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[ideola]

Well, I finally completed the spoiler attachment project discussed previously in this thread:

Here's the process I used:

1. Removed all paint from the window trim around the hatch (except for the very top)
2. Removed studs from all three pieces of the hatch (done much earlier)
3. Cleaned hatch pieces with soap and water and scrubbing brush
4. Reconditioned hatch pieces with Goof Off
5. Pre-glued the three spoiler pieces together using no weld epoxy panel adhesive
6. Removed hatch struts from lower mounts so the hatch was at a convenient working height
7. After the epoxy cured, used clamps (with no adhesive yet) to pre-attach to spoiler to hatch, checking for fitment
8. Used the entire tube of no weld epoxy panel adhesive, spreading on both the hatch surface (mainly the metal trim) and the spoiler surface where it mates to the hatch
9. Reclamped with a bunch of C-Clamps, Vise Grip Locking C-Clamps, and Quick-Grips, placing sections of 2x4 strategically to spread the clamping load evenly over the spoiler surface
10. Let stand overnight to cure

Unfortunately, the epoxy did not work as well as I had hoped, mainly because the tube was not big enough and didn't contain enough material to really "goop" it on. Leadfoot had suggested in the previous post to use polyurethane adhesive, so I got a tube of PL Polyurethane Premium Construction Adhesive. This stuff was perfect, I was able to really load it up into the space between the spoiler and the hatch (including some on the glass). I reclamped everything and let it set again overnight to cure. Presto! Solid as a rock. It takes 4 days for this stuff to cure, so I'll be waiting a while before doing any driving.

To finish the job, I used DAP Dynaflex 230 premium elastomeric latex sealant (black) to create a really nice bead / seal along the edge of the spoiler where it meets with the glass, taking care not to block the water channels on either side of the base of the spoiler. I then used a couple of different sized flathead screwdrivers to clean up / even out the bead. This step *really* put the finishing touches on the project. Incidentally, it takes up to 7 days for this stuff to cure.

After all that was done, I painted the "porsche" lettering silver...it really pops!
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[ideola]

In process:




Final results:



Closeups:





All I can say is these cars look SOOOO much better (IMO) with the spoiler on 'em!
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[ideola]

Project cost = ~$130, ~10 hours spread over three weekends

Used spoiler: $50 on eBay
Epoxy adhesive: $18 from Eastwood + shipping
4 C-Clamps: $5 ea
2 Locking C-Clamps: $15 ea
Polyurethane adhesive: $3
Dynaflex sealer: $3
Caulking gun: $5

If I were to do it over, I would just bypass the epoxy adhesive and go with the polyurethane. That would have saved me about $20. Also, I borrowed the add'l C-clamps and quick grips from my dad.
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[Gram]

Looks good. How much extra weight do you think it adds to the hatch?
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'82 924 NA Euro (hers)
'98 Audi A4 TDI (ours)

[ideola]

Not sure how much the spoiler weighs ... I'd have to guess less than 10 lbs. total. My hatch struts were already shot, so I had previously replaced them with the 944 version in anticipation of adding the spoiler. The hatch goes right up when I turn the key, so they're plenty strong enough.
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[Joes924Racer]

I used a 2 part epoxy to secure my rear center
porsche crests ..For the spoiler on the hatch I just used
small machine screws & predrilled holes through the frame.
I think Ill go your way next time. the 44 spoiler is
huge compared to a 24 spoiler.

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1979 porsche 924 Na
1980 porsche Turbo 931GT Replica
Have u ever driven a turbo.

[leadfoot]

Nice one, the car looks great... That reminds me, I still need to change my struts out for stiffer ones.
Leadfoot

[Khal]

Cool idea to paint the "Porsche" script silver! I'm tempted to do that on mine now...

[candyman00]

What kind of paint did you use to paint the "porsche" lettering silver on your spoiler? Thanks.. -Roland00-

[ideola]

[skemcin]

[gohim]

The problem with installing the 944 rear spoiler with revising the front aerodynamics of the car is unbalanced airflow.

While the 944 rear spoiler may look "cool" to you, at speed it will produce more downforce on the rear of the car then the original 924 spoiler which was designed to be used with the factory front lower valance.

At speed, when the 944 rear spoiler is working, without matching the downforce that was supplied by the 944 front lower valance/spoiler, the front of the car is going to lift, which will change the steering and handling characteristics of the car.

Have you given any consideration as to how you are going to re-establish the aerodynamic balance of the car? I can tell you from experience that at 80 mph the front of the car is already steering lighter than it does at 60, and at 120, the front end is becoming too light with making some changes. And that is without any rear spoiler. With just the 944 rear spoiler I would guess that the car may get to be unmanagable for some drivers at speeds above 100mph.

[ideola]

Those are good thoughts, Gohim ....

...however, this car is really for my 17 year old ... I don't want him driving 100 mph anyway.

But subjectively speaking, there is a stretch of road by my house that has some decent twisties rated at 45 mph. Before the spoiler, when I went hard into those turns at 80 mph, the back end actually felt like it was starting to float. Not so with the spoiler. So my subjective evaluation is that it has improved handling ... although, of course, this is not a scientific assessment

I've had the car up to 110 on the freeway with the spoiler, and have felt no ill effects whatever.
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[Vince Ponz]

looks nice
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"Never let them see you sweat"
77.5 924 modified track car
79 931 Euro stock
88 924S SE
87 911 Targa stock

[924guy]