Chin spoiler install, any advise?

bklyn · 01-06-2009, 02:52 PM

Gents, with the tail installed I am getting ready for the chin spoiler on my 87 Targa. Looking at the front valence I can see what looks like a thick bumper bar somewhat just behind the valence. The bar is real close, will this cause a problem with the install? Any tips for a good installation? I have Waynes book (101) but anything else I need to know. Thanks

Buckterrier · 01-06-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bklyn

Gents, with the tail installed I am getting ready for the chin spoiler on my 87 Targa. Looking at the front valence I can see what looks like a thick bumper bar somewhat just behind the valence. The bar is real close, will this cause a problem with the install? Any tips for a good installation? I have Waynes book (101) but anything else I need to know. Thanks

Since you are leaving the valence on the only piece of advice is to start the attaching from the center. That was you can stretch the spoiler if neccessary. Good luck, (much easier to take the valence off and work on it)

bklyn · 01-06-2009, 03:01 PM

Buck, if its easier to take the valence off then I will, still tossing it around until the chin arrives. Thanks.

Buckterrier · 01-06-2009, 03:05 PM

I think it is anyway. You have a lot of fitting and measuring to do, then drilling. The valence is held on by 4 bolts, (two in the hood), and 4 tiny nuts & bolts by the 'gators'. Easily removed. For someone like myself that is mechanically challenged it was best for me! If you'd like I can take some pics of mine, it's off, to show you how everything looks.

bklyn · 01-06-2009, 03:24 PM

If you get a chance that would be great, I just might go that way, I can place it on my work bench and take my time. When I did my tail I had it on the dinning room table, very comfortable but that might not happen again.

calling911 · 01-06-2009, 03:26 PM

I just did this 3 weeks ago. I put it up on jack stands even though I have a lift. It was easier to lay on the ground and press the drill.. much better control. No need at all to remove the valence. Mark and drill the two outside holes on each side first.. then it just fits right in and you drill the holes.. If you bought a used one and see any cracks in the rubber fill them with something to prolong its life.

calling911 · 01-06-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckterrier

Since you are leaving the valence on the only piece of advice is to start the attaching from the center. That was you can stretch the spoiler if neccessary. Good luck, (much easier to take the valence off and work on it)

THE most important attachments points are the ends. They must be perfect. I highly suggest you do the ends first..

Sorry to take a cr@p on your advise... but if you do this and you dont happen to nail it dead on you are gonna be very very sorry.

bklyn · 01-06-2009, 03:31 PM

911, did you have a trouble with that bar that is just behind the valence, mine seems real close. At two points(one on the left and one on the right) it might only be quarter of an inch away from the valence, is this normal?

calling911 · 01-06-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bklyn

911, did you have a trouble with that bar that is just behind the valence, mine seems real close. At two points(one on the left and one on the right) it might only be quarter of an inch away from the valence, is this normal?

Hmmm Im not sure Im following.. I'll go out take a pic of mine if it helps.. Are you talking about the bone shaped piece that goes BEHIND the valence?

Buckterrier · 01-06-2009, 03:57 PM

my bad, ends first. I remember making a template for the end holes.

calling911 · 01-06-2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckterrier

my bad, ends first. I remember making a template for the end holes.

No problem.. I didnt do templates.. I just used a marker to mark one hole then used the dog bone shaped thing to make the second hole... worked good for me.. but I suppose a template would work better even.. Good advise.

You will love your chin spoiler by the way.. transforms the car.. gives it that little but of sport look that says I will mess you up of you lift in a corner

bklyn · 01-06-2009, 04:08 PM

Thanks guys for the ideas, I will let you know the out come.

antgon · 01-06-2009, 04:41 PM

I removed the bar in front of the ac condensor on mine, valence in place for the install. I did the ends first and clamped the whole thing up with small spring clamps, then worked out from the middle. To mark the ends i put some painters tape on the valence then held the end in place and pressed the studs onto the tape, it left a good mark that I then center punched and drilled. it really made a difference at 70 plus, I was surprised how much better the car is at speed now.

bklyn · 01-06-2009, 04:49 PM

Looks like the bar will have to come off to make it easy, thanks all.

Peter Zimmermann · 01-06-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bklyn

Looks like the bar will have to come off to make it easy, thanks all.

Yep, take the condenser bar off. One bolt at each end, and inside the trunk you'll find a bolt at the center of the car, along the front trunk wall.

When I install chin spoilers I plumb-bob the center of the car, all the way from the windshield, if necessary. When I think that I've found the center, I make a mark on the installed valance. I then measure from like suspension points to be sure that I know the exact center, then drill the first hole. As you can see the hole should be drilled using a mark drawn with the actual hole in the rubber. If I remember correctly the hole will be offset slightly toward the edge of the lip nearest the bend.

After the first hole is done, install the spoiler so your support plate stud is in the middle of the oval hole in the rubber. Snug down the nut just enough so that the rubber won't move, hold the rubber so you can mark the nearest hole in either direction, drill both those holes, install your plates, and proceed to the next two holes.

When you get close to the ends the going gets tougher. If you can, remove both front wheels, it makes the job easier. If you don't trust your setup (eyes), make yourself a heavy-paper template to mark your side-facing holes, then double/triple check your measurements.

A key to making the ends easier to install (this works well for me): Don't drill the last bottom hole on each side until after you have the two side-facing holes on each side drilled, and the spoiler studs pushed through them. This recommendation will seem to make more sense when you get to that point, but there is no "best" way to do the install.

Good luck with it! Oh, by the way, the install torque on the two outboard protection bar bolts is 34 lb/ft, and don't mix up the washers!

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

I just did this a month or so ago - and completed it like Pete describes. I did the center first, then followed it around. It does have a little stretch - and the holes do have a little room -

Mukilteo911 · 06-02-2009, 10:40 PM

Thanks for the advice guys, great tips, got it done very quickly. Now if only my valance was half way straight it'd look ok. LOL I guess I need to stop 4-wheeling.....

mike monde · 06-03-2009, 05:28 AM

Quote:

THE most important attachments points are the ends. They must be perfect. I highly suggest you do the ends first..

+1 on this advice. pretty easy install the first two attacment points are key.

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by bklyn

Gents, with the tail installed I am getting ready for the chin spoiler on my 87 Targa. Looking at the front valence I can see what looks like a thick bumper bar somewhat just behind the valence. The bar is real close, will this cause a problem with the install? Any tips for a good installation? I have Waynes book (101) but anything else I need to know. Thanks

I must be missing something.

Did a 87 Carrera not come with a chin spoiler from factory?

Wouldn't the holes for the spoiler be already in the valance?

Thx.