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DIY Project #5

Texas DAR Spoiler Kit Install
(difficulty level: medium)

This looks fantastic!

By RonsRallyRedGT

Hyundai manufactures a couple of different spoilers for the GT.  You can view these at our club website http://elantragtclub.com/index/id13.html. The standard GT spoiler for the US/Canadian market is a small black lip ABS plastic spoiler.  Adds a little to the sporty look of the GT.  In my opinion, VERY little for such a sharp looking car.  Over a period of time, the ABS plastic will fade and may have to be removed and repainted.  If you wanted to buy one of these, they're available from the dealer or some aftermarket sites and will cost from $252- $280.

There are a lot of Aftermarket Spoilers out there for the Elantra GT, but only a few of them really look good.  It's all a matter of preference in what you're looking for.  My personal preference is a low profile spoiler, such as the Texas DAR Spoiler, which is my candidate for this DIY Project.  The Texas DAR Spoiler is clean, very low profile, doesn't obstruct or hinder your rear window vision at all, and best of all, it's an easy install!  I purchased this one directly from Texas DAR, at a cost of $129.99, which included shipping, and I received it in a matter of days!  I bought this during their Elantra GT Club Group Buy Offer, which ended on May 30.  However, if you're interested in buying this particular spoiler, you can contact Johnny Fleming at info@texasdar.com. Fast & Friendly service!  The spoiler has been coated with a catalyzed primer/sealer, and is ready for painting. I chose to have mine painted professionally by MAACO at a cost of $75. Some of the following instructions were taken directly from the Texas DAR Installation Instructions, however, I have added some changes that apply for the GT specifically.

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Spoiler Kit Includes:

Rear Spoiler

Plastic T strips (Marker Tabs)

Machine cut neosponge gasket

¼ course thread, stainless steel bolts

 

Tools Required For Installation:

3/8 Ratchet or Nut driver

10mm Socket

Masking Tape

Measuring Tape

Drill

1/8 Drill Bit

5/16 Drill Bit

¾ Drill Bit

¼ Socket

Silicone Based Caulk

 

Installation:

NOTE:  The Texas DAR instructions calls for a Panel Puller, to remove the panels in the deck lid. 
With this particular spoiler for the GT, you do NOT have to remove any panels.

 

  1. Open the hatch.  It is recommended to cover or remove any carpeted trunk mats and the rear deck cargo cover in the trunk area to avoid damage.  Using a 10mm Socket, remove the HATCH Bumpers, one on each side (small black bumper wedges that meet the bottom of the deck lid on the inside of the trunk) of the HATCH.  Do NOT remove the inside trunk bumpers attached to the trunk body.
  2. Place four plastic T-Strips into the four outside mounting holes on the spoiler.  DO NOT USE OR OBSTRUCT THE TWO CENTER HOLES!  A VERY small piece of masking tape is helpful in holding the T-Strip in place.

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  1. Place the spoiler on the closed deck lid and align for proper position.  A measuring tape will ensure a perfect alignment.  NOTE: There is a small cutout groove in front of the spoiler.  This is designed to go around the rear wiper post.  When positioning the spoiler, turn the rear wiper on, to ensure that the arm does not come into contact with the spoiler.  You may have to adjust the positioning to accommodate this.
  2. Using sufficient masking tape, secure T-Strips to the deck lid of the vehicle.  Remove the spoiler by lifting straight up, leaving the T-Strips secured to the deck lid.  The T-Strips center stud will act as your drilling guide.
  3. Using a 1/8 drill bit, drill through the T-Strip center guide hole and into the deck lid.  You will have to drill through double panels, (the deck lid and the underside of the deck lid) so make sure your drill is kept straight and level, and don't apply too much pressure and risk breaking the drill bit.
  4. Using a 5/16 drill bit, drill through the same 1/8 holes (again, double panels) that you drilled in Step 5.  This is necessary to enlarge the holes to accommodate the ¼ bolts you will be using to secure the spoiler to the deck lid.
  5. READ CAREFULLY:  On the UNDERSIDE of the deck lid, NOT THE TOP, use the ¾ drill bit to drill through the INNER PANEL ONLY!!!  This allows the ratchet or nut driver socket to fit into the hole, to secure the bolts tightly against the upper/top panel.
  6. Firmly press the Neosponge Gasket around the bottom of the spoiler, ensuring to cover the edges (including the wiper post cut-out) that will be touching the deck lid.  You will find that you have sufficient material for this application.  This will prevent rubbing between the spoiler and deck lid.
  7. Using the Silicone Caulk, slowly squeeze enough in the four nut holes of the spoiler, leaving a small crown on top.  Later, when the bolts are installed, the excess silicone will squeeze out from the hole, and make its own seal around the hole and the bolt.  Again, slowly squeeze a small amount of caulk around the four holes that were drilled on the OUTSIDE of the deck lid.  This will prevent the hole from rusting, as well as help seal it from water leakage.  Do NOT obstruct the two center holes in the bottom of the spoiler.  These are vent holes, which are essential for proper ventilation of fiberglass fumes.
  8. Place spoiler on the upper deck lid, and using the supplied bolts, secure to the deck lid using the ratchet or nut driver and ¼ socket.  NOTE:  Its easier to start the bolts half way, so that the spoiler is still loose on top of the deck lid.  This will allow you to shift the spoiler slightly and align it, so that you can install the remaining bolts easily.  Once all four bolts are installed, tighten with enough pressure to secure the spoiler, but ensure you do not over tighten and risk breaking the bolt or pulling the nut out of the spoiler.
  9. Once the bolts are tightened and the spoiler secured, squeeze more silicone into the UNDERSIDE of the bolt holes, making sure to completely cover the bolt head.  This will prevent rusting, as well as keep the bolts from loosening over time.
  10. If desired for cosmetic purposes, use Hyundai Touch Up Paint (available from the Hyundai dealer) to paint over the silicone on the underside of the deck lid.
  11. Re-attach the two Hatch Bumpers that were removed in Step 1.
  12. Stand back and admire your new GT spoiler!

          - RRRGT

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            Click here for two hi-res photos
            of the finished product!