AF-RX8

I was thinking I'll install the rear spoiler on my car and it requires drilling 4 holes.

From what I understand, you first need to drill a hole with a smaller drill bit and than use a slightly larger one.

My worry is that I drill the hole and crack the paint . . . it this something that is easily done or should I have a body shop drill the holes for me and then I'll do the rest myself


Has anyone installed the rear spoiler themselves ?

thanks for any advice you can offer . . .

Arcane

i've always used a very very sharp bit, and a powerful drill...never cracked or chipped before.

jeffscardinal

just put some masking tape and mark the holes, i did this and the paint will not crack or peel.

PUR NRG

Why does it matter if you crack the paint? You are going to file the edges smooth and apply touch-up paint afterwards. Regarding appearance you'll never see the holes again so it shouldn't matter.
________
Buy bubblers

XeRo

done this on my Integra...best practice is either using tape as suggested above or we always used a "punch" in the shop, it's a very sharp pointed tool that when applied pressure it pretty much will start your hole for you without cracking paint or any other damage...but you just have to make DAMN sure you get it dead center...or a very high speed drill with sharp bits...not your Wal-Mart brand B&D bits...

AF-RX8

thank you guys very much for replying and helping me out, I really appreciate it . . .

It sounds like something I can definitely do myself . . . I have a cordless Dewalt 12 volt. . . is that high speed enough or do I need to buy a high speed drill ?

I'm not sure because I am not home right now but I think this is the one I have . . . .

http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/to...productID=4568

jeffscardinal

That is fine, just make sure to doubl check alignment of wing several times, before drilling the wing tends to move around a little

XeRo

in my shop i have a portable drill press that i have modded to accept a magnet "ring" on the bottom for doing things like this..that way your assured of better contact mesh between the drill and car...i use a Bosch "corded" drill that has RPM's in the 0-850 range...you need the highest you can get and a CARBIDE bit!!

jeffscardinal

just drill the holes, i know it can be nerve racking(just the thought of being off) but really it is no big deal, if it helps, close your eyes when you drill.

r0tor

iTrader: (1)

use tape and then use a small diameter bit to drill a pilot hole and go from there.

PUR NRG

Oh, one more bit of advice: it doesn't hurt to drill oversize. As long as it's smaller than the washer diameter it should be okay. MazdaSpeed includes foam "washers" to help keep moisture out and the (slightly) oversized holes will help your final positioning.
________
VOLCANO VAPORIZERS

AF-RX8

Thanks everyone for the advice . . . I am going to buy the spoiler and do the install myself . . . I was nervous about the drilling part but after reading everyone's great advice I am sure I can do it.

Thanks again !!

Soundave

Sorry for dragging up an old post, but I didn't want to start a new one cuz it's on the same subject. I just picked up a stock wing from an awesome RX-8 club member (he sold it to me for a great price) and was wondering if anyone has any tips on drilling the 4 holes that hold the wing. He showed me the area where the holes should go, but I'm worried about the alignment. Any tips for making a template or whatnot? Also, is water going to leak into those holes when it rains? Should I add some rubber between the washer and the trunk to prevent this? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

AF-RX8

I never went through with getting the spoiler but am always interested in the replies.

Soundave

Alright fellow 8 owners, I finally put the spoiler on and here are some nighttime pics of it. Enjoy.

AF-RX8

Looks great ... I wish you had taken some step by step pics ...


Was it easy to align the holes to make sure it is mounted in the exact spot it should be ?

Can you give me a little advice and how you did it ?


thanks

Soundave

Actually, it was too bad. I took 2 pieces of paper and taped it to the two base ends of the spoiler, poked the holes, and then placed the spoiler on the car. I aligned everything and removed the tape from the spoiler and attached the paper to the trunk lid. It was a little misaligned the first time, so I drilled a larger hole so I had more room to adjust everything. Yah, I should have taken some step by step pictures, sorry about that. It's not too bad though, just have a friend help hold the spoiler in place and adjust it.