I am pretty handy and was wondering if I could install the factory spoiler without messing anything up? Anyone tried it?

Mojoman

 

Just did it in fact. Not more then 30 mintues ago. It is pretty easy to install. I layed down some blue painters tape. Measured and marked the holes. Drilled the holes. Tapped the mount things in, pulled the tape, clipped it into place adn screwed down the top. Took about 20 minutes with measuring.

The drilling was the worst. Felt like I was taking my child to get her shots. The tape will help keep the paint from chipping while drilling.

 

mojo, I installed a OEM spoiler that didn't get bolted from the top - i.e. it didn't have the little bolt hole covers on the top. mine is smooth - there's no way to tell how it's fastened to the car.

ready? here we go...
mine came w/ bolts that had points on 'em (I'm sure they have a name, but I don't know it). I screwed those into the spoiler, lined up the spoiler, pushed down really hard to make two little dents in the hatch, took it off, drilled thru BOTH layers of metal, took the pointed bolts out, realigned the spoiler and stuck it w/ double sided tape, opened the hatch and bolted from the inside, popped in some nice OEM looking grommets, sprouted two gray hairs and had a beer.

the one you get from the dealer, is much easier to install. the hard part is getting up the nerve to drill into your baby. you need even more nerve to drill in and bolt from the inside. believe me, if I can do it, you can. I'm pretty handy, too. but I'd never even come close to that before.

 

Love your XB....I am expecting the same color in 2 weeks.

What size drill bit do I need to get....anyspecial like MM or inch?

Mojoman

 

Just got my new factory one in the mail today and after reading the instuctions, it doesn't look too tough. Having to drill the holes will be the hardest part!! Measure it three times and drill it once.

 

12mm and 14 mm are the recommended sizes. I'll save you the time of looking and say that both are tough to find, with the 14mm being nearly impossible. For the 12mm, use a shade under 1/2" Something like 7/16" or 15/32" For the 14mm, use a 1/2" and 'woller' (redneck term?) it out.

The other thing you need is some body sealer to prevent rust in the freshly drilled steel.

The template and grommets are provided. You will need a socket, can't remember the size.

I recommend having 2 beers before drilling, it takes the edge off, it's tough drilling through your car. No more than two, though...until after the install.

 

^^^^^I agree with Max.
THe metric drill bits are almost worthless to buy just to drill 2 holes. I used the fractional sizes he listed. It doesn't have to be exact sized because you have to put nut plate grommets inside the drilled holes.

Be sure and use tape on the paint where you have to drill, and pre-drill the hole with a smaller sized bit (maybe 1/8" or so). That way the bigger 1/2" bit won't "skate" across your paint. OUCH !!

Also a good idea to paint the bare metal around the edges of the hole with any paint you might have around. Don't worry, it won't show. I used some old touch-up paint from another old car.

 

Take your time and make sure the templates are taped on properly. Use a center punch for the benefit of drilling. And make sure the plastic anchors are in all the way. After pushing them into the holes, use a standard screw driver to screw them in flush. If you don't, there will be a gap between the base of the wing (where the adhesive pads are) and the hatch. It's pretty simple to install but just take it easy and don't rush.

 

it was pretty easy, took about an hour as i was taking my time. the directions that came with it were pretty good. the only advice i can give you is to take your time when you drill the holes. gl.

 

I have seen it done at the port where the Scions come in. But they bolt it to the top and I don't think they drill it either. I am going back soon and I will get pics of the install if anyone wants any.

 

They have to drill or punch a hole in there for the OEM spoiler.