VR4-Quest
08/14/2006, 08:40 AM
Thought I would share this with everyone, maybe its already been discussed, but while waxing my VX this weekend, I noticed a small rust spot around the front edge of one of the mounts to the rear spoiler, right where it meets the roof rack rails. It basically looked like the plastic post for the wing was just rubbing the paint off. Mind you the truck has the original paint, has gone through a couple Ohio winters, has lived about half its life inside a garage, the other half outside, but I always wash and wax it. It appears thats its just a poor mounting design. After removing the wing, you can see foam at the base of the supports, however its in the center and doesnt overlap the edges, thus allowing them to touch and rub the paint. I do a lot of highway/high speed driving, so I guess the wing rocks and moves, rubbing the paint. I found more rust under the mounts, from more rubbing, plus around where the holes where drilled for mounting it. The center post was the only one that showed no rust or damage from rubbing. I used home door weatherstriping foam, and ran it around the whole bottom of the outside wing posts, so the there will be a thick cushion between it and the roof. had to do some grinding with the dremel to remove the rust, treat it, primer it, and paint it. Fortunately you dont see it since its mostly under the wing mounts. Also, found around the back door, where the seems are at the top and side (body side) there was some hint of rust. Plus, the rear window felt gasket is actually rubbing off the paint around the rear opening, down to the primer.
Though everyone might want to check theirs before it gets too bad. Removing the rear wing is east, just pop off the upper trim, and remove the 5 bolts, unclip the third brake light, and see what you got!
Though everyone might want to check theirs before it gets too bad. Removing the rear wing is east, just pop off the upper trim, and remove the 5 bolts, unclip the third brake light, and see what you got!