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Couldn’t find any other information on fixing the rear S spoiler brackets so thought I’d share what I just did.
The rear hatch had been leaking since I got the car 4 years ago and I knew the spoiler was held on by silicon. After removing I found all fixing brackets apart from 1 and the four top bolts had rusted away. The rubber washers/gaskets under the spacers were also perished and since no pressure was being applied by the rusted screws accounted for the leaks.
All the spolier rubber was in good shape and the top surface perfect so it didnt make sense to just throw it away and replace, also not cheap before postage is added.
I took measurements from the remaining bracket along the bottom (which then crumbled away) and bent some galvanized steel to create six brackets. Some welded bits of the original brackets gave me a guide and I fixed them in place with JB Weld and small stubby screws that didnt go deep into the spoiler.
For the sides I used strips of metal again and on one side there was enough of the frame left to fix them to, but on the other I had to fix them to the rubber. I filled the cavities with hot glue to make it more rigid where the metal frame had corroded away.
I did a test fit and driller 12 pilot holes that aligned with the rear hatch holes, I enlarged these and clipped size 8 speed nuts onto the metal brackets.
I cleaned up the hatch after removing the screws and spacers, there were two tiny areas of surface rust that I treated and painted before installing new spaces with new rubber washers. I used a dab of DC111 on each for extra protection, I also used this on the wiper and lock gaskets.
With about that same amount of effort and perhaps a bit more money, for windows and moldings. you could have completely eliminated that useless, ugly, spoiler and returned that part of your 928 to something closer to the original design.
With about that same amount of effort and perhaps a bit more money, for windows and moldings. you could have completely eliminated that useless, ugly, spoiler and returned that part of your 928 to something closer to the original design.
I could also detune the engine by around 70hp to go back to the original '78 power 😊
As well as the trim changes a rear end respray would also be required, I don't dislike the spoiler that much.
I have an 81 Euro, an 85 Euro, and an 85US and they all have the S spoiler. I think it if Fugly. In respect to each of those three cars, to the extent that I get to restore them, the S spoiler will be gone. That piece of crap was a band aid put on by the Factory when someone discovered that the 928 was not very aerodynamic. It takes away from the original design of the 928 and apparently does not accomplish what it was designed for. Even the later S4 with the later Wing is an abomination. I have been accumulating the necessary rear quarter windows and seals to eliminate the S spoiler when I get to do some restoration.
Last edited by Jerry Feather; 10-10-2020 at 05:48 PM.
From: Holden Beach and Winston-Salem, North Carolina 82 928 Euro S 5spd MOSS GREEN/CHAMPAGNE-04 996 C4S CONV TIP POLAR SILVER/METROPOL BLUE
I like the spoilers and I like the early cars without. I think you should leave it as the designers intended. Anything modified is bastardized really. But to each his own and by all means do what you like best
In the OP's case, he's in a market where the spoiler cars are the S version, so the spoilers indicate the more desirable performance version. In the US, you get the spoilers front and rear plus brakes with the S or competition package cars but no boost in power.
I liked the look of the original bare-big-butt cars, an dfelt that the little rubber rear spoilers were literally lipstick where it didn't belong. The nose piece is a big improvement I thought back then. For the S4+ cars with the wing and the different bumper shell shape, taking the wing off is an interesting look appreciated almost exclusively by 928 folks. The concave top of the shell demands the wing IMO. This is all personal taste of course. The OP in this case felt that replacing the old rusted brackets with galvanized steel was needed. He graciously shared his methods and the results. Others will undoubtedly have similar needs, and will benefit from the guidance. Thanks for the work and the help!
Some feel that originality is important. It can affect the value.
Others actually like the look of the lip spoiler. I'm one of them. I prefer the lip over the S4 wing by a fairly large margin. And over 'naked' by a bit.
But that's all personal preference. To each his own.
In any case, this is a nicely done 'how to' write up for those wishing to repair a lip spoiler that has rusted brackets.
10-07-2020 | 05:27 PM
Fixing an S spoiler
