Installing Spoilerdepot Spoiler

[hyunelan2]

I promised this a long time ago, and was recently reminded by someone (wonder who) that I didn't provide a DIY:

You will need:
The spoiler and provided hardware
Crayon
Phillips Screwdriver (get out a couple)
Hammer (scary, I know)
Electrical Connectors & Wire Stippers
1-2 friends

1.
First, set the spoiler on the hood to get it aligned correctly. Use a crayon to mark out the outline of the spoiler – this will be important, don’t skip that.

http://www.nitrousworld.com/pictures/IMG_1333.jpg

2.
Take the spoiler off and lay it upside down on a towel, so it doesn’t get scratched. Insert the set screws (pointy things) into the 4 screw holes.

http://www.nitrousworld.com/pictures/IMG_1335.jpg

3.
Now CAREFULLY put the spoiler back in the exact position it was on the car before… note that these screws are ment to scratch the paint, so don’t drag it across the car. It’s easiest to have a friend hold one end, you hold the other. Tuck you fingers under the spoiler and hover it just above the location of where it needs to be. Gently set it down.

Now, push straight-down firmly above the set screws… this is to dimple the paint and mark the exact position of the screws. Don’t screw this part up.

Take the spoiler off and set it back on the towel, remove the set screws from it.

4.
This step is the hardest to do… it hurts to think about what you’re actually going to do… take a screwdriver and put the head directly on the dimple that the set-screw formed on the trunk. Now take a hammer (yes a hammer) and hit the screwdriver with it. Your goal is to make a small, but deep dent in the trunk. It is necessary to do this to ensure your drill bit doesn’t jump and mess up the rest of your hood. Repeat this for all 4 divits.

You will also need to make a hole for the wires… this is a little more complicated, since you don’t have a mark for location… measure twice, swing the hammer once.

*Note – I’m holding the tools here for demonstrative purpose, use more care when actually doing it:
http://www.nitrousworld.com/pictures/IMG_1338.jpg
http://www.nitrousworld.com/pictures/IMG_1339.jpg

5.
Get out the drill. Use a SMALL drill bit, the smallest you have. Start slow and drill from above the center of the dent you made. Drill all 4 holes + the hole for the wires… take a deep breath. Get out the correct sized drill bit you will need for the screws. Now drill the hole to the proper size. I think the hole for the wires needed to be slightly larger, verify that before drilling, and install a grommet in the hole to protect the wires.
Grease or seal the area surrounding the holes you drilled to prevent rusting.

6.
Open the trunk. You will notice that the area directly below where you drilled has small black rubber plugs. Pull those out and set them aside.

http://www.nitrousworld.com/pictures/IMG_1337.jpg

7.
now for the tricky part. I would suggest using a magnetic-tipped screw driver to maneauver the screw through the hole that was plugged, and up into the hole that you drilled. I HIGHLY SUGGEST TAPING THESE ONTO THE THE TOP OF THE TRUNK. I dropped the same screw 2x… into the trunk… meaning I had to take off the trunk and shake it out… at +35 minues for each time you do this.

http://www.nitrousworld.com/pictures/IMG_1336.jpg

8.
Affix the foam tape around the bottom of the spoiler that was supplied with the spoiler.

9.
With the screws all in place and ready to go, get out a couple of screwdrivers and your friend. I used 2 friends on this step. I had one hold each side of the spoiler, while I screwed the holes in to the spoiler. Just get them all started, then you can have your friends hold the spoiler into the crayon marks while you turn the screws in. Don’t forget to start the wires through the hole you made for them… you’ll be really mad if you have to take the spoiler back off to do this.

10.
Replace the black rubber plugs, close the trunk and rub off the crayon. Admire your work… almost done.

11.
All that’s left is to wire up the brake light… easiest way is to tap into the 3rd brake light located on the rear dash, don’t forget to secure the wires with ties, so they don’t hang into your trunk. I ran mine through the trunk, then down the arm with the wires for the license plate lights.

Voila.

http://www.nitrousworld.com/pictures/IMG_1340.jpg

http://www.nitrousworld.com/pictures/IMG_1341.jpg

[GTSpeedRacer]

An alternative method is to place some masking tape in the area of where the spoiler screws will be placed.

The screws will place small holes in the tape when you align the spoiler where you want it (if you use a black crayon or sharpie the lines will show through the masking tape). The masking tape will also hold the drill tip from moving when you drill the holes.

Remove the tape, use some goof off on the sharpie lines and install the spoiler.

I personally thing this is a much better method than knocking dents in your trunk.

[hyunelan2]

I disagree, you should always dimple metal before drilling, I wouldn't trust masking tape, but to each, their own.

[SWortham]

Either method would do the trick, but good idea, GTSpeedRacer. Personally, I used the same method hyunelan2 did because that's what the instructions said to do for the OEM spoiler kit. But anything that'll lower the risk of damaging something -- I'm all for it. If you do make dents in the trunk like that, just be very careful... all you need to do is make a tiny dent for the drill bit to sit in. Oh, and if you have one, use a center punch instead of a phillips screwdriver & hammer. When you start drilling, just use a nice sharp 1/8" bit and go slowly. If you go slow the bit will start digging into the metal and it won't skip.

Good DIY! Hyunelan2, I bet it took longer to write the DIY than it did to do the installation, lol. For that, I'm sure it will be appreciated by anyone getting this spoiler.

[04GTboySC]

that looks nice almost like it came on the car stock. im thinkin bout getting a higher spoiler like the KDM one for my GT

[jameswing]

From a manufacturing standpoint you always want to use a center punch or somethine eles to dimple the surface so your drill dosen't walk. If you can get a automatic center punch it would be the best. smaller sized dimple, and one handed opperation.

http://www.thetoolsbar.com/pd_automatic_center.cfm $1.99
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/LIS-30280.html $9.72
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/225542 $22.79

If not then get a standard center punch or Awl. With these the dent will be smaller in diameter, but deaper and allow the drill to cut better, because they have a more acute angle than a screwdriver.

[04 elantra cvvt]

Great write up hyunelan. As long as you take your time, everything will work out well.

[CornbreadXD]

I want to do it myself but im paranoid about screwing up

[SuperGLS]

Hahaha. Thanks Mike. Maybe I'll get around to it now...