PPo

Just bought a Class I 924S that I plan on converting into a dedicated 944cup/SP2 car.

I am wondering about removing the rear hatch release/locking mechanism, and associated components.

How much weight actually gets removed? I am guessing 2-3 pounds.

What have other people done to close/secure the hatch with all the parts removed? Can the usual spring type latch mechanism mount onto the rubber spoiler? If not where can it mount?

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

regards,
Patrick

dmilzoff

On my S2 track car, I removed the motor and all wiring but left the locking mechanism. I use a cable pull to open the lock, which goes through one of the holes already there for the license plate mounting (plate is gone).

Antonio

If your hatch locking mechanism is working OK now, I wouldn’t take it out just to save 2-3 pounds. If you’re determined to remove it, tying down the hatch through the rubber spoiler is not a good idea. Over time the rubber will disintegrate around the mounting points or the spoiler will come lose. In my car I have two 1-inch metal strips running down the length of the hatch bolted down at the top and at the bottom of the frame. At the bottom, the strips extend 2 inches below the spoiler and that's where the rubber tie-downs are attached. Drilling holes through the frame can be tricky and may result in a shattered hatch! In my case this was not a concern because I'm using a lexan hatch. As I said, the resulting trouble isn’t worth it. Good luck.

944Cup

Suggest using a rubber draw latch whether you remove the stock latch mechanism or not. Can be installed to bolt directly into the hatch in place of or with the stock parts, and not thru the spoiler. Very inexpensive

Having been using for years with no problems. Can save you a hatch if your in a rear end collison with a spin as the stock mechanism on the hatch has a tendency to release from impact. Once up an and pointing backwards, the air catches the hatch, and it wraps back over the roof.

Rubber draw latch: http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pro....asp?RecId=771

924RACR

What he said - the stock latches don't stay put in an impact. An additional latching mechanism is a good idea. Furthermore, having removed the lock is a good idea also, if emergency workers need to get at you through the back of the car (worst-case) - sucks if they're looking for the key! I have a key in mine whenever I'm racing, it's tied to the car with a cable so it won't go missing.

PPo

Thanks for the comments guys!! I will order those exact parts.

Without having the car in front of me I am having trouble where these mount. Do you bolt them to the underside of the spoiler right onto the metal frame?

I would assume it would not be a good idea to actually use the rubber rear wing as a mount as somebody already stated.

cheers,
Patrick

BTW: Vauhgan do you remember driving up to Canada to meet with a group back when the Rennlist wasn't even a website??? I am not going to repeat what happened on that trip(LOL). But seriously, you should come up for a regional race at Mosport!!!

924RACR

Hey, Patrick, right? Yeah! Well, I kinda remember... sending a PM...

944Cup

Pic of the draw latch installed. Includes a small piece of aluminum cut to size to fasten the top part of the latch to th hatch.


.

smarlow2

Could you possibly post a couple more pictures of this installation from different angles. I am curring using the stock lock with the key wired to body but I would like to go with something like you are showing

944Cup

Here is another pic. Remove the 2 stock latches (2 bolts each), fit aluminum piece to match up with the stock parts, drill 2 matching holes in the aluminum piece and reinstall. No holes need to be drilled in the body or spoiler of the car.

smarlow2

Thanks, that's the angle I was looking for. By the way, my track rat is a yellow 944 also. I like the black and yellow contrast on you car!

PPo

Dave,

Thank you VERY much for the pictures!! Thank you very much for sharing the idea!! I appreciate it!

regards,
Patrick

944Cup

Patrick:

Your welcome. Please let me know if I can be of any further help.

shiners780

Bringing back an old thread, I am not seeing the pictures. If you guys could repost them it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Eric in Chicago

These are not the orginials but this thread served as a model for my conversion.
I removed all the hardware (motor, pins ect) I took it one step more an installed a saftey lock pin (a extra hood hold down pin I had laying around) I attached the pics of that as well. The hardware came from Pegasus Auto Racing the alum from Home Depot. It took a little fab work to get the bends correct on the hold down on the hatch but no big deal (even for someone like me!) 1 full race season with this set up and no problems.