DrivesWithTwoFeet

Anyone have a Z51 Spoiler Template they want to part with? I stopped by dealer today to ask how much they would charge to install an after market spoiler that uses the Z51 hole pattern. They said three hours labor. I think that is insane. It is just twenty or so bolts and screws holding it on. I don't mind paying for labor but I think this is twice the amount of time it would take. They have over fifty Corvettes in stock with spoilers so it is not like they never did it before. Looks pretty straight forward so I will install myself.

0Corvettes@FHDaileyChevrolet

Just a heads up that you have to remove the rear bumper to install a Z51 spoiler. That is why the labor is 3 hours. You won't be able to access all the holes if you remove just the rear taillights.

AceG

And this is why i went with the 3m tape method. Been 4 years and absolutely no problem. 3 hours labor to install a rear spoiler is just crazy.

0Corvettes@FHDaileyChevrolet

Yes you can use just a few bolts and 3m tape. I wouldn't recommend that for anybody doing track days or high speed runs though.

DrivesWithTwoFeet

Tim thanks for the response. I realize the bumper needs to be pulled back to attach the spoiler. Not trying to start an argument but there is no way it takes a professional technician three hours to do this. There are multiple videos on line showing a technician taking less than a half hour to remove the rear bumper.

0Corvettes@FHDaileyChevrolet

You are correct. It technically takes 30 to 45 minutes to remove the bumper, another 30 to 45 minutes to reinstall the bumper, and about another 30 minutes to get the template lined up correctly and drill the holes. So technically 1 1/2 to 2 hours to do the whole job. I installed a Z51 spoiler myself and I spent over an hour lining up the template and drilling the holes because I wanted it perfect.

gmarcucio

It took me about 3 1/2 hours to install mine. 9 holes to be drilled. But like TimBoone said in the previous post, I spent a lot of time making sure the template was lined up correctly! Unfortunately I had that template that came with my OEM spoiler in my hand holding it over the garbage can in the garage scratching my head thinking should I save this or not? I decided not to save it and dropped it in the can.

syswayne

I put one on my C7 2016 no drilling holes and it will stay put if you use some heat and keep it pushed down over and over. Never had a problem.. Good Luck

Vetteman Jack

You're right, but the technicians bill by book hours not by what it actually takes them to do the work. Been that way for a long time.

agapsdiver

The part number for the template is 22967793.
GM cost around from dealer at around $60....
Hopefully someone on the forum has an old one to sell or lend.

KCV

Exactly. That’s how fast and efficient mechanics can make good money. Bill by book hours but actually do it much quicker and move to the next task and do the same thing. Bill 80 book hours a week but actually do the jobs in 40.

DrivesWithTwoFeet

Thanks for the part number. Will probably purchase one then pass along to the next forum member that needs one.

rrsperry

Me? I'd take to the Chevy body shop. Yes, it'll still be quoted at 3 hours, but the body shop labor charge is usually 1/2 the mechanical shop rate... Just a thought...

bearphoto

Dealers and pretty much all mechanics charge by the flat rate manual not by how much time it actually takes them. Its been this way for 50 plus years. Either do it yourself or pay up.

gmarcucio

If I remember correctly you can access the end spoiler nuts through the tail light openings with the bezels removed. So if you wanted to cut corners and not want to pull the bumper cover off you could probably just install two sided 3M tape in the center and drill the end holes and attach the nuts through the tail light openings.

Prray

Shouldn't be anymore then an 1.5 labor hours, the worst part is making sure the template lines up correctly.
See this on you tube-How to install a spoiler on a corvette in under 20 minutes. works on any C7 2014-2019 from the Chevy Dude.

LarryFL

How does 20 minutes sound? If you've done enough of these, it can be quick. First-timers needs to quadruple this to an hour an 20 mins.

ImpliedConsent

For the template, ask some of our vendors - RPI, EOS, ACS, SCP. Might be cheaper (free?).

~Stingray

Man, it looks like he was really yanking on those tail light trim pieces.

~Stingray

I was also told that it is easy to pull the tabs off the bumper where they connect bumper to the car. He didn't seem to have any issue at all.