Rear Spoiler Installation

[goody90q45]

Recieved a rear spoiler from PopPop today and while it's getting repainted there's a few questions I have before I start drilling holes in my freshly painted rear deck.

I did a search and didn't find any info on spoiler installation. Are there some specs out there as to where the holes get drilled?

The FSM only shows 3 holes through the lid, and the picture is no help, but I can tell by looking at the spoiler that there's going to be more than that. What size are the holes?

Could Wes or someone with the program post the blow up with part numbers so I can see what kind of attach hardware I need to get from Joe.

As you can see I'm a little hesitant about drilling holes in the trunk lid until I'm sure about what I'm doing. I've got a couple of weeks to sort it all out so any help from those of you who have dealt with this would be greatly appreciated.

[maxnix]

You will probably need the harness extension too, and the no-CHMBL rear parcel tray for it to look correct.

[PopPop]

Make sure you make or buy a gasket for the Spoiler to Surface mounting also to prevent damage to paint surface! When you buy gasket it may have mounting instructions also! I would do all your work before paint is done!

[elwesso]

Make sure you make or buy a gasket for the Spoiler to Surface mounting also to prevent damage to paint surface! When you buy gasket it may have mounting instructions also! I would do all your work before paint is done!

I agree with that last statement especially... have it all painted as a unit! to ensure matching.....

Drill before paint!

You may have to live without the stop light on the spoiler..... which i suppose is fine...

[goody90q45]

The wiring harness diagram in the FSM shows a connector in the lid for the brake light. I'll pull off the interior trim this weekend to see if it's there. Do you have a parts drawing available?

I'll follow everyone's advice on fitting it before paint. Still unsure on where to drill the holes. If Joe doesn't have a template available I may have to do a plaster of paris mold to make my own template.

Can anyone out there let me know how they installed their spoiler?

[elwesso]

PERSONALLY for myself, i would have the body shop install it, theres nothing worse than inproperly installed body parts, espeically when you have to freehand like this.

[maxnix]

At least get a OEM t or a model alongside your project car for comparison.

[Q45denver]

How about some heavy duty doublesided tape to install? At least you wouldn't have to worry about leaks.

[elwesso]

heres the parts diagram, maybe this will help. if you need the PNs LMK.

[goody90q45]

If the spoiler layed flush on the hood and all the bolts came through from the inside of the trunk that would be fine. But... the top of the spoiler has 3 ea. 1" long plastic threaded studs so you can't really lay it flat against the trunk lid and mark the hole locations. I need to find another Q in town with a spoiler and see how it's mounted or figure out a way to make a template. Didn't get a chance to call Joe today, I'll talk to him on Monday.

[elwesso]

I think thats all that Joe would be able to get you....

[tkd_q45]

Besides style - what's the benefit? I've heard others claim that it's a well engineered piece. Is there any proof to this?

[elwesso]

If you look at the Q45.org article on the 1990 Q45, the big article with the Q and the M30, youll see the spoiler SIGNIFICANTLY reduces rear lift.. I cant remember the exact numbers for the coefficient of lift, but it was a significant difference!

the spoiler isnt for looks, its a VERY VERY functional piece.

[tkd_q45]

Would this mean any gain in MPG? I can use all I can get!

[elwesso]

Probably not..

[maxnix]

Would this mean any gain in MPG? I can use all I can get!

Probably at triple digit speeds, it would. It significantly reduces rea end lift.

[daegrigg]

I did this on a 91 Q a few years back. I didn't have a template but carefully measured the hounting stud locations. I drilled holes that were a little oversized.

One thing to remember is that the trunk will be heavier and the non T counter springs are not strong enough to raise trunk plus spoiler.

I am about to do this again and will follow your progress. Does anyone know if you can get the strong spring bars fron Joe?

Don

[Q45denver]

Yes, there is a different torsion bar for lid w/spoiler. I think its around $13.

[goody90q45]

Thanks to everyone for your replies, keep 'em coming. Appreciate the pic Wes, big help in understanding the assembly.

I agree that as small as this spoiler is (not a whale fin by any measure) it probably has little effect on handling until you are going at least triple digit speed. I am installing it for the same reason we spend $$$ on rims and tires- It looks great.

I'm still running it through my mind how I'm going to install this spoiler properly. I think by the time I'm done buying the attach hardware, trunk tension bar, and rear deck lid I'll be into it for as much as I bought it for, and it still needs paint. I'm pulling off the trunk lid liner tomorrow to see what kind of electrical harness is there. I'll keep you posted.

[maxnix]

Don't forget the correct rear parcel shelf or it will look like it was done by a dilbert.

[goody90q45]

I took the trim off the inside of the trunk this morning and there is a live plug for the spoiler brake light so I won't have to splice in to any existing wires. Also, I did a test fit of the spoiler to the deck and it looks like it won't be that difficult to line up and drill.

I didn't realize that there was a gasket under the entire OD of the spoiler until PopPop mentioned replacing it. Since it's not shown in the FSM I looked up the spoiler on Joe's web site and there it was, only about $7.

Wes- if you have time I could use the part numbers of the mounting hardware. Thanks to all for your continued help.

[Q45denver]

Personally I think some heavy duty double-side tape (the kind they sell for automotive trim) around the entire perimeter would be more than enough to hold it in place. It would also seal it from water leaks in place of the gasket. You just have to be careful when positioning it because you only get one shot.