Installing a whale tail

[floydebi]

I just purchased a rear spoiler for my wife's 85 911 Targa off eBay... I took a chance on it and now am looking to install it. I can't seem to find any information about mounting instructions... It looks pretty straight forward, but I have some questions about the seal, etc... Anyone ever installed one before?? Any tips or info? Is there a mouting kit you can purchase? I have just the tail - I believe it is an original Porsche part.... Any info would be appreciated.. Thanks!

[Bill Verburg]

There are several different versions, it's mostly a follow your nose operation w/ any of them.

Most do use a base gasket, but not all.

[unclenick]

Having just completed this task this weekend, I can tell you this. If the deck lid has no bolt holes pre-drilled, get them right. I used a crayon and marked the inside of deck lid and spoiler and double and triple checked they were right as I knew with fresh paint I had one shot at it. Also, the grille must come off. When re-installing be extremely careful and get a 2nd person to hold tail and lid so you dont scratch your paint when putting the 4 10MM allen bolts back on. Here is the end product:

[Bill Verburg]

That 's one of the differences some use existing holes some don't.

Hers another that needed a bunch of extra holes to mount.

[imcarthur]

I would suggest ordering a new gasket. They shrink with age. I learned that when I remounted mine. Glue the gasket to the tail base with a trim adhesive. Here's a pic like Bill's but showing the metal braces for the bolts.

This is the Carrera tail - whale tail, not the Turbo tail.

Ian

[Kemo]

I like the idea of glueing the trim down first...good tip! That would have saved me some grief looking back.

[2.7RACER]

I installed a whale tail on my '85 Carrera several months ago.
I removed the rear lid and did all the work on a carpet covered table.
I had to remove the Carrera script. It wasn't a issue for me since I was painting the entire car later.
I made my own gasket from weather seal I found at the hardware store.
Upon reinstallation it becomes obvious the weight of the Whale tail is significant.
Now the rear lid won't stay up. Need a second deck lid shock.
Next thing you discover is when you pull the rear deck lid release, it doesn't pop up smartly. Solution, change the spring in the latch mechanism to something twice as stiff. Careful to align the latch so it doesn't lock the lid.
Best to have two people when installing the lid. It's easy for things to slip and scratch the paint.
I'd say about a 4 hour job. Don't be surprised if it takes longer. Shorter and you are a real craftsman.

[floydebi]

Now this may be a REAL stupid question, but bear with me and be gentle as I am a novice here... Should I need to drill the lid itself? Also, are there any special braces, etc. needed, or just the seal??

[2.7RACER]

Yes, you need to take that old nasty electic drill and put about five holes into your pristine deck lid.
Once you start, there's no going back.
Not for the faint of heart.
Hint, make sure the drill bits are sharp. Center punch once you are sure of your measurement. Drill first with a small bit, 1/8". Then drill to size.
Measure and check twice or more.

[Jack Olsen]

Here's a tip: get a second decklid. They're about $50 from a dismantler or on ebay. Drill and destroy the second lid, not your already-color-matching original. Get the new lid painted along with the tail. Even if you never get a hankerin' to go back to the stock lid, a potential buyer down the line will pay much more than a $50 premium for the option.

[floydebi]

7racer and Jack - thank you both... Excellent advice and ideas...

[89911]

I'm actually installing a tailess decklid and giving the whale tale look a rest. I'll put it back on the next track day. I agree with getting a used decklid, although I bought mine for $150 and couldn't find one for less then $200. Still needed some minor body work also prior to painting. I guess it depends how picky you are.

[tonypeoni]

Thats not a whale tail thats a 3.3 turbo tea tray. Which is kinda the same but looks heavy on non wide body car. Now a whale tail looks awesome on both narrow and wide body cars.

[khamul02]

Here are some directions that came with an aftermarket tail I picked up. Install went pretty easy.

[Moses]

Originally posted by Jack Olsen
Here's a tip: get a second decklid. They're about $50 from a dismantler or on ebay. Drill and destroy the second lid, not your already-color-matching original. Get the new lid painted along with the tail. Even if you never get a hankerin' to go back to the stock lid, a potential buyer down the line will pay much more than a $50 premium for the option.

That's what I did. My original decklid, all shiny with beautiful new paint hangs on the wall in my office. Strange artwork, but I like it.

[floydebi]

khamul02 - thank you.... That is exactly what I was looking for!

[khamul02]

Isn't the forum great!!

[floydebi]

Yes it is - what a great resource for us "rookies"!! Thank you all! I will post some pics once the project is done...