Fiberglass Tails?

SeaDweller · 04-01-2002, 10:40 AM

I'm still on the fence whether or not to add a tail when I do the repaint, but I have decided that if I do add one, it'll be a one piece version.

On some cars, the factory Carrera tail with the rubber lip looks great, however on my white SC, I think the black lip would draw too much attention. As such, I think a solid white Carrera tail, like that found on some of Porsche's specialty cars, would be the ticket.

Do any of you guys have a solid tail on your car? Could you post a picture?

Also, does anyone have any experience with the fit and quality of Rennspeeds fiberglass stuff?

Thanks!!

Rot 911 · 04-01-2002, 10:49 AM

Personally, I don't like the factory rubber lip and if I ever add a tail to my '86 Carrera, I will go with all fiberglass. Remember, the factory didn't add the rubber lip because they thought it looked good, they added it because the "safety police" were concerned pedestrians would some how try to decapitate themselves on the solid tails and forced the rubber tail on the factory.

Kurt B · 04-01-2002, 11:56 AM

I sure hope you guys get a chance to weigh each of these first. I have an all glass tail, and I have a rubber lipped tail. The all glass tail weighs twice as much--it will bounce the ***** out of the rear decklid which is not designed for that great a weight.

Just commenting since I have had both on my car. The all glass tail i got was from Performance products--maybe it depends on who manufactured it--so maybe you can get one from another source is is thinner.

SeaDweller · 04-01-2002, 01:21 PM

I had a factory tail that I bought, and ended up selling because I couldn't decide whether or not to put it on. The base was a composite of some sort, fiberglass I thought.

I wonder what would make an aftermarket fiberglass tail so heavy, unless it's laid up very thick.

Hmmmm, don't know if I want all that weight back there, particularly with the thin decklid.......

Now I'm 50.9 tail-less, and 49.1 tail......

masraum · 04-01-2002, 01:32 PM

Check out MA Shaw, www.mashaw.com. I have seen the, "who's the best f/g parts maker?" thread quite a few times and they always come out on top as far as fit and finish. Many people have said the prep required before painting on their stuff is minimal. The last time I looked at their website they didn't have most of their products, but if you look in Excellence they have a wider range including the one piece "Carrera" tail for $450. I will eventually get a tail for my '88 and will either get one of those or an original, used that is already painted the right color.

Jack Olsen · 04-01-2002, 01:45 PM

This one's pretty light, but too wild for street use (at least on a narrow-body car).

Kurt B · 04-01-2002, 01:47 PM

The one I have on now, OEM or what I don't know, but it's really fragile. If you forced it on there too hard, it would crack. It's really thin. Also, I reinforced all the bolt holes with more resin and fiber ...
the old one was like a brick ***** house. So it is the thickness that is the difference, and the only question is, who's making the thick ones that belong on 320 HP camaros, and who's making the ones that can easily go on the mid 70s cars?

davis911s · davis911s's Garage

Mine Carrera tail is one piece fiberglass, (tail and engine lid) but has the rubber lip? Its obviously aftermarket but don't know who makes it. Anyone know? I like it. Not too big for the narrow cars.

Shawn

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

I would go with all f/g or c/f just because of the weight issue.

sova4ja · 04-01-2002, 02:49 PM

here's what mine looks like

U can C some more on my homepage

Dr SS

SeaDweller · 04-01-2002, 04:29 PM

Definitely, the solid tail it is........

I also like the Euro marker light covers.....I have a set ready to go on my car.

Unfortunately, I'm still battling with a Yellowbird bumper decision, and every time I see Mr. Verburg's car, I want them!

Be honest with my everyone, does the spending on these things ever end?

masraum · 04-01-2002, 04:59 PM

Is that going on your car? You seem to really be making the rounds with tails. Or is that waiting for the potential RSR look that you asked about a while back? Do you have any pics of it on your car? Is that the IROC style 53" wide tail that GT Racing advertises? I need a tail for my car and will probably eventually end up with a Carrera style tail, but something a little different without being over the top would be neat. I could get to like that one.
Also, it looks like it's integral with the engine lid, is that the case? When I finally take the plunge I want to keep the original lid intact.