Deck Lid Question - can I swap out the tail with a grill?

[wrandyh]

Can i swap out the Carerra tail on my '88 Targa and replace it with a standard grill without drilling new holes or having holes from the tail that won't be covered by the grill?

Thanks!

[Eric Coffey]

Originally posted by wrandyh
Can i swap out the Carerra tail on my '88 Targa and replace it with a standard grill without drilling new holes or having holes from the tail that won't be covered by the grill?

Thanks!

No. You would have extra holes from the tail showing.

[Dan_Cobb]

Replace the entire thing. Often times ou can find people looking for a tail to swap parts with.
You may have to repaint, but at least you wouldn't have to pay for the parts too.
+++

[Eric Coffey]

It shouldn't be too hard to find a nice standard decklid that you could just swap out. I'd start by posting a want-ad in the use parts forum here for a Carrera decklid. You should be able to pick one up for $150-$300 depending on condition, and if it is complete.

If the Carrera tail/deck lid is original, you might consider keeping it as well. They are worth quite a bit, and it's always a good idea to keep parts that are original to the car, in case you ever want to change back.

[Guavanecta]

Randy,

What color is your car? We may be able to work something out here.

Ted

[wrandyh]

Originally posted by Guavanecta
Randy,

What color is your car? We may be able to work something out here.

Ted

Ted
My car is the commerative edition diamond blue metallic. Actually I'm not looking to get rid of my set up - like someone said, for resale I'd want to have the original set up.

[Jack Olsen]

You don't want to take the tail off of the lid. You'll have fading where the paint was exposed not matching the paint that was protected.

And, of course, you'll have holes.

You can get a used decklid for $50.

[PRE-H20]

i have a decklid fits 74 to 89, its freshly painted black,....... just FYI.

[wrandyh]

Originally posted by Jack Olsen


You can get a used decklid for $50.

Now that's what I'm looking for. Wouldn't care what color it was 'cause I'll have to have it painted to match anyway. May have to go a bit higher than $50 - here in the midwest there aren't a lot of salvage yards with Porsche 911s in the. Good thing is that there is a range of years that interchange with my '88.

[Jack Olsen]

1969-89 will do, with the grille and license plate light being the only change I can think of. They show up on eBay all the time.

[yelcab1]

Originally posted by Jack Olsen
You don't want to take the tail off of the lid. You'll have fading where the paint was exposed not matching the paint that was protected.

And, of course, you'll have holes.

You can get a used decklid for $50.

I have a good as new deck lid that i was considering selling, but not for $50. For now, I have it hanging in my office as office arts. You don't know how many people stop by to talk about it.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally posted by wrandyh
Now that's what I'm looking for. Wouldn't care what color it was 'cause I'll have to have it painted to match anyway. May have to go a bit higher than $50 - here in the midwest there aren't a lot of salvage yards with Porsche 911s in the. Good thing is that there is a range of years that interchange with my '88.

You are not going to find many (if any) straight, rust-free, dent-free deck lids for $50. The average price for one in nice shape is about $150. Like I mentioned earlier though, the price can/will depend on condition, and if the grille and emblem are included. I have seen ones in mint condition that were ready to bolt on sell for over $300.

Also, to make things easier you might want to narrow your search to Carrera-specific deck lids (`84-`89). The earlier deck lids will have holes in them from the emblems, whereas the Carrera lid's emblem is attached only by adhesive. The earlier ones will fit, but you will need to fill/weld the holes.

Lastly, if at all possible, look at the lid in person before you buy (as opposed to having one shipped to you). The deck lid is a piece that is somewhat prone to damage (usually shallow dents from overzealous openings/closings). Deck lid damage can be hard to detect without an up-close inspection.

[PRE-H20]

i have one that is rust free/ dent free and is freshly painted black....... i didnt use it for my car as i put a tail on mine..... i dont need 300.00 for it, but if someone wants to offer that ill take it..... hehehehehehe

i dont need the lid and it is just taking up room......... hint hint.......

[falcon]

Yep, Its best to inspect the decklid in person. I found out the hard way. I just looked at the nice pics. However, small damage, creases and paint chips MAY not show up on digital pics with low rez. Another idea is to have someone look at it for you. I bought mine with the OEM tail aready attached. I just keep my pristine decklid (no holes) in storage should I want to swap it back out down the road.

[yelcab1]

The 964 deck lid also fits. No holes either.

[jevvy]

just a quick heads up - from what I heave read it may be wise to remove the chin spoiler on the front of your car if you are going to go tailess - I believe that these items should ideally be fitted in pairs or you may get unsightly handling at higher speeds.

I suppose removing the tail only may induce oversteer which aint the best of things at high speed if you aint expecting it.

[911teo]

There is now way you can find a straight decklid for $50.

But you can sell your decklid + tail for $700-750 and a nice decklid will go for $300-450. Decklids are getting more difficult to find. I sold mine 4 weeks ago and had 4 people offering me more that I asked for.

Ended up selling it at the asking price ($350) to the first interested party.

So if you can find a decklid in the same color as yours I'd say go for it and sell the tail.

Taking the tail off is not as bad as everybody is saying. Yes there are the holes and the paint issue... but if you get a decklid that is not the same color as yours u have the same repaint issues.

Welding up the holes is a 2h job by a good welder.

Here is a pic of a decklid that used to have a tail (I just repainted the whole car.. so took the tail off to do so...)



The holes are at the bottom of te opening for the grill...

[joecrum]

I guess it's time to ask the question as to whether this looks okay or not...





I found the gill for $35 from a friendly Pelicanite. I used some black cap screws to hold the grill down and plastic black plugs (christmas tree style) and nylon washers to cover the holes. The paint wasn't too bad underneath, though I'm not too particular and hardly wash my car.