How's a ducktail prepped for installation?

cantdrv55 · 04-07-2005, 12:44 PM

Just bought a new fiberglass ducktail so now I'm wondering what steps I should take to prep it for install. The order guide says to have it professionally mounted and installed. It doesn't have to be a concours fit since I'm keeping the original decklid. But I do want it to look good from 3 ft away. The tail did not come with mounting hardware so I'll have to use the stuff off my decklid. Anyway, please share your experience and knowledge.

This is going on my targa. Thanks.

Chris

axl911 · axl911's Garage

The one I got has dimples on the edges where I drilled to mount the tail to my C2. Yep, C2. But I also see more dimples which are meant for the earlier years. Use stock hardware with a big washer between the fiberglass and the bolt/nut.

I sanded the gel coat of with 200 & 400 grit sand papers. Then put on a couple coats of filling primers. You will now see all the tiny holes still left. Use spot putty to fill those in. Sand the primer /w 400 or 800. Primer again. Light sanding again. Then give it to my paint guy.

---anthony

cbeers · 04-07-2005, 01:44 PM

Hey Chris,

What made you go duck?
Do you have the chin spoiler already? ( I can't remember what your SC has)
I have heard it's not a good thing to get a rear spoiler without the front, picture more downforce on the back with more wind flowing under the front....

-Chris

Rot 911 · 04-07-2005, 01:49 PM

My ducktail adventure may help you: Painting the ducktail

Oldporsche · 04-07-2005, 02:05 PM

He He He,

I thing I would start by removing the feathers.

David Duffield

cantdrv55 · 04-07-2005, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kurt V
My ducktail adventure may help you: Painting the ducktail

Kurt, thanks for the link!

cantdrv55 · 04-07-2005, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cbeers
Hey Chris,

What made you go duck?
Do you have the chin spoiler already? ( I can't remember what your SC has)
I have heard it's not a good thing to get a rear spoiler without the front, picture more downforce on the back with more wind flowing under the front....

-Chris

I bought both the front lip spoiler and ducktail last week. I think targas just look great with a ducktail. I can't wait to install both...after the tie-rods, of course.

Brother · 04-07-2005, 04:33 PM

just got mine back from the shop. Sorry, I wish I did this one myself.

cantdrv55 · 04-07-2005, 05:18 PM

Nice ride Brother. Ducks rule!

twobone · twobone's Garage

Can I get more shots of your car?

I have an 81' SC Targa in dark metallic blue that I want to add a ducktail to.

I'd love to see yours from different angles

Thanks

Brother · 04-07-2005, 06:55 PM

sure. Thanks for the kudos.

twobone · twobone's Garage

Thanks Brother....

If you don't mind me asking....what did it cost to purchase the ducktail, get it painted and installed. You can PM me directly if you would like

Brother · 04-07-2005, 07:04 PM

I just had the car in the shop to get a fender fixed and repainted after getting hit in a parking lot so I asked them to order one and install it. They charged me about 420 for the tail/install/paint. The tail itself was 350 plus shipping. It was getting painted anyway so that didn't cost much extra.

Jones Autowerks here in San Antonio did the install. They ordered it from GT Racing.

cantdrv55 · 04-07-2005, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brother
I just had the car in the shop to get a fender fixed and repainted after getting hit in a parking lot so I asked them to order one and install it. They charged me about 420 for the tail/install/paint. The tail itself was 350 plus shipping. It was getting painted anyway so that didn't cost much extra.

Jones Autowerks here in San Antonio did the install. They ordered it from GT Racing.

$420 for the tail, install and paint is a steal!

geof33 · 04-07-2005, 08:52 PM

If your duck doesn't have the mounting holes already in it with bonded in "nuts" for the bolts, it will be a pain to get right. Most I have seen have the bolt holes drilled and filled (threaded insert) to accept a bolt. The GT Racing one has bolts that come with it...

Brother · 04-08-2005, 04:11 AM

I need to make a correction. I looked at the bill again.

The 420 was for the tail/shipping/fitment. They charged almost 200 more for the extra painting, install, removal of the old tail. So all in all, nearly 600. I knew that sounded to good to be true.

cantdrv55 · 04-08-2005, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by geof33
If your duck doesn't have the mounting holes already in it with bonded in "nuts" for the bolts, it will be a pain to get right. Most I have seen have the bolt holes drilled and filled (threaded insert) to accept a bolt. The GT Racing one has bolts that come with it...

That's what I'm afraid of besides the prep and paint. I bought the cheapie model from Performance Products because I'm not looking for a concours quality fit but I may be a bear to fit and install. The tail came with no hardware or holes.

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

i have got a roto-hammer chris.

vash · vash's Garage

chris, you did what?

if it is a brand new tail, i think the tail needs some special attention from the paint shop to hide the fiberglass. and there is some sanding and shaping to get the bugger to fit.

what about this AC system you are installing? this condensor gonna work with the duck?

my birthday is coming up, you could have the tail painted GP white!