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Old Jun 2, 2022 | 10:23 AM
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Default Spoiler Install

I found out after I bought my C7 that the rear spoiler (z51 type) was just 3M taped on because it started coming loose. I cleaned it and put some new tape on it but it was still a problem. I'll fix that.... I just ordered a new (what GM calls a high wing spoiler #22938855) but it was on backorder, like a lot of other things. Well it just shows up yesterday and I was really excited.... took the old one off and cleaned all the old tape off. Opened box for new spoiler and no hardware! WTF!! No nuts, no template to drill holes, nothing but the spoiler. I called the dealer and they told me the hardware pack comes with the spoiler so I would have to wait and get a whole new part. I'm not worried about the nuts.... I believe they are an M6 and I can get those anywhere, its the template I need. I started researching it and found a template for a z51 spoiler, it looks the same except less two holes. (#22967793) They want over $100 for that template and of course its on backorder... for something I'll use once and throw away.... so frustrating. I searched this forum trying to find a technique that maybe someone used to install one without a template to no avail. I did see a few posts from a couple years ago where people were mailing them back and forth but nothing recent. Anyone done this that might have some tips?

Sorry for the long post...
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Jun 8, 2022, 08:19 AM
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Ok guys first off what a great group... had people offer to send me a template. Thanks! Sorry been away from cell service for a few days boating, so wanted to give an update. I took a piece of fairly rigid cardboard and used the studs to poke holes thru the cardboard. Then I cut the cardboard to a fairly thin strip to go around the factory winglet and lay flat across back. Marked the holes with a sharpie and then got out my calipers and checked, checked and rechecked the holes in relation to the fenders. Had a stiff drink and then drilled the holes slightly larger than I needed, for adjustment. Got it done and I love it.

Old Jun 2, 2022 | 10:47 AM
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Sounds like "the way of the current world" Good luck with the quest to find what you need.
Rich
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Old Jun 2, 2022 | 11:22 AM
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I can feel your frustration!

It never ceases to amaze me the low quality of Customer Service at some companies. They should just open a box and send you the template and parts.
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Old Jun 2, 2022 | 01:16 PM
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If you have the spoiler in-hand, why not use it to make your own template? It will likely take a little adjusting in the process, maybe even a couple attempts, but should be quite doable. All the best.
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Old Jun 2, 2022 | 01:24 PM
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I just had the same spoiler installed by the dealer. It was back ordered for a month. The template and hardware were in the box. Attached are the installation instructions.
Attached Images
File Type: pdf
Spoiler instructions.pdf (864.7 KB, 360 views)
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Old Jun 2, 2022 | 04:32 PM
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Default template

saw a real one (gm part) on ebay a couple weeks ago for cheap. punch in the part # and try there
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Old Jun 2, 2022 | 05:08 PM
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Try posting a request in either this section or in the C7 Parts for Sale/Wanted and ask if someone has a template that they would either sell or loan to you so you can do the install. I have seen threads like that in the past and it seemed to work well.
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Old Jun 2, 2022 | 05:41 PM
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[QUOTE=euby;1605216943Opened box for new spoiler and no hardware! WTF!! No nuts, no template to drill holes, nothing but the spoiler. I'm not worried about the nuts.... I believe they are an M6 and I can get those anywhere. I searched this forum trying to find a technique that maybe someone used to install one without a template to no avail. [/QUOTE]

One thing to note is that the nuts have captive washers that spin, I assume that was on purpose by the designers, and they have Loctite pre-applied to them, also by design I am sure.
You ca get the correct style of nuts from Fastenal, but they do not have the Loctite pre-applied, you use Loctite you need to be careful with Loctite around plastic, regular Loctite products will damage most plastics, especially ABS. Loctite does make Thread Locker 425 which is plastic safe, but it is not easy to find.
When I bought a used Z51 spoiler, the box was damaged in transit and some of the nuts were lost, I purchased these https://www.fastenal.com/product?query=0162798C&fsi=1 from Fastenal.
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Old Jun 2, 2022 | 05:50 PM
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I bought a bag of 25 of the nuts with captive spinning washers. The washers grip the bumper and tighten up the nut on the stud.
Designed so the nut can get to torque without ripping the plastic bumper.
How many do you need?
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Old Jun 2, 2022 | 08:16 PM
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I wish I kept the template for mine, I would have been glad to share.
If I were you I would probably buy the nuts separate and mock it up to figure out the hole locations myself.
The C7 wing spoiler is under-appreciated, so here is a little motivation for you:


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Old Jun 3, 2022 | 08:38 AM
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Originally Posted by 14point5
I wish I kept the template for mine, I would have been glad to share.
If I were you I would probably buy the nuts separate and mock it up to figure out the hole locations myself.
The C7 wing spoiler is under-appreciated, so here is a little motivation for you:

I really like this spoiler.
Unfortunately it doesn’t use the same mounting holes as the Z51 OEM spoiler.
Not looking to plug holes in my bumper.
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Old Jun 3, 2022 | 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by 14point5
I wish I kept the template for mine, I would have been glad to share.
If I were you I would probably buy the nuts separate and mock it up to figure out the hole locations myself.
The C7 wing spoiler is under-appreciated, so here is a little motivation for you:

I like it.... can you tell me if the ends of the wing are flush to the sides or is there a small offset? As you know the studs on the ends won't come out so I can't get it to lay flat to check.
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Old Jun 3, 2022 | 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by 14point5
I wish I kept the template for mine, I would have been glad to share.
If I were you I would probably buy the nuts separate and mock it up to figure out the hole locations myself.
The C7 wing spoiler is under-appreciated, so here is a little motivation for you:

CRAP..................Now I want a spoiler like this one too.
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Old Jun 3, 2022 | 11:44 AM
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OP:


My OE Z51 spoiler has been tested in a multimillion-dollar, "state of the art", aeronautical wind tunnel?


Note: Chances are your aftermarket spoilers have not. If fact you could be accelerating your depreciation of you Corvette, by poor fitment, unnecessary wind noise, and finally blocking access to your cargo area.


Mant thanks,

Ray
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Old Jun 3, 2022 | 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Rayland
My OE Z51 spoiler has been tested in a multimillion-dollar, "state of the art", aeronautical wind tunnel?

Note: Chances are your aftermarket spoilers have not. If fact you could be accelerating your depreciation of you Corvette, by poor fitment, unnecessary wind noise, and finally blocking access to your cargo area.
I agree it's unlikely aftermarket spoilers have been wind tunnel tested, but in the case of the OP's spoiler, that particular model is a GM accessory, so I'd imagine GM gave it some sort of qualifying testing.
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Old Jun 3, 2022 | 12:04 PM
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The spoiler in question is not after market. It was availble as a limited production option, Code SB3 LPO, Body-color wing spoiler. It is also currently available directly from Chevy.
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Old Jun 3, 2022 | 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by euby
I like it.... can you tell me if the ends of the wing are flush to the sides or is there a small offset? As you know the studs on the ends won't come out so I can't get it to lay flat to check.
Where the ends turn down and meet the rear deck they are each a bit short of being flush with the rear quarter.
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Old Jun 3, 2022 | 04:19 PM
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Thanks!!
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Old Jun 4, 2022 | 03:03 PM
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I would put some masking tape on the body covering the areas where the holes will need to be. Then put some grease on the ends of the studs in the spoiler and set it in position. It would be nice to have some help to handle one side while you concentrate on the other side. You could double check to some extent by measuring the distance from the left most stud to the right most stud and then see how your grease marks measure. You could also adjust a bit if the distance from your marks to the edge where the fender goes from horizontal to vertical are a little different left to right. If you are off a little bit, a fender washer under the body can make up for any 'adjustments' to the holes that you need to do. If Chev doesn't supply it, I'd look for some thin (1/16inch) rubber washers to go between the spoiler and the body to keep water from leaking past the stud.
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Old Jun 8, 2022 | 08:19 AM
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Ok guys first off what a great group... had people offer to send me a template. Thanks! Sorry been away from cell service for a few days boating, so wanted to give an update. I took a piece of fairly rigid cardboard and used the studs to poke holes thru the cardboard. Then I cut the cardboard to a fairly thin strip to go around the factory winglet and lay flat across back. Marked the holes with a sharpie and then got out my calipers and checked, checked and rechecked the holes in relation to the fenders. Had a stiff drink and then drilled the holes slightly larger than I needed, for adjustment. Got it done and I love it.

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