Patches

I got a smokin' deal here in the 4-sale section on a used APR CF spoiler for my '14 Z51. Main reason it was so cheap is the two inner rivnuts had been over-tightened causing them to spin freely with the screws still tightened into them with seemingly no way to unscrew them and extract the rivnuts without doing major damage to the carbon fiber. I thought about drilling the underside to reach in with needle-nose pliers to hold the rivnuts so I could unscrew the screws but wanted to try something less invasive as the holes would be fairly large if I did that.

I had the spoiler covered with XPEL first to keep from scratching the clear coat and then set about removing the rivnuts today - there was a good chance I was going to do more damage than good but I was determined to fix the problem so I can use the wicker bill if so desired and holding it in place at speed with just two screws was not going to cut it.

I fabbed a tool out of a thin metal scoop by dremeling a U-shaped cutout in the end of it and slid that between the screw head and rivnut flange then unscrewed the screws carefully. It worked!


Then I drilled out the rivnuts.


The remaining holes were slightly enlarged so I installed 1/4"-20 rivnuts to replace the original 6 mm rivnuts.


I used some button head screws in the new rivnuts and attached the wicker bill to the spoiler. I will be sourcing some 6 mm button heads to better match the 1/4" screws.


Ready to replace my stock Z51 carbon flash spoiler.

TEXHAWK0

How did you make sure that the new nuts wouldn't do the same thing? Did you epoxy them in or something?

oldC5

Well done as always.

robert miller

Nice piece good job man. Robert

Patches

Some epoxy and reasonable torque. Plus, The rivets I installed are larger than the 6 mm ones originally installed so more gripping strength. The two outer ones are solid. I think the failed ones were over-tightened when the wicker bill was removed and the screws reinstalled.

Rooster OG

Nicely done, that looks great!

Maxie2U

Nice work!

Post a pic when it's on the car

\Boost Monkey/

Nice work.

I have this spoiler as well and love it. Best one on the market for the Stingray.

Steve Garrett

Well done!

George Washnak

Well done. You not only saved some money, you saved a part that would otherwise have been tossed away. It's amazing what solutions one can come up with after you've had some time to ponder various solutions. Now show us what it looks like installed on your car.

Prray

That's Great! Love that spoiler but the price new is killing me

Patches

I know - I wouldn't have bought it if it hadn't been less than half of retail. Fixing stuff like this is an opportunity to save as well as have something you normally would not have bought.

TEXHAWK0

Good save.

I am amazed that they got it to you without further damage.

Patches

The seller was awesome - he packaged it extremely well and followed up with additional hardware and email updates. Truly a great transaction. I'll try and get it mounted over the long weekend.

Prray

Awesome, please post photos when mounted.

Patches

Got 'er done.

Z51 vs. APR


I didn't pull the fascia off all the way this time since I was only swapping spoilers.

oldC5

Looks sweet , great job!!

Prray

Love it!

TEXHAWK0

I like the way that fits the fender width.
What keeps the rear bumper from just falling off after it is disconnected from the fender?

Prray