I would like to see the same test done on a coupe and see what the results are compared to the Targa.

IMHO there needs to be more triangulation across the open area of the door for these to really have any significant effect. As designed they are really spanning across a stiff section of the chassis.

They look like they don't add much (if anything) to torsional rigidity.

Seat belt mod for '73 and earlier...
 

Daepp,

You can have the later style seat belt by getting the insert piece that goes into the rocker panel. I had a shop simply drill out a hole and weld the piece in to place the bolt for the three point belts.... can't find the picture in the "Katalogue". I wanted it updated because I wanted the strength of the later attaching points vs. our earlier seat belt attachment to the seat rails... need to weld in the inboard parts (salvage yard) onto the tunnel as well - for the receivers.

For all,
I also put in my own brace bars that lift up and out of the way for entry/exit, but it too requires a minor amount of welding (for some tabs that the bars attach to)... I guess I got rid of some old pictures, but here's the best example I have of the braces I installed. And, I needed to convert to flat panel doors to make it work. They work very well, but it's no substitute for a coupe.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1394774635.jpg

good luck,

I put my name on the list for the next batch. Very good comments about the reduction in squeaks from the Targa top when attached, which is why I want a set. You can contact Todd at Todd@helioncomposites.com to get on the list. The original parts link is here.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/740126-fs-targa-body-braces.html

I think that they do add to the rigidity, combined with upgraded torsion bars and sway bar mounts, etc. they reduce the potential for the body weakening over time.

Fellas, since they are no longer sold by our host. I can now show all how to build your own.

Home - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

Prices may have changed, I think they offer other colors as well. Trick here is to use the longer lower OEM bolts for the top and go to Napa for the longer bolts for the bottom, go to ACE hardware and pick some mylar flanged shims, cut off the top to make bushings for the bolt and tie rod end, note the bolts are SAE not metric, it is a DOT thing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...421_095250.jpg

910354-28 SWEDGED 6061 ALUMINUM RADIUS ROD FOR 5/8" HEIM 2 $11.99 $23.98
3159604 5/8-18 LH Aluminum Jam Nut 2 $1.99 $3.98
3159603 5/8-18 RH Aluminum Jam Nut 2 $1.99 $3.98
1170810 Aluminum X-Series RH Male Heim, 5/8" Shank, 1/2" Hole 2 $9.99 $19.98
1170810L Aluminum X-Series LH Male Heim, 5/8" Shank, 1/2" Hole 2 $9.99 $19.98

SmileWavy for my fellow Targas

Jim

Funny, All the recent discussion about the Targa braces motivated me to re-install mine. (The original style the host used to sell, I think I bought the last set!)

I removed them as I didn't like the polished aluminum look. I thought about painting or powder coating and then ended up using some heavy duty heat shrink on them to dull the clank of the seat belt when retracting.
I think they look a lot better now, definitely quieter.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1396214189.jpg

"Heat Shrink?" That is an awesome idea. Think I will do the same, My seat belt is maring it up something fierce.

Could you post a current pic?

J

LOL, I took the picture 10 minutes before I posted. The Heat Shrink is on them in the picture! Right beside the seat belts...
Sort of a dull Black lighter than the belts, they used to be highly polished Aluminum.
I think the camera flash made them look brighter than they are.

Is this no flash picture better? The nut on top is aluminum, they used to look just like it!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1396221259.jpg

Sorry I didn't respond sooner, "while I was in there" I changed out the rear Targa seal as mine was looking ratty and I think I had a small leak the other day. I ordered one a couple of months ago, just never got around to installing it until today. I can see a real difference where it seals at the back now.

Cool

Hey all-

Any issues with passengers in the back seats with the Targa brace installed?

I have two kids that ride in the back on ocassion....

jcsnyc

Nope, all good.

Dennis, great idea with the heat shrink, I was going to wrinkle black mine with paint, but that heat shrink looks great!

...and it probably adds to the structural integrity.

I was going to paint as well but I figured it would chip off and look like crap after a while. The 3M adhesive lined heat shrink is a little pricey but is pretty heavy duty. Should last a long time. Definitely stronger now too! :)
I ordered it from Mouser in 4 foot lengths.
Might do my front strut bar as well someday.

I was in an electronics supply store yesterday and they had 3' lengths of 2" diameter for 4$. I thought it was misprinted, seemed cheap. I'm going back to get some.

I heard from Todd@helioncomposites.com and there is another batch being produced. Thanks Pelican members for the group order. That was quick! I will post when I get mine installed.

Any pics of it installed ?

Like the original, you have to be looking for it from the front to see it:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...ps4b662a78.jpg
Mine with the Slim Tie Rod End:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...ps45b5bd15.jpg
Observed from Driver Side:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...ps996d3f26.jpg

Remember you want the two end to go outward, not inward.

I have to say I have noticed a big difference driving the car since re-installing the braces.
Car feels stiffer and definitely less noisy with both my hard top and folding soft top installed.