Spoiler Install Help?

[mybenje]

I bought a spoiler for my 04 4 Runner. I have been hesitating about drilling holes in the sheet metal. The spoiler did not come with any templates, I did research this forum that some people did get the template from the dealer. I was just checking if someone can point me to a pdf or a youtube video to I can get a better feel on how to install this spoiler.

Your help is appreciated,

Thank you,

 

[RickC]

Here is what you do.
1. Get two pieces of paper. I usually use 8.5x11 inch, but as long as it's bigger than the base of the spoiler, it's fine.
2. Tape the pieces of paper to the spoiler base using two sided tape. I just used masking tape rolled in a circle to create two sided. Poke holes through the paper into the mounting holes in the spoiler. Be accurate with this step.
3. Now place the spoiler into position on the 4runner. I take extra time here measuring to make sure I have the spoiler centered and positioned exactly where I want it. Get help to hold the spoiler in place while doing this so you can measure accurately.
4. Now using masking tape, tape the pieces of paper that are sticking to your spoiler to the 4runner. Be sure to tape them down flat and tight.
5. Now, slowly remove the spoiler from the paper. This will leave the paper taped to the 4runner with the holes exposed that you created in step 2.
6. Now simply drill the holes for the screws that mount the spoiler.

This will work perfect every time. I had a body man show me this trick and I have done it twice. I used it to install a spoiler on my wifes Sequoia and my daughters Mazda.

 

[mybenje]

Thank you very much for your input. Very clever, I will try that.

 

[RickC]

One other thing, on my Sequioa and probably your 4runner, you have a spoiler that includes the 3rd brake light. You will also have to drill the hole for the wiring to enter the tailgate. Just mark that hole in the paper the same as you did the screw holes.

After drilling the holes, if you have some paint, touch up the holes so to prevent rust. It doesnt' matter what you have, even primer will work. If all you have is a spray can, spray some out into a small bowl, then use a small brush to touch up the metal where you drilled.

On my Sequioa, I disconnected the 3rd brake light in the tailgate so that only the light in the spoiler worked once I was done.

 

[borgzman]

A simplified procedure video on spoiler installation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbwnq20Avxs

basically same as RickC's technique.

additional FAQ from where I got my spoiler:
http://california-dream.com/FAQ.html

 

[RickC]

yes, my Mazda spoiler came with those black t-strips, but my Sequioa did not. I did not do the punch thing like the video shows however, I used a tiny drill bit that fit into the hole and drilled a pilot hole. I then removed the strips and drilled the correct hole size for the screw.

 

[mybenje]

Thanks guys. I will do it this weekend. Can you buy those plastic strips anywhere?

 

[RickC]

Not that I know of.