E-003: DIY OEM Deck Spoiler Install (Drilling & 3M adhesive)
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E-003: DIY OEM Deck Spoiler Install (Drilling & 3M adhesive)
Well been reading this RL forum for almost a year now and I haven't seen anyone post a thread with a step by step (photo) instruction for installing a deck spoiler. I couldn't decide if I was going to drill and use 4 bolts to attach or just use the 3M adhesive method w/o drilling. I have read of several owners just using the 3M adhesive to do the install w/o drilling. I think everyone who did it this way, was happy with their results. No gaps and didn't have to break out the drill either. My biggest concern was if it would hold up 3-5 years from now. I keep my cars for a long while. At the the same time, some owners who have had it installed at the dealerships have complained about gaps. Stating that the OEM adhesive on the spoiler was not strong enough, even with drilling and securing it with 4 bolts. This got me thinking....why not use the 3M adhesive & drill it and secure it with the 4 bolts. Why not have the best of both ways,huh?
The next step for me to find a deal on ebay for the spoiler, and after searching I found a deal for an OEM black deck spoiler. I got it for $240.00 with free shipping. The seller gave me free shipping b/c I mentioned that I bought the wood steering before from them. Anyway, this weekend was the weekend and I tried to photo document every step. The whole process took about 1.5 hours, using the Acura directions provided. I hope this helps out anyone who wants to attempt an install of the spoiler themselves. I guess time will tell if doing it both ways will be effective, but at least I have no regrets. I'm very happy with the outcome. Plus I know I saved some money on doing the labor myself.
Spoiler in the box and before installing
Without the deck spoiler
Attaching the adhesive to the spoiler to mark the drilling stickers on the trunk
Marking the trunk with positioning and placement
Attaching spoiler and pressing to transfer the stickers on the trunk
The marking stickers left behind on the trunk
Another angle of the stickers from the middle
Marking the center point before drilling
After drilling the hole with the drill
4 holes drills, no turning back now?
Attaching the additional 3M adhesive to the deck spoiler (in red)
Spoiler is bolted on with the 4 bolts and 3M adhesive attached to the trunk
Marking tape removed and the finish product
Top angle of the deck spoiler after install
Side view, no gaps anywhere
The new look with the spoiler. I like it! Much sportier...
Another close up
The next step for me to find a deal on ebay for the spoiler, and after searching I found a deal for an OEM black deck spoiler. I got it for $240.00 with free shipping. The seller gave me free shipping b/c I mentioned that I bought the wood steering before from them. Anyway, this weekend was the weekend and I tried to photo document every step. The whole process took about 1.5 hours, using the Acura directions provided. I hope this helps out anyone who wants to attempt an install of the spoiler themselves. I guess time will tell if doing it both ways will be effective, but at least I have no regrets. I'm very happy with the outcome. Plus I know I saved some money on doing the labor myself.
Spoiler in the box and before installing
Without the deck spoiler
Attaching the adhesive to the spoiler to mark the drilling stickers on the trunk
Marking the trunk with positioning and placement
Attaching spoiler and pressing to transfer the stickers on the trunk
The marking stickers left behind on the trunk
Another angle of the stickers from the middle
Marking the center point before drilling
After drilling the hole with the drill
4 holes drills, no turning back now?
Attaching the additional 3M adhesive to the deck spoiler (in red)
Spoiler is bolted on with the 4 bolts and 3M adhesive attached to the trunk
Marking tape removed and the finish product
Top angle of the deck spoiler after install
Side view, no gaps anywhere
The new look with the spoiler. I like it! Much sportier...
Another close up
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253RL (10-29-2012)
#4
Senior Moderator
Looks good! I see you had an extra-special little helper in the garage with you, too (see reflection in one of the pictures)!
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Originally Posted by neuronbob
Looks good! I see you had an extra-special little helper in the garage with you, too (see reflection in one of the pictures)!
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Originally Posted by TampaRL
Thanks for posting vluu.
But for Pete's sake...clean up that garage!
But for Pete's sake...clean up that garage!
Now that all all the RL mods have been done... my next project is to clean up that garage. I know, it is a mess!
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#8
Senior Moderator
Nice Job, looks good ! I could never do that, if I messed up at all I would never forgive myself. I had my dealer do mine, just gave me the peace I needed.
#9
Three Wheelin'
Can you see the top edge of the spoiler when you look out the back window? I dont have the backup camera but will be just fine gauging how much room I have behind me for parallel parking so long as I can see the back of the car (via the top of the spoiler).
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Originally Posted by 2002AcuraTL
Can you see the top edge of the spoiler when you look out the back window? I dont have the backup camera but will be just fine gauging how much room I have behind me for parallel parking so long as I can see the back of the car (via the top of the spoiler).
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Originally Posted by plastikman
Nice Job, looks good ! I could never do that, if I messed up at all I would never forgive myself. I had my dealer do mine, just gave me the peace I needed.
Is there anyone out there who has installed their own backup camera for a 2006? Would love to try this mod.
#12
Burning Brakes
Great job, and thanks for the photos. I think taking a drill to my trunk would cause me to break out in flopsweat.
Did you have to remove the inner liner of the trunk to secure the bolts through the holes?
Rob144
Did you have to remove the inner liner of the trunk to secure the bolts through the holes?
Rob144
#13
Three Wheelin'
Is this the 3M tape that you used - 3M model 5344??
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=260104990597
Although I dont have a fear of drilling holes (I did it on my 2nd Gen TL) I was wondering if the holes are really necessary given that the spoiler is pretty small and I'd imagine pretty lightweight?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=260104990597
Although I dont have a fear of drilling holes (I did it on my 2nd Gen TL) I was wondering if the holes are really necessary given that the spoiler is pretty small and I'd imagine pretty lightweight?
#14
Three Wheelin'
I see there is a 2nd 3M tape that is like the 5344, but its a tad thinner, the model 5314. Might be less gap with this one??
http://www.ghgc.com/materials/automotive.htm
http://www.ghgc.com/materials/automotive.htm
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Originally Posted by Rob144
Great job, and thanks for the photos. I think taking a drill to my trunk would cause me to break out in flopsweat.
Did you have to remove the inner liner of the trunk to secure the bolts through the holes?
Rob144
Did you have to remove the inner liner of the trunk to secure the bolts through the holes?
Rob144
A word of advice. When threading the 4 bolts to the spoiler...if you have a ratchet extender, then use that b/c I tried to thread the bolts without it and it was difficult to hold the spoiler in place and get a good angle to thread the bolt. It's not easy to reach without the a ratchet extender. Once I used that... the bolt threads lined up so easy and I was done! Plus you don't want to risk dropping one of the bolts into the lining of the trunk. That's what happened to and it was pain trying to get it out.
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Originally Posted by 2002AcuraTL
I see there is a 2nd 3M tape that is like the 5344, but its a tad thinner, the model 5314. Might be less gap with this one??
http://www.ghgc.com/materials/automotive.htm
http://www.ghgc.com/materials/automotive.htm
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Although I dont have a fear of drilling holes (I did it on my 2nd Gen TL) I was wondering if the holes are really necessary given that the spoiler is pretty small and I'd imagine pretty lightweight?[/QUOTE]
I only did both b/c I heard that when dealers install it without the extra 3M adhesive.... the edging and middle don't hold down well. I wanted to make sure over time... the 3M adhesive would give that missing bond in the areas that didn't have it. Combination of both drilling and 3M should eliminate that. As I said in my thread, I live in the VA and there is 100+ degree heat in the summer and then freezing cold weather in the winter. How long before the 3M adhesive looses its strength. Then if the spoiler does become loose, how would I get the spoiler off without damaging it. I figured my approach is the safer than sorry. I guess for ones who choose to just use the 3M adhesive without drilling.... only time will tell, but I'm sure it works just as well. I probably just went above and beyond..really?
One other thing. The spoiler on the TL is smaller than the RL one. The TL spoiler only sits on top of the trunk, where the RL is on the top and edges over the edge of the trunk.
I only did both b/c I heard that when dealers install it without the extra 3M adhesive.... the edging and middle don't hold down well. I wanted to make sure over time... the 3M adhesive would give that missing bond in the areas that didn't have it. Combination of both drilling and 3M should eliminate that. As I said in my thread, I live in the VA and there is 100+ degree heat in the summer and then freezing cold weather in the winter. How long before the 3M adhesive looses its strength. Then if the spoiler does become loose, how would I get the spoiler off without damaging it. I figured my approach is the safer than sorry. I guess for ones who choose to just use the 3M adhesive without drilling.... only time will tell, but I'm sure it works just as well. I probably just went above and beyond..really?
One other thing. The spoiler on the TL is smaller than the RL one. The TL spoiler only sits on top of the trunk, where the RL is on the top and edges over the edge of the trunk.
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Most cars used 3M heavy duty exterior double tape for all the moldings.
You should not have any problem.To remove the the tape, you can use dental floss (wax) to remove with the help of hair dryer to deactivate the adhesive.
You should not have any problem.To remove the the tape, you can use dental floss (wax) to remove with the help of hair dryer to deactivate the adhesive.
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Originally Posted by AsianTL
Most cars used 3M heavy duty exterior double tape for all the moldings.
You should not have any problem.To remove the the tape, you can use dental floss (wax) to remove with the help of hair dryer to deactivate the adhesive.
You should not have any problem.To remove the the tape, you can use dental floss (wax) to remove with the help of hair dryer to deactivate the adhesive.
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If anyone is interested... I was just searching on Ebay for RL stuff and I saw that some seller is selling some OEM RL deck spoilers for starting bids of $65 and $17 shipping. I was like "WOW".... I dropped over $200 for mine and wished I had come across this deal when trying to buy mine. As it turns out... they didn't have a black one anyway.
Just thought I would pass the information along to anyone who's thinking of adding a spoiler. Perfect opportunity for a bargain! Just search for "Acura RL spoiler". I think they have; Silver, Lakeshore, Gold, and Blue. Good luck!
Just thought I would pass the information along to anyone who's thinking of adding a spoiler. Perfect opportunity for a bargain! Just search for "Acura RL spoiler". I think they have; Silver, Lakeshore, Gold, and Blue. Good luck!
#22
Intermediate
It looks awesome! Great Job! I might try this with my 2006 Pearl White RL
Well been reading this RL forum for almost a year now and I haven't seen anyone post a thread with a step by step (photo) instruction for installing a deck spoiler. I couldn't decide if I was going to drill and use 4 bolts to attach or just use the 3M adhesive method w/o drilling. I have read of several owners just using the 3M adhesive to do the install w/o drilling. I think everyone who did it this way, was happy with their results. No gaps and didn't have to break out the drill either. My biggest concern was if it would hold up 3-5 years from now. I keep my cars for a long while. At the the same time, some owners who have had it installed at the dealerships have complained about gaps. Stating that the OEM adhesive on the spoiler was not strong enough, even with drilling and securing it with 4 bolts. This got me thinking....why not use the 3M adhesive & drill it and secure it with the 4 bolts. Why not have the best of both ways,huh?
The next step for me to find a deal on ebay for the spoiler, and after searching I found a deal for an OEM black deck spoiler. I got it for $240.00 with free shipping. The seller gave me free shipping b/c I mentioned that I bought the wood steering before from them. Anyway, this weekend was the weekend and I tried to photo document every step. The whole process took about 1.5 hours, using the Acura directions provided. I hope this helps out anyone who wants to attempt an install of the spoiler themselves. I guess time will tell if doing it both ways will be effective, but at least I have no regrets. I'm very happy with the outcome. Plus I know I saved some money on doing the labor myself.
Spoiler in the box and before installing
Without the deck spoiler
Attaching the adhesive to the spoiler to mark the drilling stickers on the trunk
Marking the trunk with positioning and placement
Attaching spoiler and pressing to transfer the stickers on the trunk
The marking stickers left behind on the trunk
Another angle of the stickers from the middle
Marking the center point before drilling
After drilling the hole with the drill
4 holes drills, no turning back now?
Attaching the additional 3M adhesive to the deck spoiler (in red)
Spoiler is bolted on with the 4 bolts and 3M adhesive attached to the trunk
Marking tape removed and the finish product
Top angle of the deck spoiler after install
Side view, no gaps anywhere
The new look with the spoiler. I like it! Much sportier...
Another close up
The next step for me to find a deal on ebay for the spoiler, and after searching I found a deal for an OEM black deck spoiler. I got it for $240.00 with free shipping. The seller gave me free shipping b/c I mentioned that I bought the wood steering before from them. Anyway, this weekend was the weekend and I tried to photo document every step. The whole process took about 1.5 hours, using the Acura directions provided. I hope this helps out anyone who wants to attempt an install of the spoiler themselves. I guess time will tell if doing it both ways will be effective, but at least I have no regrets. I'm very happy with the outcome. Plus I know I saved some money on doing the labor myself.
Spoiler in the box and before installing
Without the deck spoiler
Attaching the adhesive to the spoiler to mark the drilling stickers on the trunk
Marking the trunk with positioning and placement
Attaching spoiler and pressing to transfer the stickers on the trunk
The marking stickers left behind on the trunk
Another angle of the stickers from the middle
Marking the center point before drilling
After drilling the hole with the drill
4 holes drills, no turning back now?
Attaching the additional 3M adhesive to the deck spoiler (in red)
Spoiler is bolted on with the 4 bolts and 3M adhesive attached to the trunk
Marking tape removed and the finish product
Top angle of the deck spoiler after install
Side view, no gaps anywhere
The new look with the spoiler. I like it! Much sportier...
Another close up
#24
Senior Moderator
Oh noez... chrome B-pillars.
Why is this here, and why is that picture almost 4 years old?
Why is this here, and why is that picture almost 4 years old?
#25
Chrome B-Pillars
Speaking of chrome B-pillars, I recently bought a used NBP RL and it has the chrome pillars. Do you know if this is normal? I would prefer to black it out, but I am not sure the best way to do that.
#26
Senior Moderator
It is actually very abnormal. People who find themselves buying chrome b-pillars should be get a psychiatric evaluation. See the OP for what normal RLs look like.
The best way to get back to stock depends on how the chrome got there. If it is the stock trim wrapped, you could possibly remove the wrap. If the trim peice was replaced, you could either put a black wrap over the chrome, or buy a new piece. Good luck.
The best way to get back to stock depends on how the chrome got there. If it is the stock trim wrapped, you could possibly remove the wrap. If the trim peice was replaced, you could either put a black wrap over the chrome, or buy a new piece. Good luck.
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danperson1 (09-02-2015)
#27
Chrome Pillars...
I just did this same spoiler install along with a 35% tint. While I am still not a big fan of the chrome pillars, I think it is remedied by the tint and creates a nice contrast.
Adding the lip spoiler and the tint really upgrades the look! What a wonderful car, I don't know what to do next...
https://i.imgur.com/sLCtZI4.jpg
Adding the lip spoiler and the tint really upgrades the look! What a wonderful car, I don't know what to do next...
https://i.imgur.com/sLCtZI4.jpg
#29
I just did this same spoiler install along with a 35% tint. While I am still not a big fan of the chrome pillars, I think it is remedied by the tint and creates a nice contrast.
Adding the lip spoiler and the tint really upgrades the look! What a wonderful car, I don't know what to do next...
https://i.imgur.com/sLCtZI4.jpg
Adding the lip spoiler and the tint really upgrades the look! What a wonderful car, I don't know what to do next...
https://i.imgur.com/sLCtZI4.jpg
#30
Yeahh...
Now your cars look like our Legends...
Now your cars look like our Legends...
#31
I'm bored right now and looking for my next project, and this looks interesting. My main concern would be how much does the "much sportier" look with the spoiler detract from the executive, button-downed professional look of the RL pre-spoiler?
i.e. I like the understated approach/look of my RL. Will adding the spoiler change the executive look?
i.e. I like the understated approach/look of my RL. Will adding the spoiler change the executive look?
#32
Senior Moderator
No. Not IMO. But then again, my CEO drives F458 Spyder.
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