Whale tail Fit

[ncfj40]

I purchased a 1981 911sc Targa a few months ago. My first P car. It came with a whale tail installed by someone in the past. I'm not sure that I like the tail but it's already there so I guess it will stay for a while. The color is a close match but not exact. But that doesn't bother me as much as the fit and finish between the tail and the deck lid. The spoiler base and lip both appear to be Porsche parts as they have the Porsche logo and crest. My problem is that the corners don't fit well. There are gaps etc. Any suggestions?

[mholbrook38]

There are 4 bolts that hold the spoiler to the hinges. There are washers that seem to make the adjustments to high/low in the front. Too low and it will hit in the middle when it raises. Perhaps there are two or three washers between the hinge and the spoiler on the high side. Try taking a washer out and putting it on the bottom and see if that makes a difference. What you don't want is interference between the deck lid and the car when you raise the lid. You have a Carerra spoiler, same as mine. I like this spoiler on the Targa better than any other. Lots of folks like either the ducktail or no spoiler.

[bklyn]

Looking at mine, your tail looks fine but the gasket should be one continuious run and rounded on those edges giving it a better finished look. Check around I believe our host sells the gasket, I know I bought one in the past.

[MBAtarga]

I don't think the top clamshell section is tightened against the decklid. It looks like there is too much space where the gasket is located. And as bklyn posted, the gasket is supposed to be continuous across the top edge with the seam at the bottom center underside of the tail. If you look at the top corners, your tail does not look the same as mine. I'm 99.9% certain that mine is Porsche original. The tail contour at that corner is supposed to allow the gasket to curve around and under the top section. Doesn't look like yours accounts for that.

Here are 3 pics of the tail on my SC. Top edge, pass side:


Pass side, side view of top corner:


Top edge, driver side:

[rusnak]

The base gasket also needs to have rivets installed to help keep it in place. Otherwise it will come loose.

Mark, I think that left side might need to be lowered a little bit.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

I don't think the top clamshell section is tightened against the decklid. It looks like there is too much space where the gasket is located. And as bklyn posted, the gasket is supposed to be continuous across the top edge with the seam at the bottom center underside of the tail. If you look at the top corners, your tail does not look the same as mine. I'm 99.9% certain that mine is Porsche original. The tail contour at that corner is supposed to allow the gasket to curve around and under the top section. Doesn't look like yours accounts for that.

Here are 3 pics of the tail on my SC. Top edge, pass side:

x2... This is a picture of an 83 Cabrio spolier. I took these pictures about 10 years ago.
I was using it as a reference for positioning and restoring my own spoiler as it was factory fitted.

Note how the spoiler sits right down onto the engine lid. It's a very good fit following the contours of the lid.





This is my car for reference...