Mounting a Rear Spoiler without Bolts

segafan1989

New member
I want to mount the OEM spoiler to my 02 but I don't have any mounting holes in the gate. Instead of drilling some, I would rather use some type of automotive grade foam-type tape.

Has anyone ever done this before and if so, what did you use?
 
Register to hide this ad
I personally haven't. But I would assume one good bump and you'll be on the side of the road dodging traffic to recover the spoiler.
 
There's a reason its bolted on from the factory. It's a factory part, so I don't see what the disadvantage would be to having it irreversible, just make sure you put them in the right place.
 
I thought about the bump thing as well but the spoiler really isn't that heavy (maybe 2lbs). I just don't want to drill holes in my liftgate. I've used some 3M automotive tape in the past for other things with good success. Just wondered if anyone else had ever done this with the spoiler.
 
:nono:The spoiler is black and that will absorb heat from the sun which coupled with air force flowing around it and bumping/jarring will not stay attached even with 3M tape. I have been in the vinyl decal/sign and automotive accessory business for years and have seen how adhesive can break down with hot/cold temperatures without the added weight of a spoiler attached plus the angle that the spoiler has to be mounted. I can understand the caution in drilling holes but there is a reason why those spoilers came bolted on from the factory. Good luck!
 
Adhesive is for stickers.
Please use the appropriate fasteners for the application.
That thing is a 2lb machete if it flys off going 70 down the highway.
 
Are you just missing the bolts? Do you have the mounts? -If not you check out some Pick-a-part yards, or just order them on line...
-If so, I would just get some short/shallow self taping screws using factory specs, and mount them in appropreately .

*The rear spoiler thingy aka rear air deflector is actually designed to direct the air flow over the rear window, which works great for rain, dust, snow, etc. If you were to mount it using adheisive tape you would lose this funtion, and would only be for looks.
 
I used rivets. I thought I saw a thread or two about that. Look in my build thread. I have a few pics.
 
TX, how did you use those rivets? I don't have any holes or mounting gear. This 4Runner didn't come with a deflector from the factory so I will need to get all the hardware. Does anyone have any of the hardware needed? Does anyone know what I need?
 
TX, how did you use those rivets? I don't have any holes or mounting gear. This 4Runner didn't come with a deflector from the factory so I will need to get all the hardware. Does anyone have any of the hardware needed? Does anyone know what I need?

I went to a junkyard and pulled the deflector off one there. It wasn't hard. 4screws hold the wing part and 4screws hold the mounting brackets. I centered it using the eye ball method and a tape measure. I used double sided tape to get it where I wanted it. Then I drilled a few holes, filled them with caulk and riveted that sucker on there.
 
I've never riveted anything before. How does that work? Do you need a special tool like the one in your thread? What purpose does the caulk serve?
 
Get the right parts or don't bother doing it.

97680d1378963113-help-installing-rear-window-deflector-please-temp1.jpg


97681d1378963118-help-installing-rear-window-deflector-please-temp2.jpg
 
I've never riveted anything before. How does that work? Do you need a special tool like the one in your thread? What purpose does the caulk serve?

I used caulk to prevent rusting and yes you have to have a special tool. This was one of the first time I have ever used rivets and it was very easy and extremely secure. Basically, you drill the hole, put the rivet in, stick the tool on the rivet and pop! it's tight as can be. I also painted them black.

Here is essentially what the factory uses:

HOW TO INSTALL NUTSERT INSERT threaded insert demo fasteners australia - YouTube

Nutsert, aka Rivnut

The factory hardware is countersunk so it fits flush and looks really nice. A rivet, while useful and capable of doing the job, sticks out and (IMHO) is ugly.

My rivets don't stick out and even if they did you couldn't see them unless you are seven foot tall, bending your neck, and using some type of mirror to look under the deflector.
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,312
Messages
3,554,084
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top