RPI ZR1 spoiler install
#1
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I thought some of you might be interested in putting or seeing the ZR1 spoiler on a 'vert. (Those of you not interested can exit now.)
I chose the ZR1 spoiler for a few reasons. First, I like the style. It has a little more character than the GM racing spoiler. I really like the CDC spoiler, and probably would've installed one of those if I had a coupe. But with the convertible, I wanted something with a little less...well, just less. I didn't want too much character to stand out when the top is down.
The price is ridiculous, but I have settled for something I really didn't want in the past because it was cheaper and lived to regret it. I considered this long and hard before I made the purchase. Once I got past the price, everything else is positive!![Thumbs Up](https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Then I had to decide if I wanted to drill holes in my $60k+ new car. I thought, well, if Chevy can drill holes in the $100k+ ZR1, I can drill holes in my 'vert.
So, here is a pic of what I started with:
![](http://i41.tinypic.com/2uo16x2.jpg)
Different angle:
![](http://i40.tinypic.com/4l0f9j.jpg)
Here is a pic of the spoiler, the stock CHMSL housing (can you really call that a spoiler? Maybe practically, but no way if you consider styling!), & the RPI-supplied template installed:
![](http://i43.tinypic.com/2r584dv.jpg)
I rubbed crayon on the studs that will need new holes drilled:
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/htcqbq.jpg)
Then I carefully test-fitted the spoiler by sliding the original CHMSL-mounting studs into their holes, and carefully rubbed the new studs against the template:
![](http://i42.tinypic.com/wa370o.jpg)
You can see where the template 'cross-hairs' are and where the holes actually need to be drilled; I don't know if this is because the template moved, the studs moved, or a combination, but this is where I drilled:
![](http://i44.tinypic.com/2el6wkg.jpg)
I used an awl to mark the body through the template, then removed the template and put masking tape over the marks. I used the awl again so I could see the marks better, then drilled pilot holes. I then drilled holes large enough for the studs. Last, I re-test-fitted the spoiler, again marking the tape with the crayon-tipped studs. This showed where I had to elongate three of the holes on one side:
![](http://i40.tinypic.com/egbuyt.jpg)
It was a biotch getting to all of the studs to tighten the nuts. I used a 10mm deep socket and shortie ratchet for the original studs, but had to use a 10mm box-end wrench to reach the new ones (they are between the spoiler and taillight housings). But the results were well worth it:
![](http://i42.tinypic.com/mltphj.jpg)
![](http://i42.tinypic.com/5v9nrk.jpg)
A couple shots with the top down:
![](http://i44.tinypic.com/21ak4f9.jpg)
I chose the ZR1 spoiler for a few reasons. First, I like the style. It has a little more character than the GM racing spoiler. I really like the CDC spoiler, and probably would've installed one of those if I had a coupe. But with the convertible, I wanted something with a little less...well, just less. I didn't want too much character to stand out when the top is down.
The price is ridiculous, but I have settled for something I really didn't want in the past because it was cheaper and lived to regret it. I considered this long and hard before I made the purchase. Once I got past the price, everything else is positive!
![Thumbs Up](https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Then I had to decide if I wanted to drill holes in my $60k+ new car. I thought, well, if Chevy can drill holes in the $100k+ ZR1, I can drill holes in my 'vert.
So, here is a pic of what I started with:
![](http://i41.tinypic.com/2uo16x2.jpg)
Different angle:
![](http://i40.tinypic.com/4l0f9j.jpg)
Here is a pic of the spoiler, the stock CHMSL housing (can you really call that a spoiler? Maybe practically, but no way if you consider styling!), & the RPI-supplied template installed:
![](http://i43.tinypic.com/2r584dv.jpg)
I rubbed crayon on the studs that will need new holes drilled:
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/htcqbq.jpg)
Then I carefully test-fitted the spoiler by sliding the original CHMSL-mounting studs into their holes, and carefully rubbed the new studs against the template:
![](http://i42.tinypic.com/wa370o.jpg)
You can see where the template 'cross-hairs' are and where the holes actually need to be drilled; I don't know if this is because the template moved, the studs moved, or a combination, but this is where I drilled:
![](http://i44.tinypic.com/2el6wkg.jpg)
I used an awl to mark the body through the template, then removed the template and put masking tape over the marks. I used the awl again so I could see the marks better, then drilled pilot holes. I then drilled holes large enough for the studs. Last, I re-test-fitted the spoiler, again marking the tape with the crayon-tipped studs. This showed where I had to elongate three of the holes on one side:
![](http://i40.tinypic.com/egbuyt.jpg)
It was a biotch getting to all of the studs to tighten the nuts. I used a 10mm deep socket and shortie ratchet for the original studs, but had to use a 10mm box-end wrench to reach the new ones (they are between the spoiler and taillight housings). But the results were well worth it:
![](http://i42.tinypic.com/mltphj.jpg)
![](http://i42.tinypic.com/5v9nrk.jpg)
A couple shots with the top down:
![](http://i44.tinypic.com/21ak4f9.jpg)
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/2s65zjk.jpg)
Last edited by DDuke; 12-31-2008 at 07:49 PM.
#4
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#10
Safety Car
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Nice job and the vert looks great with the spoiler.
The color matches really well. ![Thumbs Up](https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Stick with the C6 Flag emblems only!!! I went with the CDC spoiler on my Coupe.
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Stick with the C6 Flag emblems only!!! I went with the CDC spoiler on my Coupe.
![Cheers!](https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/images/smilies/cheers2.gif)
#12
Platinum Supporting Vendor
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That is a great write up and your pictures are awesome!
Thanks again for the business and have a Happy New Year!
Thanks again for the business and have a Happy New Year!
![Cheers!](https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/images/smilies/cheers2.gif)
#20
Instructor
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Thanks for all the compliments, guys! ![Smile](https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/images/smilies/smile5.gif)
You know, when I drilled the first hole in a roof to install an aftermarket sunroof (circa early '80's), I got all nervous and flushed...I thought 'oh my God I'm gonna ruin my car!'
This time, I made an effort to not think about it. After I marked the fascia with the awl and peeled away the template, it started to register when I saw the marks, but I slapped on the masking tape and grabbed the drill before I could get nervous!
After it was all drilled and the spoiler covered the holes, it was fine.
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