Body General body information and techniques for restoration, repairs, and modifications.

why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 18, 2011 | 08:29 PM
  #1  
formula forever's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Car: 91 formula
Engine: 350 tuned port. bolt ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Like the title says there are four bolts 2 on each side. its weird two come out but the other 2 on the right side of the car just spin round and round and will not remove. I don't understand. any help would be great.
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2011 | 09:04 PM
  #2  
//<86TA>\\'s Avatar
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,805
Likes: 107
From: Central NJ
Car: 86 Trans Am
Engine: 408 stroker sbc
Transmission: TKO600
Axle/Gears: Moser full floater m9, 3:70 trutrac
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

the anchors have stripped out in the wing itself, your kinda screwed.
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2011 | 09:16 PM
  #3  
Impaqt's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Car: 88 Iroc-Z Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Sometimes if you wedge something between the wing and decklid you can create enough friction to loosen the bolt. dont wedge anything in there thats going to gouge the paint though.... A wooden door shim works well.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 02:19 AM
  #4  
formula forever's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Car: 91 formula
Engine: 350 tuned port. bolt ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Originally Posted by //<86TA>\\
the anchors have stripped out in the wing itself, your kinda screwed.
damn I was hoping that was not the case. I spoiler is in great shape.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 11:47 AM
  #5  
stealtht/a's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 5
From: Short Summer, VT
Car: 1985 Trans Am T-Top
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T-5 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi 1LE 10 bolt
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

were you able to get them to loosen at all before they spun?
if so, you might be able to get some pliers in there to hold the brass insert that the bolt goes in. Otherwise you will have to grind off the bolt heads from inside the hatch.
Dont try and just yank it off as the spoiler will be badly damaged.
One you get it off by removing the bolt heads, you will be able to repair the inserts in the wing.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 12:23 PM
  #6  
formula forever's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Car: 91 formula
Engine: 350 tuned port. bolt ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Originally Posted by stealtht/a
were you able to get them to loosen at all before they spun?
if so, you might be able to get some pliers in there to hold the brass insert that the bolt goes in. Otherwise you will have to grind off the bolt heads from inside the hatch.
Dont try and just yank it off as the spoiler will be badly damaged.
One you get it off by removing the bolt heads, you will be able to repair the inserts in the wing.
by making new threads. Yes i can see the bolts get loose very little but are you talking about holding the washer?
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 01:16 PM
  #7  
stealtht/a's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 5
From: Short Summer, VT
Car: 1985 Trans Am T-Top
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T-5 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi 1LE 10 bolt
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

I meant that if you were able to get the bolts to turn out of the metal inserts that are imbedded in the plastic spoiler before the metal insert started spinning. If so, it might be enough clearence to get a small set of vise grips or pliers between the wing and the deck to grab the metal insert to stop its spinning. This was the way I did it on a wing I removed. But the inserts probably spun before you had that much clearance. I only suggested it as grinding the bolts off is hard due to the fact they are recessed in the deck so only a small grinder head fits.

After you get it removed it will be a little more involved that just tapping new threads in the wing.
the metal (brass IIRC) inserts are molded into the plastic mounting sections of the wing which are in turn molded into the fiberglass body of the wing. The plastic is unfortunately harder to repair than if they had just used fiberglass. The plastic isnt strong or thick enough to support bolts or screws directly, hence the metal inserts.
they way I fixed it was to use plastic weld to "remold" the metal inserts back into the wing. It took a fair bit of resurfacing to get a good bond and some creative molding.
Just to make sure you know, the wing is also attached to the glass frame so after you get the bolts removed you slide the wing foward to release it from the hooks.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 05:30 PM
  #8  
Pocket's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 361
From: NC
Car: 91 Trans Am
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Lift up on the wing while loosening the nuts. One of two things will happen

1) The insert will stop spinning with the upward pressure and allow you to remove the nut. The insert will have to be replaced before reinstalling the wing

2) The insert will grind through the last little bit of plastic and pop out the bottom of the wing allowing you to remove the wing and remove the remains of the fastener with vice grips

Either way the insert needs to be replaced with something a bit more solid
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2012 | 12:41 AM
  #9  
formula forever's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Car: 91 formula
Engine: 350 tuned port. bolt ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

update. I removed 3 screws but there is one left giving me a big problems. I have 1 hour trying to remove it I Made up my mind to just cut the damn thing off.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2012 | 02:31 AM
  #10  
Sick92's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Car: 92 Camaro RS
Engine: 350 LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 4.10
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Why not just dremel the head of the screw/bolt off carefully?
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2012 | 07:08 AM
  #11  
TTOP350's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,218
Likes: 1,141
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

This is the correct glue to fix the 91-2 rear bird wings..
Name:  0217001236.jpg
Views: 158
Size:  16.1 KB

This is just one little part I fixed with it. We primed over it then painted. Looks great.
Name:  0217001931.jpg
Views: 138
Size:  7.9 KB
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2012 | 12:11 PM
  #12  
formula forever's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Car: 91 formula
Engine: 350 tuned port. bolt ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

ttop 350 do they sell that at stores or do I have to order it. Also I will be removing it tonight. I will let you know what happens.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2012 | 11:44 PM
  #13  
TTOP350's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,218
Likes: 1,141
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

I got it at a paint supply store. its pricey but nothing else works on that plastic.
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2012 | 12:28 AM
  #14  
formula forever's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Car: 91 formula
Engine: 350 tuned port. bolt ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

looks like im going to need it. My brother was supporting the side of the wing that had a little piece that was broken when we finished drilling the bolt out we both tryed to slid it off the mounting bracket and he put to much force and boom snapped a fist size pieace off the under side of the spoiler. I hope that clue is strong. Also it there some sort of weather stripping i need to use. It looks like the factory had some on there. Im going to fix the broken spoiler because. A I don't want to pay 400 bucks for a new one and B It broke where you will not see it well. under the spoiler and the little peace on the side. I will see if I can get some pic's
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2012 | 08:26 PM
  #15  
TA-Rocks's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: southern Pa
Car: 87 GTA, 99 VFR800
Engine: 5.7 TPI wrong heads , 781cc
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, msg me if u hav 3.42 4 sale
spoiler 89 TA clip

Hi sorry to drop in on this one but I have no idea where to find this part. I have searched for the Spoiler clip with no success. I need to find new spoiler clips for my 89 TA rear spoiler.
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2012 | 10:16 PM
  #16  
TTOP350's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,218
Likes: 1,141
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Done properly the spoiler will be good as new. I spent 5 hrs looking 4 the correct glue just 4 that plastic.

The clips needed 4 a 89 spoiler are 16$ each (I think) at the dealer and I think they are discontinued.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2012 | 10:48 PM
  #17  
formula forever's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Car: 91 formula
Engine: 350 tuned port. bolt ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

hey t-top 350. I just bought the glue. How do you get the clue out. I was reading online and I think I need an applicator gun I guess I should have did my homework. The gun runs around 220 bucks. Damn..
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2012 | 09:39 AM
  #18  
TTOP350's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,218
Likes: 1,141
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Yes you need the proper gun and mixing tips for it. I'm lucky and have 2 body shops that loan me the stuff..
Maybe you could rent the gun if your semi friendly w a shop???
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2012 | 11:16 AM
  #19  
88FormulaKiller's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 655
Likes: 2
From: NH
Car: 1967 Firebird P.T.
Engine: LS3 4" Strkr 422ci
Transmission: MN12 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 8.5" 10 Bolt Eaton
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

i used a metal yard stick, stuck it between the deck and spoiler, used alittle prssure while spinning the bolt with a quick zip from an impact gun. worked like a charm.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2017 | 08:33 PM
  #20  
blacksunshine'91's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 195
From: Moorpark, CA
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Originally Posted by formula forever
Also it there some sort of weather stripping i need to use. It looks like the factory had some on there.
Anybody know which product to use to replace that weather stripping-looking stuff that is attached to the bottom of the spoiler?
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2017 | 11:30 PM
  #21  
tealman92's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 998
Likes: 19
From: Ontario, California
Car: 1992 Z28
Engine: 383
Transmission: 700R4
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

3M foam tape 1/2 inch wide from home depot.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2017 | 10:13 AM
  #22  
blacksunshine'91's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 195
From: Moorpark, CA
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Originally Posted by tealman92
3M foam tape 1/2 inch wide from home depot.
Is that the double-sided stuff?
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2017 | 04:12 PM
  #23  
tealman92's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 998
Likes: 19
From: Ontario, California
Car: 1992 Z28
Engine: 383
Transmission: 700R4
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

No its a single sided tape for sealing exterior doors.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2017 | 04:55 PM
  #24  
blacksunshine'91's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 195
From: Moorpark, CA
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Oh, OK. I think I know what you're talking about.
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2017 | 10:28 PM
  #25  
blacksunshine'91's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 195
From: Moorpark, CA
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

While repairing my spoiler today, I noticed that where the spoiler mounted to the decklid there wasn't anything between them. The spoiler was making small indentations in the paint of the decklid. Prior to removing the spoiler, I've seen how the spoiler doesn't sit flush and after washing the car water tends to stay in that area. So I used a small rubber material from 3M to create a homemade gasket. The P/N from 3M is 8681HS-36320 if anyone wants to look it up. It is super thin so it shouldn't interfere with the spoiler mounting properly and has adhesive on one side. I put it on the spoiler mounts and then trimmed around the edge. Here is what it looks like when I was done. I haven't mounted the spoiler yet because I am waiting for the epoxy on the broken part to cure.








Reply
Old Jul 23, 2017 | 10:19 AM
  #26  
DynoDave43's Avatar
Supreme Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,809
Likes: 906
From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Sounds like cool stuff...

"Applications include aircraft and rotor blade leading edge protection."

...but a little pricey!!! Perhaps there are smaller rolls, but still....

Amazon Amazon
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2017 | 12:55 PM
  #27  
blacksunshine'91's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 195
From: Moorpark, CA
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Originally Posted by DynoDave43
Sounds like cool stuff...

"Applications include aircraft and rotor blade leading edge protection."

...but a little pricey!!! Perhaps there are smaller rolls, but still....

https://www.amazon.com/Polyurethane-.../dp/B00DAMO3QM
The only reason I even had it sitting in the garage was because they accidentally ordered that stuff at work (I used to be in an E-2C squadron) and they couldn't use it and were going to throw it away so I snatched it up quickly.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2017 | 02:12 PM
  #28  
blacksunshine'91's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 195
From: Moorpark, CA
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Originally Posted by DynoDave43
Oh dear god. I just went and looked at the price of that roll. Goodness that is a lot of money for something like that. Crazy. Once it gets designated for aircraft the price skyrockets. And to think, they were just going to throw the whole roll away.

If anybody wants some, let me know. You should be able to do what I did with less than a yard of it.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2017 | 02:14 PM
  #29  
blacksunshine'91's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 195
From: Moorpark, CA
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: why can't I remove my 91 Aero spoiler

Curious as to what "leading edge protection" they were talking about. The only thing I could think of would be the deice boots. Our blades had nickel leading edges.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
GeneralIesrussi
Carburetors
6
Jun 20, 2024 07:21 PM
HP52TA
Interior
8
Feb 3, 2018 10:51 PM
MY87LT
Aftermarket Product Review
13
Jun 7, 2016 09:47 PM
TheExaminer
Body
12
Sep 28, 2015 02:28 PM
Eric-86sc
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
0
Sep 7, 2015 02:10 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:42 PM.