View Full Version : Cracked MS Wing


Thrax
04-30-2004, 12:54 PM
Well I have had the MS wing for about a week. Last weekend I took the car out on the highway, 125KM's between exits.

It would seem that air got under the lip, on the drivers side of the lip spoiler, lifting up against the screw.

A defect, don't know. Installation was to the letter. Having ordered the Wing from the US, I don't have any warranty recourse. I'll likely be taking it into a body shop to have the lip spoiler molded into the trunk.

As the lip spoiler is only held on with 4 pieces of 2 face taped and the two screws its not a solid edge.

I haven't heard of anyone else experiencing a problem. Thought I would share my experience.

pidge1114
04-30-2004, 12:58 PM
wow that sucks. and you know it's only going to get worse if you leave it cracked. The last thing you want is to see in your rear view mirror your spoiler hanging off on one side while your driving.

You should fix it or remove it.

leegina
04-30-2004, 01:14 PM
Is that screw a little off? It looks like it is not flush?

AlexCisneros
04-30-2004, 01:24 PM
I actually replaced that screw with a hex head so I could really tighten the sides down to the car.

...but then I have the Rotary Extreme Carbon Fiber MS wing so perhaps it's a bit stronger.

PUR NRG
04-30-2004, 01:26 PM
Bummer dude. But are you positive that's what happened? Could it be over-tightening the screw?
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Astor
04-30-2004, 01:35 PM
Originally posted by AlexCisneros
I actually replaced that screw with a hex head so I could really tighten the sides down to the car.

...but then I have the Rotary Extreme Carbon Fiber MS wing so perhaps it's a bit stronger.

Sorry to see that, but I agree, it most likely was caused by overtightening the screw with the other one you used, putting it under undue stress as it looks askew.

Astor
04-30-2004, 01:37 PM
Oh yeah, I put vinyl siding on as a teenager because it paid good and it was before the big computer revolution. If you over tightened the siding, or put nails or screws in wrong, as the temperature changes, the plastic expands and contracts. Probably your culprit.

Thrax
04-30-2004, 02:20 PM
Not that it was in the instructions but a torque wrench was used 7 1/2' lbs torque

It sucks! Its going to cost more $'s but the body shop will take care of it.

I don't know anyone else personally with this wing but I am interested to know if others on the forum with this wing have a tight seal between the trunk and the lip spoiler?

Did owners leave it assembled as supplied or run silicon around the bottom edge?

The other screw is fine. Looking at the wing you can see where it lifted.

PUR NRG
04-30-2004, 02:46 PM
What exactly will the body shop do? If you never plan to remove the part my advice would be remove the screw, squeeze some caulk into the area and refasten the screw. The black stuff they use to seal automotive windows is ideal. The crack itself is so small that I wouldn't bother, but you could apply touch-up paint to cover the seam and no one will ever notice.
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Jeph
04-30-2004, 03:01 PM
if you have the bottom molded to the car, that would create even worse cracking i can imagine along the molding if the wind lifts it up or if it gets bumped around on opening and closing the trunk.

just my thinking...

soundbombing
04-30-2004, 03:19 PM
hybrid-rx8 just got one and he is in canada. i don't know when he is going to install it but good luck on getting it fixed.

AlexCisneros
04-30-2004, 03:43 PM
I put more than 71/2 lbs of torque, but again... Mine is made of carbon fiber (I think Astor was confused) and has not cracked in any way. Rotary Extreme's wing is very well made.

To answer your other question
Did owners leave it assembled as supplied or run silicon around the bottom edge?

The other screw is fine. Looking at the wing you can see where it lifted.
I used silicone around the bottom.

BTW: Pidge

I LOVE YOUR AVATAR :D

AlexCisneros
04-30-2004, 03:52 PM
What exactly will the body shop do? If you never plan to remove the part my advice would be remove the screw, squeeze some caulk into the area and refasten the screw. The black stuff they use to seal automotive windows is ideal. The crack itself is so small that I wouldn't bother, but you could apply touch-up paint to cover the seam and no one will ever notice.


Yeah, don't do that. The screw is bolted to a metal bracket and not to the trunk lid. I suggest you have a body shop apply a couple of small layers of fiberglass on the under side to strengthen the hole, then sand a bit to even it. Apply a bit to the outside if you'd like, but that will require a bit of sanding and painting to finish off. Then don't over tighten the screw. Chances are that when the double sided tape "popped" up the stress was placed on the two outside screws. If you choose to silicone like I did, it should help.

Astor
04-30-2004, 03:55 PM
You're right, I think I was confused, somewhat, but I didn't question the quality of the RE Spoiler, just questioned the screw.