How to: remove / take off rear factory spoiler (solved!)

[MetroMPG]

Has anyone removed the factory hatchback spoiler?



I removed the 2 bolts and 2 nuts, but it didn't seem to loosen it very much at all. Are there a few more bolts/clips hiding somewhere I can't see?

There's trim tape as well. I know that stuff is super sticky, but it feels like there's something more to the connection than that.

We had a member, oldopelguy, who removed his spoiler for ease of keeping the rear glass clean, (he also seems to have thought the spoiler was purely a cosmetic add-on). He said there are 6 holes. But he hasn't been on the forum in a couple of years to ask.

[Top_Fuel]

Here's what the body service manual shows. Looks like a series of clips are involved somehow?!? If you get yours apart, be sure to post a picture of what it really looks like. Sometimes I wish the service manual had a little more on the text side...but they like to do everything with pictures so the techs don't get confused.

[MetroMPG]

Top Fuel to the rescue! Thanks.

So it looks like 4 clips in addition to the 2 bolts and 2 nuts and trim tape.

That's why it didn't feel quite ready to pop off with the bolts/nuts removed.


Solution: PULL HARDER

[Fummins]

Me like pictures.

[Top_Fuel]

Solution: PULL HARDER

More pics...borrowed from eBay.

Those clips don't look very substantial...but I bet that tape is not wanting to let go.

[MetroMPG]

You are correct, sir: The clips were not substantial. I broke all four! They're skinny little pegs with mushroom head shaped caps.



The mushroom caps all snapped off...



That said, I don't think they make any difference to the stiffness of the spoiler when mounted with the nuts & bolts. They may just be there to align the spoiler in place during initial assembly?

(Or to hold the spoiler on after the nuts/bolts rust away after 4 (four) Ontario winters.)

The super-sticky mounting tape surrounding the outer bolt holes had the biggest hold on things.

My removal instructions:

1) Remove 2 outer bolts and 2 inner nuts (under center mounted black plastic panel).

2) Separate the wiring connector for the LED brake light. Push the rubber grommet out through its hole in the hatchback.




3) Use fishing line to saw/slice through the mounting tape that surrounds the outer bolt holes.

4) Pull backward sharply (but not far) on one side of the spoiler, then the other. You'll hear the plastic clips either snap loose or just snap.

[Fummins]

Now all you need is some camo duct tape to cover up those holes

[MCMfan92]

What are your future plans for the car after removing the spoiler? Apologies if this has already been asked

[Basic]

Hopefully it is using this as a mold/basis for an extended Kammback if I know anything about our fearless leader...

[MCMfan92]

Oooooo. Can't wait to see the result