Front spoiler/air dam, whatever it's called, got ripped off by parking bumper.
#16
Three Wheelin'
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Location: Colorado Springs, CO USA
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Thanks. Just makes me shake my head when I get advice for someone (me) who has been driving a 928 for 8+ years and have hit a parking bumper MAYBE a handful of times in parking the car. My question was how to fix it/what damage could be there, not how to park the car. But, I got under there and all the damage was to the plastic cover in the wheel wells. Apparently the previous owner did the same thing at some point and it was tied to the plastic wheel well covers with wire. That gave and it slipped off the front clips. I put it back where it belongs and drilled a few holes in the plastic cover, retied it with some wire and I assume it'll last that way another 8 years even if I don't learn how to park. Hahaha
#17
Chronic Tool Dropper
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I managed to snag that spoiler lip at Greg Brown's a couple weeks ago. The space I chose had the bumper an extra couple feet out to either rip off 928 spoliers or protect the stucco column that is right next to the curb. The maestro himself called out to me to not back up, so I was able to hand-feed the edge back over the bumper and avoid more serious damage. Mind you, I don't normally snag the bumpers anyway, but the front pan was off for alternator troubleshooting and replacement, so the rear edge of the plastic spoiler was dangling low. I had made a nice metal reinforcement that passes across the rear edge where the spoiler meets the front tray under the radiator, but with the screws out there it was a couple inches lower than usual.
Carl sells a pair of brackets that sandwich with the factory steel skid-pads on the frame at the front lower control arm mount. Those are a great first line of protection After my last episode, I'm tempted to fab a pair of bars from those pads back to the crossmember, just under the tray, and bolting where the tray is fastened to the crossmember now. That would have them pass under and protect the alternator on one side and the compressor on the other side of the front of the engine. It would also prevent the spolier damage that happens when you inadvertently try to back up from a parking bumper encounter.
I may also add a couple flexi "curb feelers" pointed down and forward from the factory skid pads. At least get some audible warning when disaster is imminent. Cover them with a white sleeve and add red tips.
Carl sells a pair of brackets that sandwich with the factory steel skid-pads on the frame at the front lower control arm mount. Those are a great first line of protection After my last episode, I'm tempted to fab a pair of bars from those pads back to the crossmember, just under the tray, and bolting where the tray is fastened to the crossmember now. That would have them pass under and protect the alternator on one side and the compressor on the other side of the front of the engine. It would also prevent the spolier damage that happens when you inadvertently try to back up from a parking bumper encounter.
I may also add a couple flexi "curb feelers" pointed down and forward from the factory skid pads. At least get some audible warning when disaster is imminent. Cover them with a white sleeve and add red tips.
#18
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I'm going to take a good look at how it's attached when it's up on the lift next Wednesday. It seems to me at least that mine is only held on by the clips around the front/sides, wired in the wheel wells (to plastic that will give or break under tension), and screwed to the belly pan at the rear. I know now that if it were to happen again, it would mostly likely stretch and get pulled of the front clips and that would be the extent of the damage. Not the best scenario but if it were more securely attached, the damage would be greater. I'll take a look on Wednesday but I don't think I'll try and secure it any better because it has lasted that way for the 8 years I've had the car and who knows how long before that.
But I like Dr. Bob's "curb feelers' for an audible warning or something along those lines. i didn't much care for the audible warning I got this time. *SCRAAAAPE CRUNCH!" Hahahaha
And thanks SQLGuy. I'm all for discussions too but you're right, they sometimes do go to places that makes you say WTF?
But I like Dr. Bob's "curb feelers' for an audible warning or something along those lines. i didn't much care for the audible warning I got this time. *SCRAAAAPE CRUNCH!" Hahahaha
And thanks SQLGuy. I'm all for discussions too but you're right, they sometimes do go to places that makes you say WTF?
#20
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Ride height should be good. I had it set to factory specs when I had new shocks put on and I like the way the car handles - it's all stock.
Reverse park: Hahahaha, Now that would be a discussion if I backed into a tree or something. hahaha
Reverse park: Hahahaha, Now that would be a discussion if I backed into a tree or something. hahaha
#22
Team Owner
thanks for the advice, glad you got the spoiler figured out
#23
Race Car
If you ever get caught over something that you think may damage your front spoiler, you can take advantage of the 928's suspension bushing design, which is also its alignment achilles' heel. Just jack up both front corners off the ground and drop back down. You will have several more inches of temporary clearance which should be more than enough to keep the front end out of trouble when backing out.
Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft
Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft
#24
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Thanks. No hard feelings on my end so I hope none on yours. I was just pissed at a potential $$$ bill over something so simple. Then you mix in someone telling me I need to learn how to park after 30 years of driving, just didn't sit too well. hahaha
#25
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If you ever get caught over something that you think may damage your front spoiler, you can take advantage of the 928's suspension bushing design, which is also its alignment achilles' heel. Just jack up both front corners off the ground and drop back down. You will have several more inches of temporary clearance which should be more than enough to keep the front end out of trouble when backing out.
Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft
Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft