I'm working out in my mind everything I need to do to the car before I paint it.

I'd like to remove the spoiler for a proper body prep back there, but I'm a little concerned with getting it back properly so it doesn't leak.

From the factory, how are these things attached? Do I load it down with some kind of heavy body sealer before I bolt itdown?

or should I just clean the crack between the hatch and spoiler with a fine dremel brush and forget about it?

I've also thought about filling the crack with duraglass or fusor 116 to keep compound and grit from ever getting in there again

input please

 

I removed mine to paint. Removal of the deck spoiler isn't a biggie as the nuts are readily accessible from beneath the lid. IIRC, you'll have to remove the tail lights to get access to the side pieces (two bolts per). I made 'washers' from GM automotive caulking to prevent leaking. Years later, no issues.

JamesC

 

nice. I was worried about a flood in my hatch if I disturbed the factory seals

anybody ever bonded/molded the spolier to the deck lid? I think that would be a really clean look... kind of like this 2nd gen hood I picked up

 

I'm in the same process and I'm removing EVERYTHING......you'll be surprised when you see all the hidden rust on these cars(seams, wheel wells, under the battery tray, etc. I just cant see putting all the effort into painting it and thinking of the rust behind it thats eating the car from the inside out. Take your time, do it right and tear it down.....once you do you'll see how these parts are attached and how you can reassemble them better

 

As JamesC mentioned, GM used a flexible caulk type gasket sealer on the bolts. When my neighbor has his car repainted, we took it completely down. When we put the spoiler and certain ground effects screws back in, we wrapped the head with 3M rope caulking and tightened them down. It makes a great watertight seal.