Whale tail rattle problem

[jleonej]

Anyone ever have the mesh screen inside their whale tail come loose? One side of mine came loose and rattles when driving, this gets on my nerves like you would not believe. What is the best way to fix it? I tried looking for any type of screws to get into the tail but I cannot find any, am I missing something?

[Geronimo '74]

Yes you are missing the screws...

They should be there, if they are not, maybe that's why the mesh is rattling...

[jleonej]

where should they go?

[Geronimo '74]

What year is your car? Got pics of the tail??
If you look on the inside it should be clear where the screws go.
I'm looking for pics of the one I rebuilt a while back, if I can't find them, I'll try to take other ones (tomorrow)

[jleonej]

I have an 86, thanks for looking for me! I greatly appreciate it!

[Geronimo '74]

Found them, quality's not great, but I've marked the locations in red.
There could be more that are not visible on the pictures so it's best to have a good look in there to see where there might be more...

Top side, had the part with the louvres painted, RS America style. (I still have another that is stock)



Inside view




inside view with locations marked

[DRACO A5OG]

Take care, it is very heavy and watch the screws don't drop into the engine bay.

Once off you will notice the most or all screws are loose. Do not over torque you may fracture the tail housing where it holds the mounts.

I hated it when it vibrated when I play my stereo with allot of bass.

[jleonej]

Ah ha! how do I get into the tail so I can get to the screws? Does it just pop off? Forgive me, I am a new Porsche owner and I just don't want to do further damage to any part of the car.

[Geronimo '74]

it does not pop off. Maybe, if you pull it really really hard.... (that's a joke, don't!)
if you open the deck lid you can have a look from underneath.
The tail bolts onto the decklid, you can remove it if you want by unbolting it.

Get a digital camera and post pics, that we we can help you better.

[Bob Kontak]

Suggest removing tail for a better repair. This is from memory.

Get a friend.
Drop the AC condenser without disconnecting from system (center hanger and bolts on the hinge bodies).
Disconnect engine light connections.
Remove shock pins/bolts from hinge while friend holds tail up
Place folded over rags under the front most corners of the engine lid to spare paint from damage
Remove hinge bolts while each person helps holds the tail up and in place
Pull off

Investigate for missing hardware. Check the hardware holes in the tail for damage. If oversize repair with epoxy and carefully re-drill for accepting new screws.

[jleonej]

Nesslar, it does sound like I am missing a screw or with no pun intended, I may have a screw loose. I will try to post pics tonight when I get home from work.

[Geronimo '74]

Guys, post #10 in this thread is exactely what you are looking for.
Great inside views of the tail.

The original OEM tail thread collective documentation

[Bob Kontak]

Page 197 of 495 in this pdf file (available through this website - see new parts catalog) shows the various screws for the 84-86 tail. Part numbers and sizes.

http://www.porsche.com/all/media/pdf/originalparts/usa/911_USA_84_86_KATALOG.pdf

Edit - Oops - did not see Geronimo's post

[Geronimo '74]

No worries Bob, now they have the part numbers too, in case they need to order.

[Geronimo '74]

Originally Posted by nesslar

I see the bolts and washers, about picture 5 or 6 of Peter's post, but what size are they? Do they just fit into and screw into the hole? .....

Self tapping screw 3.5x13 ( Part number N 014 086 4) + washer 4.3 (P/N 900 025 002 02)

According to PET

http://www.porsche.com/all/media/pdf/originalparts/usa/911_USA_84_86_KATALOG.pdf page 197 says it all.


DIY will also work of course