View Poll Results: S Look or Factory
No Spoilers
18
46.15%
Spoilers
21
53.85%
Voters: 39. You may not vote on this poll
MY 1980 S Spoilers or Not
03-09-2011, 01:23 AM
#17
Rennlist Member
A few months ago I was following a new 911 down the Pasadena Freeway ( you know, that Porsche they build with the engine behind the rear axle) and I could not help but notice just how much the current design of the back light and the roof line resembles the 928 without a spoiler
vanster
80 5sp MSDS
vanster
80 5sp MSDS
03-09-2011, 01:47 AM
#18
Administrator - "Tyson"
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
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There are plenty of "S" cars out there...............
03-09-2011, 02:09 AM
#19
Nordschleife Master
Had an 80 Euro S and really liked the wrap around spoiler. Just looks like something is missing when without. Also like the spoilers on the S4's & GTS's. It's about the only part that hasn't been shaved on our GTS that's now in for paint & many deletes. 77Tony
Last edited by 77tony; 03-09-2011 at 11:54 AM.
03-09-2011, 04:07 AM
#21
Racer
03-09-2011, 11:49 AM
#23
Rennlist Member
When I bought my '81 I did not like the big butt on it and wanted it to look like my '86.5. Checked with what was needed and due to prices decided to wait. One month later I was very happy I did not change the look. What I have done is make my own front spoiler. The previous owner had run the car onto a cement parking stop and when reversing had torn the front driver bumper. My spoiler is a cross between the s4 and earlier spoiler, made of fiberglass. The sides are like the s4 (helps hid the tear in bumper) and the middle (where fins are) looks like the 's'. The depth is about 1" and follows the fender bumper very well.
While at the time I was hoping to make a few of these and sell them (as they do not take away from the original look) I discovered that I could not make them for any other car due to the tear in my bumper. I had to 'tweek' the driver side to fit correctly and it is not an exact fit for other cars (I pulled off the '86.5 spoiler and tried it, was very close but created too much stress to get mounting holes to align up) It would work, but I feared it would crack eventually.
The spoiler is double sided with washers embeded in the fiberglass on top for mounting on fenders and front bumper. The hollow part is filled with expando foam to reduce the flex of the fiberglass around mounting points.
To create the form of the spoiler I used modeling foam from wal-mart. It was made in 3 pieces, 2 sides and 1 center (the foam) using a rough file to form and then the pieces were taped together and fiberglass applied. I used 3 layers of glass (heavier on leading edge for strength) and to allow for sanding to finished look. For color I used undercoat spray. It gives a texture that hides any small flaws.
If I can make a jig for the ob front bumper I bought to replace my original (paint is spider cracked on it) I may try to make some more. Total time from start to on the car was 6 days. Getting the mounting holes correct took the most time.
While at the time I was hoping to make a few of these and sell them (as they do not take away from the original look) I discovered that I could not make them for any other car due to the tear in my bumper. I had to 'tweek' the driver side to fit correctly and it is not an exact fit for other cars (I pulled off the '86.5 spoiler and tried it, was very close but created too much stress to get mounting holes to align up) It would work, but I feared it would crack eventually.
The spoiler is double sided with washers embeded in the fiberglass on top for mounting on fenders and front bumper. The hollow part is filled with expando foam to reduce the flex of the fiberglass around mounting points.
To create the form of the spoiler I used modeling foam from wal-mart. It was made in 3 pieces, 2 sides and 1 center (the foam) using a rough file to form and then the pieces were taped together and fiberglass applied. I used 3 layers of glass (heavier on leading edge for strength) and to allow for sanding to finished look. For color I used undercoat spray. It gives a texture that hides any small flaws.
If I can make a jig for the ob front bumper I bought to replace my original (paint is spider cracked on it) I may try to make some more. Total time from start to on the car was 6 days. Getting the mounting holes correct took the most time.
03-09-2011, 11:52 AM
#24
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Thanks for all of the thoughts. Please keep them coming. A week ago I was sure to add spoilers, today I am very seriously considering keeping her naked.
Joe, I would love to see what your front spoiler looks like. Thanks.
Joe, I would love to see what your front spoiler looks like. Thanks.
When I bought my '81 I did not like the big butt on it and wanted it to look like my '86.5. Checked with what was needed and due to prices decided to wait. One month later I was very happy I did not change the look. What I have done is make my own front spoiler. The previous owner had run the car onto a cement parking stop and when reversing had torn the front driver bumper. My spoiler is a cross between the s4 and earlier spoiler, made of fiberglass. The sides are like the s4 (helps hid the tear in bumper) and the middle (where fins are) looks like the 's'. The depth is about 1" and follows the fender bumper very well.
While at the time I was hoping to make a few of these and sell them (as they do not take away from the original look) I discovered that I could not make them for any other car due to the tear in my bumper. I had to 'tweek' the driver side to fit correctly and it is not an exact fit for other cars (I pulled off the '86.5 spoiler and tried it, was very close but created too much stress to get mounting holes to align up) It would work, but I feared it would crack eventually.
The spoiler is double sided with washers embeded in the fiberglass on top for mounting on fenders and front bumper. The hollow part is filled with expando foam to reduce the flex of the fiberglass around mounting points.
To create the form of the spoiler I used modeling foam from wal-mart. It was made in 3 pieces, 2 sides and 1 center (the foam) using a rough file to form and then the pieces were taped together and fiberglass applied. I used 3 layers of glass (heavier on leading edge for strength) and to allow for sanding to finished look. For color I used undercoat spray. It gives a texture that hides any small flaws.
If I can make a jig for the ob front bumper I bought to replace my original (paint is spider cracked on it) I may try to make some more. Total time from start to on the car was 6 days. Getting the mounting holes correct took the most time.
While at the time I was hoping to make a few of these and sell them (as they do not take away from the original look) I discovered that I could not make them for any other car due to the tear in my bumper. I had to 'tweek' the driver side to fit correctly and it is not an exact fit for other cars (I pulled off the '86.5 spoiler and tried it, was very close but created too much stress to get mounting holes to align up) It would work, but I feared it would crack eventually.
The spoiler is double sided with washers embeded in the fiberglass on top for mounting on fenders and front bumper. The hollow part is filled with expando foam to reduce the flex of the fiberglass around mounting points.
To create the form of the spoiler I used modeling foam from wal-mart. It was made in 3 pieces, 2 sides and 1 center (the foam) using a rough file to form and then the pieces were taped together and fiberglass applied. I used 3 layers of glass (heavier on leading edge for strength) and to allow for sanding to finished look. For color I used undercoat spray. It gives a texture that hides any small flaws.
If I can make a jig for the ob front bumper I bought to replace my original (paint is spider cracked on it) I may try to make some more. Total time from start to on the car was 6 days. Getting the mounting holes correct took the most time.
Last edited by UncleMaz; 03-09-2011 at 01:59 PM.
03-09-2011, 12:04 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
I'm "de-S-ing" an 84.
The original attachment hardware for the little wing is one of the few areas of the car that reminds me of 60's GM.
They used carbon steel screws and tabs, including the one that passes through the quarter window seal area. No wonder mine leaks there. Its all a rusty little mess that belongs on a Chevelle.
If you do the job, at least substitute stainless.
The original attachment hardware for the little wing is one of the few areas of the car that reminds me of 60's GM.
They used carbon steel screws and tabs, including the one that passes through the quarter window seal area. No wonder mine leaks there. Its all a rusty little mess that belongs on a Chevelle.
If you do the job, at least substitute stainless.
03-09-2011, 01:33 PM
#26
Nordschleife Master
The S is my least favorite look so of course I have THREE of those and only ONE OB, whose look I really like, and ONE S4, which is of course an even more modern look. Go figure!
Leave the spoilers OFF.
Leave the spoilers OFF.
03-09-2011, 02:04 PM
#27
Rennlist Member
Wow, I'm really suprised the spoilers are doing so well in the voting. Personally I have come to really like the clean look, so much so that removed the wing on my S4. Also there are the practical issues: The S front will fall victim to a curb stone in a parking lot within about a month, the rear does not have that problem, but does get eaten by L.A. smog, the rear loves to trap all kinds of needles and leaves underneath, and the mounting setup for both the front and rear is pretty much total crap.
Anyway, I kinda feel that the only the following should have spoilers anyway: 82 comp package, '85 and '86 US, '80-'85 Euro (although maybe just '84,'85 euro). If I had an '85 or '86 US I would not consider removing the spoilers unless I was gonna put a white pascha interior in it and make a Geneva tribute car.
Anyway, I kinda feel that the only the following should have spoilers anyway: 82 comp package, '85 and '86 US, '80-'85 Euro (although maybe just '84,'85 euro). If I had an '85 or '86 US I would not consider removing the spoilers unless I was gonna put a white pascha interior in it and make a Geneva tribute car.
03-09-2011, 02:48 PM
#28
Chronic Tool Dropper
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
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Almost every car I've seen with the rear S lip, at least those from non-desert climates, has been a victim of rust. The lip causes water to gather in the window channel, and as others mention the mounting looks like it was an afterthought, at least as far as drilling and carbon steel fasteners. Here in SoCal this isn't as much of a problem unless you leave the car outside a lot. Still, a potential buy on an S car with even the tiniest hint of paint bubbling around the rear window is dead, at least for me. The proper fix is complex and expensive, and the typical half-fast body-shop repairs will continue to leak at the seal, and therefore continue to rust under the window seal and the spoiler. The rear spoiler is a non-functional add-on, IMHO, darn close to a liability unless you know for absolute sure that there isn't cancer lurking underneath.
03-09-2011, 02:58 PM
#29
Burning Brakes
The S rear-spoiler I could live without, but I do think the S front spoiler gives the car a better 'face' with somthing of a chin. Without it, I think the front looks a bit too friendly.
