Odd wire/cable in sti wing

Rabid Dog · 08-10-2003, 12:58 PM

Anyone have any idea why there is a wire/cable running through the top deck of the STI spoiler. Is it there to secure the deck, or are there sensors in the wing that need to be fed???

The wire/cable seems to be insulated by a foam cover...

Another view:

Anyone know how to unhook or detach this wire? Would I need to remove the underside piece of the top deck to do so. Note the seperate piece and fastener holes:

Any help would be very much appreciated!!!

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Triple S · 08-10-2003, 01:07 PM

With the help of some friends, I attempted to remove the wing on my STI and encountered the same problem that you are facing. It seems that under the foam is some sort of wire. We suspected that the wire was installed to prevent flying STI wing in the event of a rear end collision. Short of cutting the wire or opening up the underside of the STi's wing to do further investigating, we did know what else might unhook the wire, so we put the wing back together and reinstalled it on the car. Maybe somebody with experience removing and installing these wings has some good insight.

Rabid Dog · 08-10-2003, 01:41 PM

Hrm... Thanks for the response Triple S. It's good to know that I'm not the only one perplexed by this wire. If I have the time, I'll try removing the underside piece of the top deck to see if it sheds some light on the issue...

Triple S · 08-10-2003, 01:45 PM

If I may ask, what are you trying to do? I wanted to remove the upper half of the wing and design some paintable caps to fit on the tips of the lower wing so that the STI did not look as flashy.

Rabid Dog · 08-10-2003, 01:50 PM

I was thinking of doing the exact same thing. I'd also like to make it easy enough to reattach the top deck for track days, etc.

Triple S · 08-10-2003, 02:09 PM

Let me know what happens. My guess is that the wire is just there to protect other drivers from flying STI wing. However, without any definitive proof, I was not willing to cut it. We should share ideas on how to cap the tips since I see that as being the most difficult aspect. Alternatively, one could find a trunk without a wing. I have seen some pictures and they are growing on me. Where are you located?

Rabid Dog · 08-10-2003, 03:18 PM

I'm up in Toronto Canada. I have a few different ideas for the cap, but nothing solid. I'd like to resolve the wire issue first, obviously.

Sadly I won't get a chance to remove the underside component this afternoon, but the stickers come off easily enough... and then it's 10 screws to remove. Shouldn't be too difficult. Will try and attempt it next weekend. Then again, I'm hoping someone has already tried this...

Fair Oaks STI · 08-10-2003, 03:19 PM

Is there tension on the wire, or a way to adjust the tension? I wondered if it somehow strengthened the top of the wing.

powbmps · 08-10-2003, 03:23 PM

The WRX has a cable as well. I suppose it is there as an extra precaution.

Rabid Dog · 08-10-2003, 03:24 PM

There is some tension on the wire. As you can see on the pictures, I can only lift the wing about 1.5 inches.

There's no obvious way for tightening the wire... but perhaps there's something under that plastic cover on the top deck (picture 3).

STi&LT1 · 08-10-2003, 07:08 PM

So you guys want to remove the top element but leave the bottom?

So you will have two rudders on the back of your car??

robmarch · 08-10-2003, 07:38 PM

I think that would look ok, especially with the advantage that the top section could be replaced for track duty. I'd live with it.

Triple S · 08-10-2003, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by STi&LT1
So you guys want to remove the top element but leave the bottom?

So you will have two rudders on the back of your car??

Are you insinuating that your whale tail the size of a ski jump is much better?

The goal is to achieve a lower profile so as to not attract as much attention when driving around the city. The upper portion of the wing will be attached for any high speed driving on a race course, which is where the wing will actually be effective.

metoo · 08-10-2003, 08:01 PM

It would look like this.
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...g&pagenumber=2
Pretty ugly if you ask me. But then again, some think my spoilerless deck lid is ugly.

Rabid Dog · 08-10-2003, 09:24 PM

Ok kids... play nice. We all have different opinions. I don't feel particularly inclined to explain my reasons for removing the top deck. I respect both the people who like the spoiler as is, and those who removed it. To each their own.

So, getting back on topic... has anyone done this mod yet? If so, please enlighten us all on how the wire was safely removed/disconnected. I'm also curious to find out what's under that cover beneath the top deck...

ANZAC_1915 · 08-10-2003, 11:21 PM

The wire is there to keep the spoiler attached during a crash.

Rabid Dog · 08-11-2003, 02:10 PM

Thanks for the clarification Glenn. Is there a way to detach the wire without cutting it?

ANZAC_1915 · 08-11-2003, 03:26 PM

I don't know, I assume if you take the complete wing off you can just unbolt it (like the WRX one) but I don't have my car here to look at.

As far as just removing the upper bit --- I assume you have to cut the cable. Just my guesses.

TurboPhoon · 08-11-2003, 06:00 PM

I experienced the same problem. The service manual seems to point to a bolt that holds the retention cable. I removed that one with no luck of releasing the retention cable. I thought someone posted here they took their's off.

Rabid Dog · 08-11-2003, 09:38 PM

Hm, I presume we'll have to remove the whole wing from the trunk deck before the cable can be removed. Ah well... might be a good opportunity to clean any dust that's accumulated along the edges of the wing.

Triple S · 08-11-2003, 10:59 PM

The suspense is killing me

Rabid Dog · 08-11-2003, 11:04 PM

Haha, well I don't think I'll get to it till this weekend.

Triple S · 08-11-2003, 11:14 PM

That is ok, I started taking the stock HU apart to change the green light condoms to red, and I can't find the condoms anywhere, so I just have to sit and wait patiently, getting myself into more mischief as I buy stuff on my CC.

SSS

Rabid Dog · 08-15-2003, 11:42 PM

Just an update regarding the cable in the spoiler. You have to remove the entire spoiler if you want to detach the cable. It's fairly easy to do... it just requires a bit of prying with a flat-head screwdriver to seperate the cable fastener from one of the bolts underneath the spoiler (it's glued together with silicon). With the cable detached, the top deck comes right off without any problems.

I've created a tracing of the crossection that needs to be capped when the top deck is removed. Now I'll have to see if it's possible to create caps that look good. For now I've replaced the spoiler and the securing cable (best to be safe).

On a side note, I must say that while I've always been a fan of the spoiler-less look, the car does seem a bit odd without the spoiler. Somewhat un-balanced... as if it's missing something. I have to admit, the spoiler is a part of what defines this beast of a car...

If I get a chance, I'll post some pictures tommorrow.

TurboPhoon · 08-18-2003, 03:18 PM

Thanks for the update rabid dog.

I will be doing this sometime this week hopefully. I may bring the car to a person who could make custom caps for this.

08-10-2003, 12:58 PM	#1
Rabid Dog Scooby Newbie Member#: 40412 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Vehicle: 2001 Impreza 2.5RS BRP	Odd wire/cable in sti wing Anyone have any idea why there is a wire/cable running through the top deck of the STI spoiler. Is it there to secure the deck, or are there sensors in the wing that need to be fed??? The wire/cable seems to be insulated by a foam cover... Another view: Anyone know how to unhook or detach this wire? Would I need to remove the underside piece of the top deck to do so. Note the seperate piece and fastener holes: Any help would be very much appreciated!!! * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

08-10-2003, 03:23 PM	#9
powbmps Scooby Newbie Member#: 27543 Join Date: Oct 2002 Vehicle: 2002 WRX Black	cable The WRX has a cable as well. I suppose it is there as an extra precaution.

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08-10-2003, 01:07 PM	#2
Triple S * Banned * Member#: 39300 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Southern California Vehicle: '04 STI Silver on Silver	With the help of some friends, I attempted to remove the wing on my STI and encountered the same problem that you are facing. It seems that under the foam is some sort of wire. We suspected that the wire was installed to prevent flying STI wing in the event of a rear end collision. Short of cutting the wire or opening up the underside of the STi's wing to do further investigating, we did know what else might unhook the wire, so we put the wing back together and reinstalled it on the car. Maybe somebody with experience removing and installing these wings has some good insight.

08-10-2003, 01:41 PM	#3
Rabid Dog Scooby Newbie Member#: 40412 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Vehicle: 2001 Impreza 2.5RS BRP	Hrm... Thanks for the response Triple S. It's good to know that I'm not the only one perplexed by this wire. If I have the time, I'll try removing the underside piece of the top deck to see if it sheds some light on the issue...

08-10-2003, 01:45 PM	#4
Triple S * Banned * Member#: 39300 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Southern California Vehicle: '04 STI Silver on Silver	If I may ask, what are you trying to do? I wanted to remove the upper half of the wing and design some paintable caps to fit on the tips of the lower wing so that the STI did not look as flashy.

08-10-2003, 01:50 PM	#5
Rabid Dog Scooby Newbie Member#: 40412 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Vehicle: 2001 Impreza 2.5RS BRP	I was thinking of doing the exact same thing. I'd also like to make it easy enough to reattach the top deck for track days, etc.

08-10-2003, 02:09 PM	#6
Triple S * Banned * Member#: 39300 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Southern California Vehicle: '04 STI Silver on Silver	Let me know what happens. My guess is that the wire is just there to protect other drivers from flying STI wing. However, without any definitive proof, I was not willing to cut it. We should share ideas on how to cap the tips since I see that as being the most difficult aspect. Alternatively, one could find a trunk without a wing. I have seen some pictures and they are growing on me. Where are you located?

08-10-2003, 03:18 PM	#7
Rabid Dog Scooby Newbie Member#: 40412 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Vehicle: 2001 Impreza 2.5RS BRP	I'm up in Toronto Canada. I have a few different ideas for the cap, but nothing solid. I'd like to resolve the wire issue first, obviously. Sadly I won't get a chance to remove the underside component this afternoon, but the stickers come off easily enough... and then it's 10 screws to remove. Shouldn't be too difficult. Will try and attempt it next weekend. Then again, I'm hoping someone has already tried this...

08-10-2003, 03:19 PM	#8
Fair Oaks STI Scooby Newbie Member#: 39759 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Fair Oaks, Ca Vehicle: 2004 WRX STI Blue w/silver wheels	Is there tension on the wire, or a way to adjust the tension? I wondered if it somehow strengthened the top of the wing.

08-10-2003, 03:24 PM	#10
Rabid Dog Scooby Newbie Member#: 40412 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Vehicle: 2001 Impreza 2.5RS BRP	There is some tension on the wire. As you can see on the pictures, I can only lift the wing about 1.5 inches. There's no obvious way for tightening the wire... but perhaps there's something under that plastic cover on the top deck (picture 3).

08-10-2003, 07:08 PM	#11
STi&LT1 Scooby Newbie Member#: 36645 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Silver Spring, MD	So you guys want to remove the top element but leave the bottom? So you will have two rudders on the back of your car??

08-10-2003, 07:38 PM	#12
robmarch Scooby Specialist Member#: 18713 Join Date: May 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Time is the Enemy Vehicle: 06 CRV 04 STi	I think that would look ok, especially with the advantage that the top section could be replaced for track duty. I'd live with it.

08-10-2003, 08:01 PM	#14
metoo Scooby Guru Member#: 4764 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Houston Vehicle: 2004 STi sold :( forizzle	It would look like this. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...g&pagenumber=2 Pretty ugly if you ask me. But then again, some think my spoilerless deck lid is ugly.

08-10-2003, 09:24 PM	#15
Rabid Dog Scooby Newbie Member#: 40412 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Vehicle: 2001 Impreza 2.5RS BRP	Ok kids... play nice. We all have different opinions. I don't feel particularly inclined to explain my reasons for removing the top deck. I respect both the people who like the spoiler as is, and those who removed it. To each their own. So, getting back on topic... has anyone done this mod yet? If so, please enlighten us all on how the wire was safely removed/disconnected. I'm also curious to find out what's under that cover beneath the top deck...

08-10-2003, 11:21 PM	#16
ANZAC_1915 Moderator Member#: 456 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Redmond, WA, USA Vehicle: 2008 Forester XT Steel Gray Metallic	The wire is there to keep the spoiler attached during a crash.

08-11-2003, 02:10 PM	#17
Rabid Dog Scooby Newbie Member#: 40412 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Vehicle: 2001 Impreza 2.5RS BRP	Thanks for the clarification Glenn. Is there a way to detach the wire without cutting it?

08-11-2003, 03:26 PM	#18
ANZAC_1915 Moderator Member#: 456 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Redmond, WA, USA Vehicle: 2008 Forester XT Steel Gray Metallic	I don't know, I assume if you take the complete wing off you can just unbolt it (like the WRX one) but I don't have my car here to look at. As far as just removing the upper bit --- I assume you have to cut the cable. Just my guesses.

08-11-2003, 06:00 PM	#19
TurboPhoon Scooby Newbie Member#: 5946 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: NY	I experienced the same problem. The service manual seems to point to a bolt that holds the retention cable. I removed that one with no luck of releasing the retention cable. I thought someone posted here they took their's off.

08-11-2003, 09:38 PM	#20
Rabid Dog Scooby Newbie Member#: 40412 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Vehicle: 2001 Impreza 2.5RS BRP	Hm, I presume we'll have to remove the whole wing from the trunk deck before the cable can be removed. Ah well... might be a good opportunity to clean any dust that's accumulated along the edges of the wing.

08-11-2003, 10:59 PM	#21
Triple S * Banned * Member#: 39300 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Southern California Vehicle: '04 STI Silver on Silver	The suspense is killing me

08-11-2003, 11:04 PM	#22
Rabid Dog Scooby Newbie Member#: 40412 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Vehicle: 2001 Impreza 2.5RS BRP	Haha, well I don't think I'll get to it till this weekend.

08-11-2003, 11:14 PM	#23
Triple S * Banned * Member#: 39300 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Southern California Vehicle: '04 STI Silver on Silver	That is ok, I started taking the stock HU apart to change the green light condoms to red, and I can't find the condoms anywhere, so I just have to sit and wait patiently, getting myself into more mischief as I buy stuff on my CC. SSS

08-15-2003, 11:42 PM	#24
Rabid Dog Scooby Newbie Member#: 40412 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Vehicle: 2001 Impreza 2.5RS BRP	Just an update regarding the cable in the spoiler. You have to remove the entire spoiler if you want to detach the cable. It's fairly easy to do... it just requires a bit of prying with a flat-head screwdriver to seperate the cable fastener from one of the bolts underneath the spoiler (it's glued together with silicon). With the cable detached, the top deck comes right off without any problems. I've created a tracing of the crossection that needs to be capped when the top deck is removed. Now I'll have to see if it's possible to create caps that look good. For now I've replaced the spoiler and the securing cable (best to be safe). On a side note, I must say that while I've always been a fan of the spoiler-less look, the car does seem a bit odd without the spoiler. Somewhat un-balanced... as if it's missing something. I have to admit, the spoiler is a part of what defines this beast of a car... If I get a chance, I'll post some pictures tommorrow.

08-18-2003, 03:18 PM	#25
TurboPhoon Scooby Newbie Member#: 5946 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: NY	Thanks for the update rabid dog. I will be doing this sometime this week hopefully. I may bring the car to a person who could make custom caps for this.