ejscarfo

My wing has a nice crack in the center of it. It looks like the PO tried to fill the crack with spot glazing putty, you know, that red stuff. Well it's starting to fall out. I haven't found a used fiberglass wing yet (it's like $600 for a new one with shipping) and because I do have experience with paint and body, I figured I could just refinish this original wing. Then I remembered, its rubber. Someone definitely painted it in the past tho, probably to cover the red putty. Now the paint is cracking on the flat top surface, not to mention that crack in the center.

So here's my question. What can I use to repair that crack and fill it in? I'm sure I can get the old paint off with some airplane stripper or something on that order. They sell the textured paint, so I can give it back the original textured finish. I just don't want the crack opening up again after its refinished.

Anyone have any tips?

Mirror Image

iTrader: (2)

You dont want to use aircraft stripper it will melt the rubber I would sand it down to the rubber with 180 grit sand paper then clean it with some plastic cleaner then use some bumper repair it will flex and not crack then sand that down flat with 180 then apply some flexible primer

ejscarfo

Is there a bumper repair kit you'd recommend?

EvelBist

iTrader: (1)

Lord Fusor 141/140 works real well on these wings

ejscarfo

I thought that stuff was an adhesive tho? Will it remain flexible?

Mirror Image

iTrader: (2)

there are all kinds I use 3M but you have to have a special gun for that if you dont have a gun you can use ureathane supply http://www.urethanesupply.com/step3e.php that you mix up like a 2 part epoxy all the others require a gun

ejscarfo

Looks like that will do the trick. Thanks!

I will probably take the spoiler off and refinish it in the house now the weather is cold here in NY. I may just document the process and post the results...if I remember

Mirror Image

iTrader: (2)

yeah photos would be cool and its cold here to 19 tonight

ejscarfo

It's in the low 40's here, but I hear it's gonna get cold next week. It figures too. I need to get the heater core done and it's been way too cold to work outside and my garage has my C4 still in pieces. How I miss summer.

ZsTransAm

Just to warn you, your spoiler has a metal frame under the rubber. They rust and expand which pushes on the rubber forcing it to split. Even if you manage a decent looking repair with the the bumper repair material, it will keep forcing the rubber out and you'll have the same problem again later.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

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ejscarfo

I'm sure it won't last, but I'd like to try. There are other things I'd rather spend money on restoring this car than the spoiler. I priced the fiberglass ones and with shipping, the cost is over $600. Add $100 for paint along with my time to prep and finish and it's an easy $1000 job. If I get a year out of the repair, I'd be happy.

The wife wants one trophy this upcoming show season. Cosmetically, the spoiler needs to be addressed as well as replacing some peeled striping. With a buff and the "new" used seats coming, this car is a definite show winner. You just don't see these third gen T/A's here on Long Island anymore. Like my 85 C4, I'm sure it will be the only one at the local shows.

ZsTransAm

With plastic you need to use adhesion promoter to open up the pores so the bumper repair material sticks. Im curious if the rubber will work the same way or not, let us know if you try it.

Otherwise you could go with one of the straight across spoilers. Those are easier to find in good shape and came stock in 85 anyways if I remember correctly.

ejscarfo

The straight across spoiler is my last resort. The car came with the aero package (wing & wheels) and I'd like to keep the look. My buddy has one of those spoilers in his garage I can have if I want it.

I know 3M makes a bumper repair kit that stays flexible. I may call my contact there and see if it will work on the spoiler. I plan to document this repair so stay posted.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

If the crack is in the center you may want to try 3m weatherstripping adhesive.
do you have a pic??