Duck Tail Installation Help & Cheats
 

Did a search and did not find a thread that covered how to install duck tails (or other tails) and what to watch out for when doing so.

Y'all that have done it share your knowledge please...

alf

i have an early turbo carrera tail which is fiberglass.......my problem was getting the spacers (washer things) correct on the hinges so it sat even, however there was a slight twist to the rear.......fixed it with hood pins on the rear lid :D

a tip...........get some wide masking tape and layer the area surrounding the decklid area, easy to scratch even with help.

Can you expound on this...not sure what this is, thanks.

v/r
Wayne C.
83 SC

Assuming it's a one-piece fiberglass decklid/tail, it should bolt on just like your stock lid. you should do the mock-up and test fit before painting, as it might require some prep/sanding. As Bell mentioned, getting the right fit with the shims may take a few tries, but it should be pretty straight forward.
Once you get the right shim setup, tighten the hinges down (no strut yet) just barely enough to hold the lid in position. Then you can tap it into position and measure the gaps, then tighten when it looks good.
Also, I would Install the latch and strut last, so you can open/close the lid and make adjustments without having to unlatch it every 5 seconds. Just make sure the fit remains the same with the strut in place, and latch adjusted.
Personally, I would try to find a worn-out decklid shock or even just use a prop. That should make it fit better and resist the twisting force (of using only one shock) better, while being less prone to develop cracks.

Just my $.02 of course.

SmileWavy

I had to shim mine under the hinges a couple of times and adjust the latch once or twice. Just a bolt off, bolt on kinda project.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1079153351.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1079153359.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1079153367.jpg

Cheers, Jeff

hood pins basically secure the hood, usually found on muscle cars..............they solved my problem and i kinda dig the look :D
you need to drill a hole to install these, i wasn't concerned cause i got the tail for very little $$$

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1079155282.jpg