69 spoiler source

[Greg L.]

Does anyone know where to get a spoiler that actually fits like it's supposed to and not like some cheap aftermarket body add-on like you see on a lot of the imports these days? I guess if they are all made by the same company then I'm out of luck but I was just hoping that maybe someone knows of a vendor that sells one that fits properly.

Thanks,

Greg Linton
#45455

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 spoiler source

There is a lot more to the spoiler than fit. Some of the reproductions have nubs on the back that one can easily feel, others have a part number stamped on the end -- passenger side if I remember correctly.

[Kent K.]

Re: 69 spoiler source

Greg,

If you're asking about the front lower spoiler, I believe but cannot confirm that all reproductions are from the same source. None fit exactly like the original. If you have an original, I would ne asking if there is a way to repair it instead. Or, at least, that's my question.

Regards,
Kent Keech

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 spoiler source

Greg, heat and time. Use a heat gun to reshape the areas that do not fit. Takes quite a bit of time

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 spoiler source

Thanks guys but I don't have an original. I was just hoping that someone somewhere made a good repop but if they are all made by the same place I guess I'm out of luck.

My issue was with the ends of spoiler having more curve than the body so that when I hold it up there is a gap for a couple inches on each side just inboard of the tips. I tried to heat and stretch the tip so the curve would lay down a bit but ended up wrecking the spoiler. Has anyone else had this problem and if so how did you fix it?

You know one thing that I have never been able to figure out is if you go to all the trouble to tool up and make a repro part....why not just make it right in the first place?

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 spoiler source

hmmm...a heat gun, thanks Dick. I guess a propane torch was a little to extreme then wasn't it?

[Geoff C.]

Re: 69 spoiler source

Joe will probably correct me, but the former OEM over the counter spoilers had the part number that Terry referenced. However originals did not. I still have some original ones on my old cars and the repro on this part is not bad at all in my view. It is very close is size, shape and structure and I say close only because I don't have this GM blueprint. I've never heard of one being returned, but I haven't seen them all.

Geoffrey Coenen

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 spoiler source

Greg, gentle persuasion requires a little finesse, not a 20# sledgehammer

I am like Geoffery, the repros fit about as good as the GM over the counter replacements did when they were available. I have installed both and to get a perfect fit, it took a little finesse

[Jim K.]

Re: 69 spoiler source

Can you post a picture of it? I just bought one for my 70 (I think) and was planning to install this weekend...

[Jack H.]

The repros WILL install...

You just have to struggle a bit to get mounting holes to align properly.

On findng a 'correct' original, good luck! This part was usually damaged by curb scrapes as new owners discovered how to judge the actual geometry of the Shark car's front end...

This is an area where restorers are on the horns of a dilema. You'll lose originality points for a current reproduction air dam, but get full condition points. If you use an original air dam, you'll probably wind up getting full originality points but sacrifice condition points due to wear/tear. Bottom line, it's a zero-sum game UNLESS you just happen to stumble across a real McCoy NOS original air dam!

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 spoiler source

Here ya go Jim.


It gives you a good idea of where the problem area is and for what it's worth this is all original fiberglass so the problem is in the spoiler and not the body...or is this just the way they were.... I don't see too much of a problem with the holes aligning and actually in general I think the spoiler looks really nice except for this big gap at the ends. I guess I'll order another one and try and make it fit...at least now I have one to practice on first!

Dick, do you think a hair drier would work or does it have to be a heat gun?

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 spoiler source

Greg, any hair dryer that put out enough heat to soften the spoiler would probably cook yer scalp

[Jim K.]

Re: 69 spoiler source

Got it, that's what I thought you were saying. I held mune up the other day (when it arrived from CC) and didn't see exactly how it was supposed to fit. I also was expecting something more rubbery, not plastic... guess I was wrong!
Thanks!!!
Jim

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 spoiler source

Greg,
I've seen some spoilers that have had the nubs cut / sanded off the back of spoiler. They looked and felt quite good. I would think you'd have to be careful that you don't cut too much off so that you don't cut through to the front.
Regards,
Alan