What is the brace on the convertible for in the spare well?
 

I am getting ready to lizardskin my vert and will be cutting off bracketry for the spare etc... as I dont plan to run it.
As I took everything apart, I found that the spare tire area has a thick vertical bar, which in turn has a gold colored cap that bolts on with a really heavy duty bolt, and then has a cap to make it look nice over the rear panels.
My problem is, for all the metal that's there, it didn't appear to hold any weight. I thought maybe with the top down that is where it rests or is designed to take impact in a rollover but I just am not sure.
I am curious if any one knows what its for. Here is a pic I googled and circled the mount

That may have something to do with the interior panel support. I'm not sure either. The closest thing I saw in the FSM is on Pg S-78, Convertible Top section, Quarter Trim description & diagram.

Has anyone else seen this bracket on their car? I would check mine but it will be a few days.

Cheers,
George

If you look behind the seats, it has those black caps on it. At first I thought it MAY be the top of the strut but then I realized as I stripped the car it wasn't.
In fact, the side panel is not even supported by them either (Unless I was missing a piece but it didn't look like I was). Further, it uses some heavy steel to get up there and a grade 8 bolt to hold the tubes to the cap. Its really thick stuff for just a panel support.
Looks more like its for rollover protection, like something the top if open would press against?
Just really curious about it :)

Well, there is a reason for that support structure being there. Are you planning to cut it out? If you suspect it has a load bearing support then it should be spared.

Just my opinion: I wouldn't really hack up anything in the spare tire area and would also recommend keeping the spare tire & kit with the car if it will be driven daily/frequently along local roads/highways. In the event the car has a flat then the spare could be used and the blown out tire could take its place. This would hopefully reduce any inconvenience and allow the driver to reach his destination. In short, it's better to have the spare and not need it then need a spare tire and not have it.

Then again, each owner's circumstances are different.
Cheers,
George

This is a stripped, dedicated weekend only car. In fact, the top was in bad shape so it has been completely removed and is in storage. ( may decide later to repair and reinstall but for now...)
I am going to just put some leather trim around that area and run it open top roadster style.
This is just a for fun build with my son, its not relied on whatsoever.

I don't think I will cut off those braces, but I had planned on the spare tire parts parts as that is where the relocated battery and new fuses/relay panel will go.
It just really confused me when I took the side plastic parts off to find that assembly, while thick and super strong, just floated there. I read somewhere that with the top down the RX7 was designed to have a sort of integrated rollbar the way it sits, I have to assume that if its rolled, that the center of the rollbar/top crosses those rubber pads and the support. Its way too strong of an assembly to be there for the panel support. Its the only thing I can think of when I look at how its designed. The top doesn't rest on it when its in the down, but if under pressure would probably hit it.

henyaman,

Sounds like a good project for the both father and son! I'd like to hear/see how things go with the car. Post pics from time to time and keep the forum up to speed on your progress, please.

Cheers,
George

Will do! We are just about done stripping the interior so I can Lizardskin it.
Dry ice comes tomorrow probably. I wanted to have that at least done before posting so there is more content.
Thanks!