HELP!! My whale tail came loose!!!!

[jbripps]

Hey all,

I can't seem to get my tail tightened, the part closest to the back window. The allen nuts aren't visible as they are in the front. The seal has fallen inside, and my third brake light is basically dangling. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

[rattlsnak]

Not sure what you mean by not visible.. Mine was easily accessable with the tail open. There should be at least 4-5 nuts holding on the front part across the edge closest to the window.

[TMH]

Got A/C? I just went out and looked at my '87. Isn't that the A/C condenser under the tail? It does block the rear set of bolts for the tail on mine. I do see a couple of allen head bolts in the middle, which hold the 3rd brake light on. Doesn't look like too much fun, but I think that you could get to those and tighten them. Otherwise it looks like you would need to loosen and drop the A/C condenser to get to the rear bolts for the tail mounting.

Tom

[jbripps]

Hey Tom,

I think you're correct. A/C grilling covering the entire middle of the top of the decklid. What a job. I think that when the tail got too loose, the front part starting moving up and down, which finally caused my snorkel third light to snap. what a mess. Any pointers on removing the a/c grilling? I'll try to crazy glue the light as the plastic studs have cracked (that run through the middle). I know this is tough to understand, but it's not too easy to explain.

Anyone got a few free hours?

[TMH]

I dunno, it doesn't look too awful bad. Seems like 2 allen head bolts on each side, and a little bracket at the rear/middle which is attached with phillips head sheet metal screws. Then there are clamps on each of the flexible hoses, one on each hinge arm of the trunk lid. I think that if you loosened all of that, the condenser would be able to drop down enough to reach the tail attaching bolts you need to access. Maybe 15-20 minutes to take it apart, and possibly a few more than that to get it back together right.

Sounds like your 3rd brake light might be toast. Any Porsche junkyards in your area? Might be nice to have a replacement ready when you drop the condenser, so that you would not have to drop it again at a later time just to replace the B/L - Although you might be able to get to that without removing the condenser, just not too much room.

From your first post it almost sounds like you don't see the allen head bolts which hold your 3rd B/L assembly on??? If this is true, the only place they could have gone is down into your engine compartment. I would take some time and try to find where they might have wedged, so that they don't come loose at an inopportune time and get into your fan/alternator, etc.

Best of luck. I'd help you out but it seems that I am on the wrong Coast!

Tom

[jbripps]

Hi Tom,

Thanks so much. The bolts that hold the third light in place are still in place, and tight. They are regular hex bolts, so the pressure from the rear lid moving around probably snapped the light. I'll do it all at once. Thanks so much.