ACI Rear Spoiler
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,196
Likes: 2,130
From: Right Corner Pocket of Illinois
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 619
Likes: 2
From: Destin FL
I just got the AWF740 for Christmas. It's been at the painter's for about a week. I was supposed to pick it up yesterday, but they gave me some song and dance about pinholes in the primer coat. So they claim they are filling/sanding some more and it MIGHT be ready to come home tomorrow afternoon. However, it has rained all this week, and I bet when I call tomorrow, they'll say call back on Monday. I will install it myself (if anybody's going to drill holes in my vette, it's going to be me).
BTW, just before Christmas, I emailed Gary at ACI to see if they would offer a holiday special like they did last year. Last year it was 20% off but wifey didn't buy it (aaarrrrrghh). This year, the price had gone up $26 and the discount was 15%. They charged me $404 (includes boxing and shipping). The paint shop was recommended by my local Chevy dealer. The finishing/sanding/painting will be $220.
I'll post pics for sure.
BTW, just before Christmas, I emailed Gary at ACI to see if they would offer a holiday special like they did last year. Last year it was 20% off but wifey didn't buy it (aaarrrrrghh). This year, the price had gone up $26 and the discount was 15%. They charged me $404 (includes boxing and shipping). The paint shop was recommended by my local Chevy dealer. The finishing/sanding/painting will be $220.
I'll post pics for sure.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 7
From: Sandy Ego Ca.
Just so happens I just put one on
Bell..I had the same experiences with pin holes....
Mounting was nerve racking because the instructions were vague...you ll be best to make yourself a template use wide washers underneath the cars body Vs the fiberglass as its a PITA
Bell..I had the same experiences with pin holes....
Mounting was nerve racking because the instructions were vague...you ll be best to make yourself a template use wide washers underneath the cars body Vs the fiberglass as its a PITA
Last edited by BitViper; Jan 18, 2008 at 02:14 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Sahuarita AZ
I too purchased the ACI rear spoiler. Took it to the body shop and had it all fixed up to match my black vette ($225 ). I installed it and the spoiler has a half inch gap going around the curve on the drivers side. The other side fits perfect? Called for support and was told I should have fitted it before painting. This the painter would have added filler to compensate. The instructions are poor. I plan on spending more money at the body shop to fix the spoiler. ACI did not care.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 619
Likes: 2
From: Destin FL
chevybob,
The spoiler did have a big yellow note attached to it that said to check fit it before painting and if it didn't fit, they would exchange it or something to that effect. But if it was painted, they wouldn't take it back. My painter and I actually held it up against the car to check fit it and no, it was not a perfect fit, but I didn't see any gaps as big as you're describing; mayber 1/8" was worst I saw. I figured that since the rear bumper is so flexible that those small gaps would pull up tight.
BitViper,
I haven't tried to put the fiberglass backing strip through the tail light yet, but it's so flexible I wasn't expecting any problems with getting it in there. Based on your experience, maybe I'll put the biggest fender washers I can find on with the retaining strip. Or did you not use the retaining strip at all?
The only thing I've been worried about is the studs. The instructions tell you to only take them out by hand because using pliers could damage the threads. I'm assuming based on that warning that the threads are just molded fiberglass and that there is no metal nutsert embedded inside. If that's the case, I think it would be very easy to strip the threads. Did you have any problems with that?
The spoiler did have a big yellow note attached to it that said to check fit it before painting and if it didn't fit, they would exchange it or something to that effect. But if it was painted, they wouldn't take it back. My painter and I actually held it up against the car to check fit it and no, it was not a perfect fit, but I didn't see any gaps as big as you're describing; mayber 1/8" was worst I saw. I figured that since the rear bumper is so flexible that those small gaps would pull up tight.
BitViper,
I haven't tried to put the fiberglass backing strip through the tail light yet, but it's so flexible I wasn't expecting any problems with getting it in there. Based on your experience, maybe I'll put the biggest fender washers I can find on with the retaining strip. Or did you not use the retaining strip at all?
The only thing I've been worried about is the studs. The instructions tell you to only take them out by hand because using pliers could damage the threads. I'm assuming based on that warning that the threads are just molded fiberglass and that there is no metal nutsert embedded inside. If that's the case, I think it would be very easy to strip the threads. Did you have any problems with that?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 4
From: Warrenville Il
I just had that spoiler installed along with the front spoiler, side skirts, radical high rise hood. They make the car look totally different.
Reallly happy with the look and fit of all the parts. ACI was very nice to do business with.
Reallly happy with the look and fit of all the parts. ACI was very nice to do business with.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 7
From: Sandy Ego Ca.
chevybob,
The spoiler did have a big yellow note attached to it that said to check fit it before painting and if it didn't fit, they would exchange it or something to that effect. But if it was painted, they wouldn't take it back. My painter and I actually held it up against the car to check fit it and no, it was not a perfect fit, but I didn't see any gaps as big as you're describing; mayber 1/8" was worst I saw. I figured that since the rear bumper is so flexible that those small gaps would pull up tight.
BitViper,
I haven't tried to put the fiberglass backing strip through the tail light yet, but it's so flexible I wasn't expecting any problems with getting it in there. Based on your experience, maybe I'll put the biggest fender washers I can find on with the retaining strip. Or did you not use the retaining strip at all?
The only thing I've been worried about is the studs. The instructions tell you to only take them out by hand because using pliers could damage the threads. I'm assuming based on that warning that the threads are just molded fiberglass and that there is no metal nutsert embedded inside. If that's the case, I think it would be very easy to strip the threads. Did you have any problems with that?
The spoiler did have a big yellow note attached to it that said to check fit it before painting and if it didn't fit, they would exchange it or something to that effect. But if it was painted, they wouldn't take it back. My painter and I actually held it up against the car to check fit it and no, it was not a perfect fit, but I didn't see any gaps as big as you're describing; mayber 1/8" was worst I saw. I figured that since the rear bumper is so flexible that those small gaps would pull up tight.
BitViper,
I haven't tried to put the fiberglass backing strip through the tail light yet, but it's so flexible I wasn't expecting any problems with getting it in there. Based on your experience, maybe I'll put the biggest fender washers I can find on with the retaining strip. Or did you not use the retaining strip at all?
The only thing I've been worried about is the studs. The instructions tell you to only take them out by hand because using pliers could damage the threads. I'm assuming based on that warning that the threads are just molded fiberglass and that there is no metal nutsert embedded inside. If that's the case, I think it would be very easy to strip the threads. Did you have any problems with that?
Once the studs accoss the back are pulled on tight the spoiler stays pretty much in place....it aint going no place!
Yeah the fiberglass backing is flexable but its just a bicth to get its holes lined up with where you ACTUALLY end up putting the holes thru the car..not worth the trouble..it was just easier to get some oversized (~1 1/2") washers to spread the presure over a larger area which is all the fiberglass is ther to do
No the place where the studs mout to the spoiler is just fiberglass
Originally Posted by Jwood
I've read this may be installed with tape only. What do you guys that have one think?
Silk..who did your stripes...Im thinking silver stripse on a yellow car..is the way to go
Originally Posted by Bell
The only thing I've been worried about is the studs. The instructions tell you to only take them out by hand because using pliers could damage the threads. I'm assuming based on that warning that the threads are just molded fiberglass and that there is no metal nutsert embedded inside. If that's the case, I think it would be very easy to strip the threads. Did you have any problems with that?
Last edited by BitViper; Jan 18, 2008 at 02:13 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 7
From: Sandy Ego Ca.
I too purchased the ACI rear spoiler. Took it to the body shop and had it all fixed up to match my black vette ($225 ). I installed it and the spoiler has a half inch gap going around the curve on the drivers side. The other side fits perfect? Called for support and was told I should have fitted it before painting. This the painter would have added filler to compensate. The instructions are poor. I plan on spending more money at the body shop to fix the spoiler. ACI did not care.
Im thinking they botched the install....it should sit OVER the rear lip Im betting teh shop did figure that out..or blew getting theholes in teh right place
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Brunswick Ohio
The cars are just gorgeous the black vette is perfect. The stripes look good. The Magnetic red looks just as good.
I have a 2002 ls1 coupe. It's magnetic red I just received my ACI chin spoiler and I also bought a rear Caravaggio rear spoiler. I'm going to put a black Me stripe down middle. I can't wait till I get the spoilers back from the Body shop painted ready to install.
I'm thinking of adding the side skirts next.
I feel these mods. give it a unique look.
Thanks for the pics great job.
Dennis
I have a 2002 ls1 coupe. It's magnetic red I just received my ACI chin spoiler and I also bought a rear Caravaggio rear spoiler. I'm going to put a black Me stripe down middle. I can't wait till I get the spoilers back from the Body shop painted ready to install.
I'm thinking of adding the side skirts next.
I feel these mods. give it a unique look.
Thanks for the pics great job.
Dennis
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 1
From: Tampa Florida
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 1
From: Chicago IL
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 1
From: Tampa Florida
here is the info you get when you click on the link, hope it helps........
97-04 C5 / Z06 Corvette Rear Spoiler
Part Number: AWF740
This spoiler takes advantage of the C5/Z06 aerodynamic properties applying down force to the outer edges of the rear deck and bumper.
"Bolt on" application, comes with mounting template.
Rear Spoiler Gallery
Not offered in colors, shipped ready to be sanded, primed, and painted.
OUR PRICE: $389.95
97-04 C5 / Z06 Corvette Rear Spoiler
Part Number: AWF740
This spoiler takes advantage of the C5/Z06 aerodynamic properties applying down force to the outer edges of the rear deck and bumper.
"Bolt on" application, comes with mounting template.
Rear Spoiler Gallery
Not offered in colors, shipped ready to be sanded, primed, and painted.
OUR PRICE: $389.95