Rear Window Spoiler Installation

[CSULA21]

I bought a rear window spoiler a few months ago and installed it. I noticed upon installation that the spoiler wasn't curved to follow the curvature of the rear window. At any rate, about 2 months later, the adhesive along the curved sides began to detach. A few weeks later only the flat center part of the window was attached to the spoiler. So, I removed it and had to wait until I had time to tackle the installation again. Anyone with one have any suggestions as to how to install it. I will be replacing the double-sided 3M tape along with using some sort of strong glue along the curved edges of the window and possibly a heat gun to help mold the curvature in the spoiler.

TIA

 

[Aquineas]

I bought one of those too and had that problem as well, but it's been a couple of years and I don't remember how I solved it (I ended up removing the spoiler when I took the car in for service for the roof because I didn't want them falsely equating sunroof squeaking with the spoiler). I don't recommend strong glue however. I'm 99 percent sure that I just went with a stronger 3M molding tape.

 

[Mark_888]

I have seen spoilers that go on the trunk, but don't recall seeing any that come off the rear roof attached to the rear glass. Anyone have some pics?

 

[Aquineas]

Not a great photo because I was playing with the effects, but you can sorta see it here.
View media item 107

 

[CSULA21]

Not a great photo because I was playing with the effects, but you can sorta see it here.
View media item 107

Are you running a square wheel setup? If so, what size tire are you running? I just ordered a set of 20x9s and will be fitting 245/35s on them. I was torn between 35 & 40 sidewall.

Also, what springs are you using?

 

[Aquineas]

My wheel specs are listed in this thread, specifically this post (used to be sticky on the old forum). Please note I do not recommend 255s in the front; I will go with 245s henceforth (if these tires don't last me the rest of the life of the car). My springs are Ark Performance GT-F.

 

[Mr. Incredible]

is this a soft plastic part? if it is, leave it out in the sun 85° + for several hours before install, this way it gets soft and bendable. You can also use a heat gun to do this, but be careful not to get it too close as you can deform the part.

Next, clean the windshield area with vinegar and water, no soap and no window cleaner, after it is clean and dry, wipe the area the adhesive is going to stick to with rubbing alcohol, pour it on a clean microfiber rag not on the window, be liberal, use a lot, wipe the area down good.

Then take a heat gun and thoroughly heat the area you just wiped, get it hot to the touch.

Apply the now soft and bendable spoiler to the window, get it installed and aligned, use two people as the heated window will make the adhesive stick instantly and you won't have any room for mistakes.

once the spoiler is completed and you verify it is secure to the window (you can't lift it easily by hand), take your water hose with a nozzle on soft mist and spray the spoiler with the cold water, this will essentially freeze the spoiler into the bended position so it won't lift.



The alcohol makes the glass clean and removes any grease or debris that would affect the adhesive.
The heat helps the adhesive stick to the glass as the adhesive is reactive to heat.
The cold water essentially molds the spoiler, kind of like flash freezing something.


I've installed a lot of these and trunk spoilers on a variety of cars over the yeas, this is the best solution I have found for making sure they don't lift over time.


FYI however, excessive heat, outside temps in the high 90°s or higher, can cause the spoiler to soften again, so if the car has been sitting in excessive heat, it is always advisable to check it before driving off.

 

[Aquineas]

Mr Incredible thank you for the detailed instructions! As for the type of plastic, it is hard plastic.

 

[Mr. Incredible]

Mr Incredible thank you for the detailed instructions! As for the type of plastic, it is hard plastic.

well everything should still work as I wrote it out,

but I'd bet if you leave it in the sun for a few hours you will find that it gets a bit soft and may be easier to attach.

the biggest thing to remember is the alcohol and heating up the area before putting the 3m tape down, these two things will make sure it stays attached.

 

[CSULA21]

My wheel specs are listed in this thread, specifically this post (used to be sticky on the old forum). Please note I do not recommend 255s in the front; I will go with 245s henceforth (if these tires don't last me the rest of the life of the car). My springs are Ark Performance GT-F.

LOL. I've asked you already! #Duh

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