Just got my new spoiler from LEXUSPARTSMALL.COM and it's gathering dust in my living room.

I've read the instructions and it seems easy enough to install. Just drill 4 holes, insert 2 rivots, and screw the badboy on.

Any words of wisdom from those who have done it before - before I try to do it? I talked to an autobody place that does it for one of the Lexus dealerships ($150 to install there & $250 at the dealership), and he told me that its something that you REALLY need to be careful with because it
s tricky.

It looks simple. What's the tricky part? I'm just scared of intalling it and then hearing a howling noise when I drive...

Your thougts?

Thanks!

 

I was going to install the spoiler myself until I heard that the dealers use a template to position the spoiler correctly. I didn't want to take any chances so I forked out the extra cash to have the dealer do it. Good luck.

 

Thanks,

The one that I got from lexuspartsmall is the original Lexus/Toyota spoiler so it comes with the template that you are referring to. The OEM template is in Japanese, but they were nice enough to stick in an English version too (albeit a photocopy).

It looks like all I have to do is stick it on and drill. It's just a matter of getting the propoer sized drill bits...

I'm hoping some people here have installed it before and have some words of warning before I do it. But, I'm going away for 3+ weeks starting tomorrow so I'll try not to think about it during that time.

Thanks for the response!

-Mike

 

Installed a roof rack on Mazda couple of years back so here are the things to watch out for.

You must use a center punch as the drill would travel. So make sure you do create a dimple with the punch with authority.

Need to make sure the bit does not go beyound the depth (sheet metal only) so you have to put a block (tubing on the drill bit). Do not use the chuck as the depth limiter for obvious reasons. And do not think that you will be able to control it by hand as you have to apply pressure to go past the metal. If only one could use the drill press.

I drilled the first hole with a fine 1/8 drill bit as a pilot.

I had to use 3/4 in for the plugs. As that went through the sheet metal, it torqued the drill. The drill tilted and sheet metal got bent. I managed to get it leveled but it was not perfect. For the rest I was prepared and had no problems.

Would the dealer do a better job? The holes get covered up so you would not know. Their cost is higher as they have to stand behind the work they do.

What about leaks? (the holes must be perfect to seal with the plug).

Bottom line: Not for the squeemish, but can be done.

Salim

 

Thanks for the detailed information. The best part about this job is the holes will indeed be covered up by the spoiler. Nevertheless, there's potentially a lot of damage that can be done by carelessness.

Your advice on the punch will likely save me some damage.

Thanks!

-Mike

 

Its a very easy job to do. I did it on a Saturday. Actually had fun doing it. I installed front, rear, sides, door bottoms. If you have the real Toyota parts they show you exactly where to drill your holes. For photos look at the pearl white pictures in the gallery. I took pictures while doing the install so I'll see if I can find them.

 

Thanks for the support. I'm taking a haitus in Asia right now but I'm going to istall it when I get back. I've seen some RX's in Singapore with mirrors on the side of the hood kind of like an RV. They look like they came installed (i.e., factory match paint). Kind of odd looking.

Thanks

 

Hey Foucco. How about some pics so us folks in the states can see RXs from other country.

David

 

I'll take some pictures the next time I see one drive by. But I can't post them until I get back in mid-May because I forgot my floppy drive.

For the most part, they look the same. I'll have to figure out where they get those mirrors that hang from under the spoiler. It would be good for parking-challenged people like me; even though it wouldn't help the looks of the RX.

Ciao,

Mike