OK to remove convertible rear support braces?

[Bob Z.]

Anyone do it and if so, any negative effects? Or maybe someone just removed one, such as on the driver's side?

[Stohlen]

remove them why? They are there for a reason, a very good reason actually.

[Bob Z.]

I had the Berk Race cat-back installed and even though the driver's side brace is spaced down a bit the exhaust still clanks occasionally when going over a bump or uneven roads, at cold start up, etc. For the most part though it is fine but if I could remove the driver's side brace the problem would be eliminated.

I tried searching the Net for options without luck since I assume every convertible owner has the same issue.

[Stohlen]

You could remove them, but then you risk getting crazy body flex in the turns without a roof to add structure. That and in the event of a crash you may be more likely to get hurt. I suggest getting some high temp padded tape and wrapping the area of contact in that.

[Bob Z.]

I agree and thanks, high temp padded tape should be perfect...I did not even know that it existed.

[135Pats]

Bob I had the same thought a few months back-long story short one of the support beams had been slightly bent upwards by a mountain posing as a speedbump. The dealer was able to add another spacer and bend the bar back, now there are no issues. The rattle on cold start was beyond maddening, I feel your pain.

[Bob Z.]

I drove the car to work today and just had a few clanks downtown (old bumpy street) but I still want to do something. I think that a thin thermal blanket wrapped around the brace, etc. and secured with stainless steel ties should do the trick, and maybe take care of the start-up rattle as well!

[Bob Z.]

I took a pic in case someone wants to see how close it is, in several places.

By the way, does anyone know what the amber colored stuff in the pic is, which appears to have run down on the triangular piece in the center? It is faintly sticky, almost like it was/is some sort of sealer (?).