Quick Question- Does Rain tray mount flush to the engine lid?

[GBG1000]

I am about to install one in my 1972. The rear mount holes match up with nuts on the lid, but there is no place to mount at the front of the tray.

I am going to fabricate some aluminum retainers, but have no Idea if the tray mounst flush/tight to the engine lid.

I almost think there should be a gap, or offset, otherwise what purpose does the grille on the engine lid serve.??

Please post response asap, as I have the fever to get that tray mounted.

Thanks in advannce!

[R_Davis]

Yo,
The front end of the tray hangs from 3 metal hangers. Nothing fancy. They are thin steel pieces of metal that are bent at a 90 degee dog leg on each end and hang from a speed nut on the top of the grill to a screw at the bottom end.
Here's a picture.
Best Regards,
Rick

[GBG1000]

Thx. I have 2 of those, But what about the other side?

[GBG1000]

Sorry- Rick. A closer look at the photo explains it. I do not have those, and was going to fix it "tight" to the engine lid.

thanks for the help.

[R_Davis]

I'm Fixing my tray too.
They're the German equivelant of 3" ...
I was going to use some thin aluminum, but I'm thinking a thicker plastic or vinyl (like an old record ?) would work.
You're welcome.
I have a '72 1.7 also.
Rick

[R_Davis]

BTW and to elaborate. They DO attach tight to the rear of the lid, but HANG from the front of the lid.
Out!

[Rrrockhound]

Many people just leave the rain tray off for better cooling, since most of us don't drive our 914s in the rain away.

[R_Davis]

Rrrrock,

This wasn't a forum to discuss whether or not to install a Rain Tray, but HOW to install one.

(Sidebar ... I was wondering whether or not to re-install mine. On a 1.7 do you think it makes a difference? I was gonna do it because it was a stock item. Or ... do you think a German Engineer; while looking up the barrel of a Waltham 380 PPK, was asked what to do about the rust and suggested a 'Rain Tray'? I agree with you. Unless you're driving endless days through a Rain Forest to find Kong, it makes little to no sense. It would make more sense to put a 'Rain Tray' somewhere near the front fender and the cowl. But on the other hand of 'Keeping It Real'; it MUST be installed or it ain't Original.)

Just a thought or two.

Rick

[GBG1000]

Rick,

I am not too worried at all about keeping mine original. It is too far gone for that. It has dual webers, and here in Florida where we get really serious downpours that can pop up at anytime, I was definitely going to have to get rain hats or the tray. The tray will also protect the ignition. I got my tray off of evil bay for $10 + $17 shipping!! Can you believe that. It almost looks like a new aftermarket fabrication. It is very clean- looks new, but has a couple of cracks/defects.

I think my rain tray must not be appropriate for a 1972, but I fabricated some hold-downs out of aluminum stock and bolted them at the back edge of the lid. The plastic is cracked where the bolt holes are, so I think I may eventually need to reinforce with Fiberglass and probably put a strap from front to back on both sides.

[R_Davis]

Good GBG,

It's funny how the smallest of details on these little cars can become a Full Blown discussion ... with lots of opinions and tacks.

Hope your fix suits your needs ....

Cheers!

Rick