Ducktails

frogger · 12-06-2007, 12:24 PM

I have a ducktail collecting dust in the garage and one of these days I'd like prep and paint it for use on my early 911. As it stands right now, the tail has gaps on each side that are about 2X that of the normal 911 panel gaps when test fitted. Is it reasonable to build this up somehow to achieve consistent panel gaps, and, if so, should I do this with polyester (e.g., Bondo), or should I strip down the gelcoat on the sides and build up with fiberglass? I looks like what ever approach I use, the effort to make this look right is going to be substantial. What do you guys think? Thanks.

Kemo · 12-06-2007, 01:16 PM

I would like to see how you handle this process...post pics when you can. I wish I had a good answer for you. in my pea brain, I see two options

1. Build up the edges
2. Cut the tail right down the center and add glass there

good luck

frogger · 12-06-2007, 02:34 PM

I never thought of #2, Kemo. It's a very interesting idea. I need to spend some quality time with my West System fiberglass repair booklet.

KevinP73 · 12-06-2007, 03:52 PM

Have you ever considered bonding the upper section of the tail to a steel lid? It is a great way to cure all the gap and fit issues.

frogger · 12-06-2007, 04:18 PM

Kevin, that sounds great, but I'm less confident in my ability to do that nicely.

Jeff Alton · 12-06-2007, 07:50 PM

Cutting itin half will widen the area the grill sits in as well.....

Cheers

haycait911 · haycait911's Garage

I've been thinking about the bonding a duck to a steel lid approach. I'll try it one of these days.

to build up your duck edges you could add more glass ( time consuming) or use a short strand fibergass filler. or, best yet, build edge with short strand, bevel back into existing glass, thin edge slightly, and wrap your new edge in fiberglass cloth. then finish with polyester filler ( bondo).

GarryW · 12-07-2007, 01:48 PM

I would love if someone would step up and host an online class on how to build a ducktail lid out of a stock metal lid. I would join in as I have an extra stock lid I could use. Any teachers up to it?.........Garry

KevinP73 · 12-07-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarryW

I would love if someone would step up and host an online class on how to build a ducktail lid out of a stock metal lid. I would join in as I have an extra stock lid I could use. Any teachers up to it?.........Garry

I know I have posted pics of the process somewhere here on PP. It was a long time ago so they might be hard to find. Let me look this weekend and see if I can find the pictures on my computer. I'll post them again if I can find them. Otherwise I'll do another one and share with the class.

frogger · 12-07-2007, 02:27 PM

Great!

Axiom · 12-08-2007, 05:05 PM

Marglass is your friend, very user fiendly.

Axiom · 12-08-2007, 05:06 PM

I mean friendly.

GarryW · 12-10-2007, 04:02 AM

Thanks Kevin!

KevinP73 · 12-27-2007, 08:59 PM

OK I couldn't find any pictures of the tails I've done to date so I started doing another one today. I've added a page on my site that is available now and I'll share some pictures here as I make more progress on it.

Rich76_911s · Rich76_911s's Garage

I know this is an old thread. But I was searching this forum to see about fiitting a ducktail and found the bonding idea interesting. So I did a search on the main forum and found the thread that Kevin was alluding to:

bb80sc/TRE/AutoInno project update

Anyone want to come over to my house and do this for me? I think it is a bit out of my league.

Rich

Rot 911 · 08-21-2008, 10:41 AM

Way back in 2003 I posted two threads on fitting and painting a ducktail.

Prepping the tail to fit: Ducktail: Prep for Painting, Lots of Pictures

Painting the ducktail: Painting the Ducktail, Part II