OEM spoiler to OEM spoiler - need help
#31
#35
NP. One tip. Hard lesson learnt from my first failed install with the supplied 1/4 inch 3M tape. Use the taping technique that specONE uses in his install of the NA spoiler on YouTube. A VERY important step and probably more so for the int'l spoiler. The int'l spolier flexes slightly when you place it in its final position on the car (at least that was my experience) so you should expose the adhesive side of the 3M tape touching the body only as a FINAL step of your install when the spoiler is in that final stationary position. It'll make perfect sense when you watch specONE's video. Please reach out on any Q's. GL
#36
Just received my spoiler, although mine didn’t come with any tape, I did go ahead and buy extra as suggested. Curious though, the weather here hasn’t been good enough to mount just yet, so I did test fit it. Did yours seem to have to be pressed into place quite a bit to get a good fit? Asking before I go and try to mount it and possibly cause damage. Test fit to my trunk just seemed as though I will have to really press into place to get it settled, too, I’m hoping that it isn’t too much pressure, don’t want the spoiler to go flying off on the highway one day. Lol
1) Test fit: Yes, I did have to press somewhat and hold it in place just in order for the spoiler to sit completely flush with the trunk. When I placed the front/forward part of the spoiler flush to the upper trunk, I noticed the lower part i.e. The area right above the license plate) had about 1/2 inch gap or so. That's the area I needed to press in place.
2) Clean the underside of the spoiler well - the entire surface area where the 3M tape will go. Mine was slightly dusty, and that didn't help in getting the tape to stick well. When I removed the 3M tape from the first failed install, I noticed the surface got smoother and the tape stuck way better with the second install. I suggest running normal masking tape a few times over that surface as a way to clean/dust. Apply the 3M tape only once when the surface is finally ready. For the other side of the tape i.e. side that will stick to the trunk, use the method in the speONE video as mentioned in earlier post by creating tabs that you'll only pull out AFTER the spoiler is pressed and firmly held in that final flush-to-trunk position. This is a MUST do step for a good tape install given the spoiler flex issue. I'd say you definitely need two people for this step to do it well.
3) Use a heat gun on the trunk if you have one. I saw that used by other on tape-only installs on YouTube to warm up the metal. I think it makes for better tape adhesion.
4) Definitely go for 1/2 inch 3M double sided tape not the 1/4 inch. Also make sure it says for outdoor use/ all-weather. There was cheaper non-3M brand that didn't say that but I'm happy now I didn't go for that.
Goodluck and reach out on any Q's. Please post pics when done.
#39
I presume you're talking about the underside of the spoiler, the section/strip where the 3M tape is supposed to go? Mine wasn't painted, it was just a grey color, presumably the primer. Maybe you can try sanding it a bit? Use the 3M tape only once when ready. The tape loses its adhesiveness right away if you try to reapply a second time. That tape is not cheap. Did you buy the 3/4 inch 3M? Good luck.
#40
Yeah that tape isn’t cheap at all, lol. That’s why I was concerned. I went with the 1/2” 3M tape, mine was painted all the way to the underside beyond the taping surface, a lot of primer over spray as well. I cleaned it once and the flaking began, so used the masking tape to try and get rid of the extra flaking of the paint and cleaned again. Then I applied the 3M, after it sat for a minute I noticed finishing up on the bottom edge it was coming up from the paint peeling up from the spoiler. This I wound up redoing it again and a lot of the paint came off. Well sufficed to say I got it to stick and got it mounted without fail, but I have now noticed some more coming off now along the surface of the spoiler. Almost seems as though the paint isn’t bonded to the surface of the spoiler, improper primer, or something is keeping it from sticking to the poly of the spoiler. I have a feeling it is going to have to be taken off in the end, I just don’t like how this is looking.
#41
I made a typo in my last post. I went with 1/2" too. That's the best.
I hear ya on the spoiler quality. If I recall I paid $99 for mine painted and delivered. So we can't expect the best quality. Even I specified ultra white and provided the paint code, I now notice it's nowhere near the same as the body. It's white not pearl, that's the only good thing I can say about. If we want OEM int'l spoiler presumably we'll have to get one from Japan or something.
I hear ya on the spoiler quality. If I recall I paid $99 for mine painted and delivered. So we can't expect the best quality. Even I specified ultra white and provided the paint code, I now notice it's nowhere near the same as the body. It's white not pearl, that's the only good thing I can say about. If we want OEM int'l spoiler presumably we'll have to get one from Japan or something.
#42
Well needless to say, less than a week and a good rain, the flaking continued. 😢 What do ya do, I’m chalking it up to a loss. The factory ones from Japan are far from my price range at $700+. Granted, they come with everything to do it right (or over do it), trunk bars, etc. Now I’m back to looking for one in 085 Eminent white other than the US spec spoiler.
#43
That doesn't look good. Sorry bro. I must've lucked out. Rains like crazy here in WA but no signs of paint cracking/coming off on mine. These aftermarket parts, mostly Taiwan sourced I believe, are a hit n miss. You could buy a primed but unpainted one and have it professionally painted? I saw those on eBay going for about $49.
#44
Well needless to say, less than a week and a good rain, the flaking continued. 😢 What do ya do, I’m chalking it up to a loss. The factory ones from Japan are far from my price range at $700+. Granted, they come with everything to do it right (or over do it), trunk bars, etc. Now I’m back to looking for one in 085 Eminent white other than the US spec spoiler.
I think you should just remove it and then have a body shop repaint it the right way.
They will prep/sand it and then repaint.
#45
Interesting. Not bad. But I still prefer the "dog bone" style. I think it looks more refined and more smoothly integrates into the car.
The international one kinda reminds me of a mustache. Sort of an afterthought. I think they were going for more subtle for the NA market? Either way it's factory so it's still pretty nice. but probably suits other markets better.
The international one kinda reminds me of a mustache. Sort of an afterthought. I think they were going for more subtle for the NA market? Either way it's factory so it's still pretty nice. but probably suits other markets better.