Archive for the ‘TUTORIALS’ Category
Author: 
This is a tutorial on how to tint a car side-window using window tint film, spray bottle, rubber squeegee, single-edge razor blade or utility knife
, distilled water, lint-free cloth, baby shampoo or FILM AID Application Concentrate
This is my first how-to so hopefully I am writing and explaining everything clearly enough for people to easily understand. If their are any questions, feel free to PM me at any time. I am not an expert and do not claim that status. Remember that doing any polishing work is at your own discretion. Damage done by improperly polishing can be costly, so please plan what you are doing ahead of time. On with the show.
This is a how-to that will explain the process I applied when fixing a polished wheel. The process is very similar to polishing something that has not been polished before. The roughness of the surface will determine what grit you need to start with.
Polishing is a time consuming process that will require determination and attention to detail to get right. Skipping steps or being lazy will definitely show in your final result. So, to save time, do it right the first time!!
Ok onto the main part!! For the application I’m involved with I used the following materials:
Sandpaper – grits 400-2000 
Sanding block– not necessary but helps with first couple of steps. When you get into the higher sandpaper
Step 1
Sand the fiberglass spoiler with 200-grit sandpaper and a small sanding block. If the sanding block won’t 
fit into all of the crevices, use your hand with the sandpaper, but try to keep your hand level and flat. Sand the entire surface of the spoiler that is to be painted.
Step 2
Wipe the spoiler with wax and grease remover and a lint-free towel. This removes dust and oil from your skin that can cause disturbances in the paint later. These spots may not be visible until the last coat of paint is sprayed and dried, so wipe thoroughly.
Step 3
Spray three coats of primer on the spoiler, making the coats thin and evenly distributed. The entire surface should be covered in primer. Allow each coat to dry.
Step 4
Use 1200-grit sandpaper to sand the top layer of primer on the spoiler. This leaves a smooth surface for the paint. Sand lightly as to not sand through the primer. Wipe the spoiler with wax and grease remover and a lint-free towel 
again.
Step 5
Paint the spoiler with four thin coats of paint, spraying light, even coats. Start with the underside of the spoiler, and finish by painting the topside. Allow each coat to dry.
Step 6
Clear the spoiler with three or four coats of automotive clear. Use light, even coats, spraying in the same pattern as the 
paint was sprayed. The clear protects the paint from light scratches and UV rays that can fade the paint.
Also be sure and check out How to install a spoiler on a truck or car
Tags: Everything you need to know to measure and install a spoiler on your truck, car, van or whatever you feel needs a spoiler. Click the photos to enlarge and be sure to scroll all the way down to see a collection of FAILED SPOILERS, lol
Things You’ll Need for this project:
-
Tape measure
-
Masking tape
-
Pen or permanent marker
-
Drill
-
Drill bits
-
3/8 ratchet and sockets
-
Screwdriver, both Phillips and flathead.
Step 1
First use the masking tape to cover the rear of the trunk onto which you will be installing the spoiler. This is to protect the paint as well as using for measurements.
Step 2
Using the tape measure, find the center of the trunk. Three points make a line, so mark the center of the trunk in three spots down the center of the vehicle and connect the dots to make a line. This will be the primary measuring point.
Step 3
Measure the spoiler that you’re going to install. Some spoilers have three mounting points, while others have just two. Either way, the measurements will be the same. Measure the width of the mounting holes on the wing.
Step 4
Take the measurement you just made on the wing and divide it in two. That is the center of the spoiler. Take the new divided measurement and mark from the center line on the trunk out. Use the pen or marker to put a spot on the trunk where the holes will be. Do this to both sides, using the same three-dots-for-a-line process.
Step 5
Place the wing on the vehicle and take a step back. Make sure the spoiler appears centered on the vehicle. You haven’t drilled any holes yet, so make sure this is exactly where you want the spoiler to be, because this is your last chance to get it right before drilling.
Step 6
Generally there are two mounting holes per side on a spoiler. Measure the difference 
between the two holes, divide it by two, and mark that point on the outer lines that you’ve marked on the trunk. Then mark the two holes on each corner.
Step 7
Set the wing back on the trunk, this time try to place each end of the spoiler so that the mounting holes are as close as possible to the holes you’ve marked on the trunk. Step back again and confirm this is exactly where you want the spoiler. Make any adjustments if needed.
Step 8
Use a small drill bit to drill the holes that you’ve marked. If there is a wire for a third brake light, mark where that hole needs to be and drill it out as well.
Step 9
Use progressively larger drill bits until you find one that is one size larger than the screw used to mount the spoiler to the trunk. Sometimes it’s a screw, sometimes it’s a bolt, so be prepared for both options.
Step 10
With a friend helping you hold the spoiler in place, start attaching the screws in from the bottom of the trunk into the spoiler. Loosely fit the screws until all of them are set.
Step 11
Close the trunk and make sure everything is lined up and straight. Remove the tape. If the spoiler needs minor adjustments, it may be possible to open up the holes that mount the spoiler, but it depends on the width of the base. Once it it set perfectly, have a friend hold it still, then tighten down the spoiler to the trunk.
Always make sure to measure twice, drill once. If you’re not sure of your measurements, step back and take a break, then come back and check again. Always be sure your measurements are accurate before you make that first hole.
How will you know if you installed your spoiler correctly? Please view the photos below, if your new spoiler install looks anything like these, you probably did it wrong! lol SPOILER FAIL
Make sure you also check out How to sand, prime and paint fiberglass spoilers
Touching up your tires with paint. Adding stripes, coloring the letters, making your tires rock
