this is weird....

[targa911S]

OK I have posted a picture before of the failed welds on my rear shock tower.




so I found a donor car and planned on having a new tower top welded in. However, when I got the donor piece I realized that the new piece is actually doubled. There is a second piece inside the tower. My old tower was single layered with no inner piece, which explains the failure. How could this be? Everything is factory on my car but it seems they forgot something when they were assembling it at the factory. Still scratching my head.

[targa911S]

So I pulled the strut and this is what I found. Indeed the inner piece is missing.

My strut tower....



Donor strut tower......

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Looks like Hans had one too many beers at lunch before heading back to the assembly line. Better check the other side!

--DD

[targa911S]

So i cut the top off the donor tower, which is doubled, then cut the top off the tower on my car leaving a 1" border to weld to. Then I put the donor tower top up inside the tower and set the strut, and lowered my car down on the ground. Perfect fit. Now all we have to do is weld around the perimeter and I think we will be good to go. If you have a 75 you may want to check to see if Hans did your shock towers. The other one is fine and as it should be.

[Bruce 914]

Before you start welding consider removing the seal sealer in that area. Welding will likely burn it and it is a PVC based sealant which produced carcinogenic fumes when burnt. Heat it with a heat gun and scrape it off. Use an good respirator too.
Looks like you are on the right track to a solid repair.

[targa911S]

thanks Bruce. Good tip.

[targa911S]

Done. I had the instructor at a local welding school do the job. Looks great works good. Now to add a little paint...