I just bought an OEM spoiler from another 350z owner. He is including the mounting bolts to reinstall.

I have a couple of questions:

1. Where and how do I locate the mounting holes in the hatch lid. Does anyone have a template for this or is there another way to accurately position the holes. I'd like to feel confident that they're in the right place before I start drilling holes.

2. What is a source for the double-sided tape needed to reinstall. Are some brands 'better' than others. What do you recommend ?

Thanks in advance
George

 

if you buy the spoiler from the factory, they give you a templet to put on your trunk and mark where to drill the holes. you might want to ask the dealer if they can get you one. and 3m sticks the best. you'll have a really hard time getting it off without heating it up. so stick with 3m cause it will stick the best.

 

OK... now I really need help !
Received the spoiler today... has 2 'outer' mounting posts (with nuts) and two "inner" white plastic posts.
Were there 4 holes in the hatch lid ??? I've only read about two mounting posts.
Does anyone have any pics of their hatch after removal of their wing? (Doesn't someone want to remove their spoiler for a few pictures ?)
If 4 holes, are they all the same size, or are inner holes larger ?

 

This may help you out: Installation instructions for rear spoiler by CourtesyParts.com. There are four pages of instructions. Hope that helps.

 

Thanks !!
Great help
Does anyone have a paper template that they would be willing to trace out or part with ???

 

I have the exact same questions you do.

Please help.

 

Does ANYONE have a template for installing the OEM spoiler ?
I would like to reproduce so all members can benefit. I have access to Autocad and large plotters so should be able to generate an EXACT copy of the original.

Surely this question is going to come up over and over as more owners remove their oem spoilers and installs aftermarket kits.

Thanks in advance
George

 

F-it dude. I just went under the back lid, found what i THOUGHT was the right hole and went to town. 1st try it was lined up 100% perfect.

Just center your bit in the hole........thats all.

My only problem is finding some 3m doublesided tape that will work. I went to homedepot but thier tape stinks. Have any idea?

 

After doing some research I believe that 3M tape #06384 is what you want. Here is a link to Autoaccesconnect (AAC) that sells it along with their phone number. Confirm this is the right part number/tape and then you should be able to find it locally at an auto body supply store or you could order through them. Good luck.

 

You're apparently a lot braver than I was <grin>. I was really hoping someone would come through with a template.

What did you do about the two center 'grommet' locations ?

Sounds like you're planning to just fastened with the two outer mounting posts and 3m tape.

How much 'oversize' did you drill for 'fine tuning' the position?

 

It really was complete cake. Just use the outermost attachment points and tape it VERY well.

Look up from under the trunk lid and you will see 2 holes which conviniently line up with your spoiler. Inside that hole is a circle. Drill a TINY hole in the center. Then come back and drill a 1/4" hole.

Drop your spoiler on it....... see how it lines up. You may need to slot the hole towards the front of the car slightly. Also, REMOVE the rubber piece that is on the stud on the spoiler. It only gets in the way.

Put tape on your socket and throw the nut on it. This way you wont loose it in the trunk lid!! Screw the nut onto the bolt making SURE its going on straight. IT will not thread more then 2-3 threads if its not straight.

 

Got my OEM spoiler out of the paint shop yesterday.
As Wadd3456 stated, installation was cake. After you take the hatch lining out, CAREFULLY drill a small hole in the exact center of the outer mounting locations. Finish with a 1/4 hole drilled from the top. If your hole position was initially accurate, the spoiler should drop right in. The instructions say to go to a 3/8" hole, but it won't be necessary unless your original pilot holes weren't in the center.
Don't worry about the two center grommets.. useless. Just tape well. Another thing.... Don't forget to remove the weight in the hatch door, or the hatch won't open correctly due to the extra weight of the spoiler.

 

Doh, where is the weight at. I forgot about that!

 

The weight is right in the center of the hatch door. The weight is about 2 lbs, is suspended by 4 rubber tethers, mounted to a steel plate. The plate is attached to the hatch with 4 bolts. I removed the entire plate with weights. Hatch opens perfectly.
It'll take 2 minutes once you get the hatch lining off.

 

Eh , errr, I think my car didnt have one to begin with!

 

Well, I bought a stock spoiler and begged for someone to sell/give/borrow their template. Nobody came to the rescue, so I did as Wadd3456 suggested and everyhting worked out great!

What a relief! Drilling a hole in your Z is very difficult. There's so much uncertainty and so much you can screw up..

In the final analysis, it is one of the most satisfying DIY projects ever.



PS-It seems that they no longer install a weight in the hatch for spoiler-less cars. Mine is an April 03 production unit.

 

isn't it possible to install the OEM spoiler without drilling?

I thought someone did this before...

 

I installed my OEM spolier without drilling. I grinded down the two outer bolts. Got some 3mm doubled sided tape from a auto paint shop. Cleaned surface with 50/50 mix of alcohol and water. Had a freind help me center the spoiler and all I can say is that the 3mm is rock solid and the spolier is not going anywhere.

I refuse to make holes on my Z.

 

No doubt you can go with tape alone, but you can watch the spoiler pull up tight against the body as you tighten the bolts. Before I tightened the bolts. I could see the tape on the end of the spoiler if I looked closely. Now there is no tape visible.

As for not making any holes in your Z, you just have to remember all the love and tenderness you are using when you make those holes. I doubt the guys installing these things at the port are being as careful. The only Z with a factory installed spoiler is the track model.

 

will the factory spoiler work on a roadster?