minor mods

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07/14/2006, 08:39 AM
nfpgasmask

minor mods

After damaging my rear spoiler on my p.o.s. garage door, (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=9084)
I decided to try repainting it instead of shelling out for a new spoiler ($250-$420). So, after removing the spoiler, I sanded down the scratches using some regular sand paper I had laying around and then some 1000 grit paper. This smoothed out the scratches nicely. Then I primed with Dupli-Color primer and then I gave the spoiler about 5 coats of Dupli-Color Universal Black. I then applied 3 coats of Dupli-Color Engine Enamel.

I was skeptical about doing this from the get-go, but I figured if it turned out crappy I would just throw down for a new spoiler. But, to my surprise, I actually like the spoiler painted black, and it is not that weird looking.

Here are some photos for those interested.

http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/spoiler1.jpg

http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/spoiler2.jpg

More photos of this and my recent addition of new WeatherTech Rain Guards can be seen here:

http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/vxhome.htm

The rain guards are sweet. I'm very happy with them.

Bart
07/14/2006, 10:19 AM
Ruflyf

I like it, looks good :) Might as well finish off the rack rails the same way, imo.
07/14/2006, 10:35 AM
nfpgasmask

only time will tell

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruflyf

I like it, looks good :) Might as well finish off the rack rails the same way, imo.

Thanks! And yes, I was thinking of just doing the rest up the same. I want to see how the fin holds up to weather and a dozen or so washes before I decide to do the rest. The rails would be even easier to do. My only hesitation is that if I ever do want to go back to the stock gray (via buying a new fin) I will have to replace the rails also if I paint them.

And, to be quite honest, the difference in color does not really stand out. I mean, if you look at it from the side angle (like in my photo above), it is obvious because we are focused right on the seam. From behind you do not notice it at all, and when just looking at the VX as a whole it would probably only stand out to the keenest of eyes. So we'll see.

Just as another note for anyone who may need to take off and put on their spoiler for whatever reason:

That piece of trim on the inside of the VX on the ceiling below the spoiler was a real whore to get off without breaking the clips. So be careful. I broke one of the clips getting it off, but epoxyed it back on and it is fine.

Also, after I took off the fin, I noticed that there were some thin foam gaskets around the "contact points" but taking off the fin rendered these seals useless. So, as a precaution, I put a little ring of black silicone sealant around the holes on the roof before I replaced the spoiler to keep any water from getting in and messing up my electric.

Modding away,

Bart