Removing Carrera rear spoiler -- Tips?

[techweenie]

Few things are totally straightforward on a 911, and this appears to be one of them. I have obtained and prepped a bare engine lid for my '85 Carrera and am preparing to remove the factory rear spoiler.

Opening the engine lid, there are 5 screws in a brace attaching the rear edge of the spoiler to the lid (see pic). However, the front attachments aren't visible. Like all '85s, mine has an a/c condenser under the stock grille opening, but the bolts holding the condenser brackets turn freely. Meaning I'll have to hold the other end of the bolt to remove them. Which means I have to get the tail off the lid.

But I see no front fasteners - unless they are under (above) the a/c condenser. I don't want to vent R12 and discharge my system while LA is "enjoying" 100 degree weather...

I did a couple searches and couldn't find this addressed.

There must be a trick to this -- hidden front fasteners? Am I just not looking in the right spot?

[group911@aol.co]

Pull the bracket in the center of the condenser. 2 phillips head screws.
On the hood hinges there are 8mm head bolts that attach the condenser at the back and once you remove them, the condenser will fall away from the hood without removing the a/c lines.
That exposes the 3? front mounting points for the spoiler.
By the way, you can also remove the tail and lid as an assembly just by removing the center a/c bracket then unbolting the lid at the hinges. Leave the back of the condenser attached.
This is actually preferred in my opinion.

[techweenie]

Sounds super easy -- you're saying I don't need to release the end brackets holding the condenser?

[group911@aol.co]

Those should be ok staying in place. Start by removing the underhood light and wiring.
I like to put a blanket at the top between the open lid and the body for protection. Prop the back up with a pogo stick. Remove the condenser center bracket.
Remove the four allen head bolts holding the lid on and the lid will rest on the blanket.
There will probably be a spacer on the front 2 bolts so try and catch them as your new hood will probably need the same ones to align properly.

[Greek55]

+1, its that easy.
I change my lid everytime I take it to the track which is a few times a year. Takes about 15 minutes, now that I have where the hinges attach to the lid marked. That way there is no re-alignment necessary.

[techweenie]

Wow. And I was anticipating one of those typical 911 challenges. I'm so used to dealing with non-a/c cars... really appreciate the help, guys.

[techweenie]

Okay, so about a 30 minute job.

Starting point:



Remove engine compartment light (wires are screw-clamped). Pull wire out of lid. Unscrew center bracket (philips), Unscrew two long hex bolts through either hinge...



Condenser drops down and you can remove the lid. The towel is a good tip for catching the small fasteners if you're a butter finger and also to avoid having the leading edge of the lid touch metal.