. Good luck and post some pics.

[tcar]

Reading your post carefully, it's already been converted, yes? Couple people missed that.

Bodies are identical.

The targa bar doesn't add any real stiffness, but with the rear glass, a bit.

The biggest problem with both the T and C is that the longitudinal stiffness is the big issue and only a full roll cage tying the front and rear together (or welding the doors shut, or welding a roof on) would fix that.

Just enjoy it.

[gsmith660]

Originally Posted by tcar

Reading your post carefully, it's already been converted, yes? Couple people missed that.

Bodies are identical.

The targa bar doesn't add any real stiffness, but with the rear glass, a bit.

The biggest problem with both the T and C is that the longitudinal stiffness is the big issue and only a full roll cage tying the front and rear together (or welding the doors shut, or welding a roof on) would fix that.

Just enjoy it.

Not entirely true I welded in longitudinal supports and my car is very stiff now before I could not jack up my car and open the doors now the door gap doesn't change the cage would be the ultimate way to stiffen the chassis but for those that still want the fun of a cab. can do this and definately give your car high speed manners, the 993 rear seats I installed I am sure give me some axial stiffness also didn't miss a thing.

[tcar]

The bodies are the same from the factory.

Welding aftermarket Longitudinal supports in the car absolutely will help... not as much as the coupe roof, but significant.

[gsmith660]

Not aftermarket made them myself cost me 10 dollars in metal and 35 bucks in mig wire.