Converting 'whale tale' to standard engine lid on 1988 Carrera?
 

I found a car that I really like, except I prefer the standard grill rear deck vs. the whale tale. How difficult to switch this out in a way that maintains integrity of the car. I know a great paint shop, but how hard to find this replacement and are there any fitament considerations (?) This is a 40k mile pristine car, also a little worried about affecting value negatively (?)

thanks

Post in the parts section that you want a lid or you want to trade. It won't affect value because almost all these tales were add ons anyway. Simple to R/R

be prepared to lower your car once the tail is removed. Factory Turbo tails weigh a lot so when I removed mine I had to reindex my T-bars. You may get a way with it but for me It was a good time to install Bilsteins and lower to Euro height . Once in there ita maybe maybe time to replace bushings depending on how old and worn out they are. Typical 911 story line: "while you are in there"......

It's very easy to do yourself if you have a second lid. In order to maintain the integrity of the car, I'd suggest keeping the stock lid instead of selling or trading it. Buy a second lid minus the tail and have it painted to match. The swap is pretty easy -- the lid unbolts from the hinges and lifts off. First, make notes of how many spacers are on each bolt (I took a sharpie and traced around where the hinge meets the lid so that it would be easier to align it should I put it back on). You may need to transfer the latch and the bracket that holds the condenser from the original lid to the donor lid. Have a buddy handy to help mount the new lid. Don't tighten the bolds until everything lines up. It may take a little shifting, but it's not too bad. In my experience (I've done this a few times), the most important thing is to keep the spacers in the same place as they were when you took the original lid off. You may need to add or subtract a spacer, but the donor lid should align pretty closely.

I'm interested in the tail and lid if you decide to sell. I have a 84 Cab that has a regular lid and want to get a complete lid and tail, but want to be able to stick the original back on if I so desire at a later date.

Ron

It doesn't look like anyone mentioned this but you probably have two gas shocks to hold up the lid w/ the tail. You need only one to hold up a stock lid.

thanks everyone
 

I appreciate all the advice... I have been looking around for a 72-73 or 88-89 that has been meticulously maintained. I think that I have found it, a white 89 w/40k miles on it... but I just dont like the tail look, I prefer the plain rear deck lid (no offense to whale tail lovers) :)

Thanks again for the help. Oh yea, if I end up doing this, I will definitely be keeping the original, so no trading unfortunately...

I converted to the whale tail lid and have my stock lid if you are interested. It is in great shape and is Guards Red. Not sure what color your car is or where you are located, but I might be willing to part with it. You can see from my post that I am on the east coast of Florida, about 30 miles from Orlando. It is off an 86 Carrera so it will fit perfect.

Sorry, I just saw that you are looking at a white one.