Original RS ducktail?

fryardds · fryardds's Garage

Is it easy to determine if a ducktail spoiler is original? I know it is supposed to have a metal frame with the fiberglass spoiler attached. So can you tap on the interior of the lid at the edges and hear a distinctly metalic sound? This lid is on a real RS but seems to be aftermarket, can you tell from the picture. Sorry it so big, but I figured it would be easier to see detail. Thanks.

Paul Thomas · 04-12-2003, 08:15 PM

If you wanted one to look factory, it would be easy to make one by combining a fiberglass one with a factory tail of virtually any origin. I think Randy Wells had to do this at one time to meet ASP racing rules. George K could probably tell you if there is a definately way to spot a fake, if any.

Paul

KevinP73 · 08:38 PM

One of the factors I use when deciding is to look closely at the fiberglass. The "factory" used a very course 'glass mat to make the early parts. Most often the factory did not back up the 'glass mat with cloth but when they did it was a very large fiber weave. Also the bonding agent that was used by the factory was well applied and did not overlap the metal inner frame. You have to keep in mind also that it's very likely that original parts have suffered from age and started to seperate, sometimes less than perfect restorations begin to look like poor quality reproductions.
One other detail is the flange that the latch pin bolts on to. The factory has a flange that curves upwards to mate with fiberglass. Most aftermarket tails just chop off the flange and it ends abruptly.

GeorgeK · 04-13-2003, 01:43 AM

Here a few details of an original, alloy framed lid (december 1972) It is delaminated in a few spots, letting you see the construction.

GeorgeK

fryardds · fryardds's Garage

Thanks for the comments and espically for the pictures from your car George. The tail on the car I looked at seems to be a visual match on the inside when compared to your spoiler.

One of the things that really bugs me about it though is the poor fit when it is closed. I should have taken a picture of that, but when it is shut you can clearly see right into both drain openings in the upper corners. Not the just the width of the gap is off, but the contour of the spoiler is not flush with the car at all. The fit along both sides is also quite bad. There are wide gaps and it is uneven along both sides.

This is the first original RS I have ever looked at so what I really need is an expert beside me to look it over with me. Thanks again guys.