Tail No Look Good

[York]

OK everyone, tell me what you think. I have decided that I do not like the tail on my '86 coupe, it breaks up that beautiful flowing line from the roof to the rear bumper (do a search on York to find my first post for photos). Maybe it is because I learned to drive on a VW fastback, I don't know. I am not a racer, so I don't think that I need the reduced uplift as I cruise down I20 and I30 at 75 or 80 mph max. I have already purchased a standard rear decklid grille, and even swapped out the tail with the grille once, but I put the tail back on because without it I have five (count 'em one two three four five) holes in the deck lid to deal with. I tried duct tape to fill/cover the holes, which is a close match for my meteor grey metallic car, but that did not quite do it justice. I have decided finally that the tail has to go, so do I buy a new (old) lid and have it refinished or do I have a shop try to work magic on the holes in that very thin metal lid and repaint?

Oh by the way, I did notice that the car ran a bit hotter without the tail in place.

[RSBob]

I am using ever bit of self-control I can muster to not come back on your subject line. This happened to another poor guy some time ago and he was teased mercilessly.

I would find out the cost of a shop to weld up the holes and get the lid repainted. Then cost finding a color matching lid from several Porsche recyclers and compare.

OK, I still can't resist... (argh - ack - oh - owey - aye) My Grammar No Look..... aye aye aye---- "Some body stop me!"

[ghnat]

Buy a replacement lid and get it painted. Keep the original - or sell it here. There are many folks looking for, dare I say, tail...

[lateapex911]

Absolutely get another tail without the holes and paint to match. Either keep the tail /lid combo for a future owner or sell as a unit. I would keep it.

[kenikh]

Get it welded, buy a color matched can of spray paint from an auto color house and blend it into the decklid yourself with some 2000 grit and some polishing compound.

[lateapex911]

I strongly disagree...his paint is a two stage metalic. getting can paint to match, AND then clear coating the spots will, sorry to say, be VERY difficult ...even for a guy with a ton of paint experience.

IF you were to go that route, you'd need to get the real paint and those sprayval bottles. (Primer, sealer, color and clear) But by the time everything is blended, the whole lid will be painted. I think you just do it right and be done with it.

[York]

OK, that title was on purpose, it was supposed to be funny, a joke, a gag, a bit of humor.....or perhaps since I was born in Tokyo my grammer really is bad!!

I will check out the cost of a new lid and paint job, and meanwhile I will remove the tail, install the grille and enjoy. Thanks for the replys.

[vesnyder]

I am with you on the no-tail look. I have a cab, bit otherwise I would get rid of the tail in a second! Every consider retrofitting a 964 tail - one that goes up and down depending on speed? I saw where a fellow Pelican did that

[York]

That is a good idea Vance, I would like that. Sounds like a big project. I also have though about the duck tail from the 73-74 RS, it looks great.

[TCB]

I have a whale tail on my 84 and the 964 idea is one I have also thought about but I don't think you can do it and keep the stock Air Conditioner condensor. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[JR_NYC]

One of the reasons I bought an SC instead of a Carrera was because its a lot easier to find one w/o a tail (and they're cheaper of course). I think the way to go is to buy a replacement decklid and have it painted to match your car. Keep the tail decklid for the guy you sell your car to, he'll appreciate it.

[johncarlos2003]

Wanna sell me your decklid and tail? If in good condition Ill make a fair offer- thanks!

[charleskieffner]

have 87 lid concours shape $400 bucks complete plus shipping dont give me any crap about price. its in perfect shape! have gone thru crap here w/people that think they are gods of this website due to their wallet not their intelligence. if you want a PERFECT NEVER BEEN WRECKED ORIGINAL LID DOWN TO THE FREEKING VATERLAND BAR CODE DECAL i have one.

[yelcab1]

I kept the lid after I added my lid/tail combo. I am hanging it on my office's wall as a piece of art, which it is. It gets al kinds of people to come in, start conversation, and sure is better than selling it for $200 or some dumb number like that.

Oh, about your question, buy another lid. Just not mine.

[89911]

I'm going to Hershey next month with the sole intention to pick up a decklid with no tail. Last year I saw piles of them going for $50 or less. I'm going to repaint it and just replace my tail for non track driving excursions. It's much easier to do this rather then try to remove your old tail and repair. Its also reversable.

[joecrum]

I've posted this before but got now response, so I don't think it's popular. I used plastic "christmas tree" plugs found at the hardware store and plastic washers to press them into. Yea, I'm really cheap...

[charleskieffner]

i am truly sorry but the "OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY '87 ENG. LID " has been sold!

[Jgordon]

Joe, for what it's worth, that looks cool.

[joecrum]

Thanks, J. It's easy to put my tail back on, too!

[York]

Joe - that does not look bad at all, thanks for the idea. I removed the tail and installed a nice new grille this morning, I sure like it better. I think I will try your method.

John-Carlos, pm me if you are interested in just the tail.