Flexing Chassis

james_9876

Rehabilitation time...
Aug 1, 2007
183
0
0
Spartanburg, SC
I'm wondering if someone can point me in the direction I need to go, or if anyone can help me.

Background: Got a 88 Targa, 5-speed, Turbo for free. In the middles of recieving all the parts for the motor.

Anyway, my dad keeps harping on me that I need to take the chasis via roll back to a shop so they can weld on some channel beams to the underside of the car so it wont flex like a board when driving with the top off.

Has anyone ever had a problem driving, speedbumps, or anything with the targa top off? with it on? Or just when 'sport' driving should I just put the top on and leave it off when I'm just rolling around crusing?

Just looking for a little insight.

Thanks guys! and gals?
 

KeithH

New Member
Mar 31, 2005
1,716
0
0
Portland, OR
You're in the right place for starters. Now do some research - all of your questions have been answered and can easily be found by using that handy little search button near the top of this page.
 

OneJoeZee

Retired Post Whore
Mar 30, 2005
5,721
0
0
38
aboard the Argama
james_9876 said:
I'm wondering if someone can point me in the direction I need to go, or if anyone can help me.

Background: Got a 88 Targa, 5-speed, Turbo for free. In the middles of recieving all the parts for the motor.

Anyway, my dad keeps harping on me that I need to take the chasis via roll back to a shop so they can weld on some channel beams to the underside of the car so it wont flex like a board when driving with the top off.

Has anyone ever had a problem driving, speedbumps, or anything with the targa top off? with it on? Or just when 'sport' driving should I just put the top on and leave it off when I'm just rolling around crusing?

Just looking for a little insight.

Thanks guys! and gals?

If driving with the top off was unsafe, Toyota would have done something about it.

Wait, they did. :)
 

suprarx7nut

YotaMD.com author
Nov 10, 2006
3,811
1
38
Arizona
www.supramania.com
Mine has a noticeably weaker feel to it with the targa off. I wouldn't say it bends like a board, but its certainly not as "tank-like" when the targa comes off. If you're just cruising its no biggie, but once you start to push it, the weak feeling can be annoying.
 

dugums

Better, Faster, Stronger
Apr 10, 2007
699
0
16
Chicago, IL
james_9876 said:
Alright guys thanks a lot for the feedback!

If you can find yourself a used WeezlWing - get it!

They are great - at least as solid as driving with the top on - if not a little better!!!
 

Poodles

I play with fire
Jul 22, 2006
16,757
0
0
43
Fort Worth, TX
I've found my car handles a bit better with the extra flex...

but I'm odd, so ignore that comment LOL

The other thing to do is to do the required maintenance on the car...namely retorquing the subframe mounting bolts per the TSRM...
 

NewWestSupras

SoupLvr
Mar 1, 2006
611
0
0
White Rock
Targas definitely need a brace with the top removed imho. I noticed it drives the same as with the roof on when braced. Its all good that way, cruising with the roof off this summer has been a blast! have fun!