Tips to refresh 80's foam/rubber spoiler?

car_freak85 · 03-10-2017, 12:24 PM

I figured there are more pro/am detailers here than just about any other forum I frequent. I recently picked up a 1987 Subaru coupe. The paint will need a lot of help (or just redone) but my question relates to the foam-rubber spoiler on the hatch.

How would you folks take care of this?

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

rcn1 · 03-22-2017, 10:11 PM

Maybe you could sand it with a ultra fine paper then get a black type of paint for rubber or even plastidip??

Worse case maybe find a replacement part on eBay or LKQ?

car_freak85 · 04-22-2019, 04:49 PM

Unfortunately these spoilers are unobtanium in NOS condition these days, even used they just aren't available.

Anyone else have any suggestions besides body filler and paint?

Hondaslayer · 04-22-2019, 07:46 PM

That's the rubber spoiler itself coming apart, not so much the finish.

Honestly, I came in here blank, but the idea of Plasti-dip may work and it may work well too.

Just happened to think: Light coats and test in a hidden area. Ever spray painted foam? Not sure what the spoiler is made from, so be safe.

vapore0n · 04-23-2019, 08:38 AM

oh wow, my 87 Celebrity had one of those foam spoilers.
Having had one, I honestly dont know what you can do about it. The material itself is the one that is decomposing. Painting over it will look nasty. Maybe use some water based protectant to prevent further decomposition?

car_freak85 · 04-23-2019, 04:21 PM

This particular spoiler is unpainted, but depending on trim, it came painted as well. I have a painted one in storage, I'll look at it to see if they have a coating or intermediate layer between the rubber and the paint.

03-10-2017, 12:24 PM	#1
car_freak85 Scooby Specialist Member#: 13530 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Cascadia Vehicle: EA63 , EA81T, EJ20G, EJ205	Tips to refresh 80's foam/rubber spoiler? I figured there are more pro/am detailers here than just about any other forum I frequent. I recently picked up a 1987 Subaru coupe. The paint will need a lot of help (or just redone) but my question relates to the foam-rubber spoiler on the hatch. How would you folks take care of this? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-22-2017, 10:11 PM	#2
rcn1 Scooby Newbie Member#: 464151 Join Date: Mar 2017 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Tampa, FL Vehicle: 2017 WRX STi Black!	Maybe you could sand it with a ultra fine paper then get a black type of paint for rubber or even plastidip?? Worse case maybe find a replacement part on eBay or LKQ?

04-22-2019, 04:49 PM	#3
car_freak85 Scooby Specialist Member#: 13530 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Cascadia Vehicle: EA63 , EA81T, EJ20G, EJ205	Unfortunately these spoilers are unobtanium in NOS condition these days, even used they just aren't available. Anyone else have any suggestions besides body filler and paint?

04-22-2019, 07:46 PM	#4
Hondaslayer Visiting NASIOC Timeout Member#: 4562 Join Date: Feb 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Auburn, WA Vehicle: 2014 Electric Datsun 2005 Adventure van	That's the rubber spoiler itself coming apart, not so much the finish. Honestly, I came in here blank, but the idea of Plasti-dip may work and it may work well too. Just happened to think: Light coats and test in a hidden area. Ever spray painted foam? Not sure what the spoiler is made from, so be safe.

04-23-2019, 08:38 AM	#5
vapore0n Scooby Specialist Member#: 21356 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Can't catch me! Vehicle: 2017 Subaru Corolla STI Limited SE-R Type (R)	oh wow, my 87 Celebrity had one of those foam spoilers. Having had one, I honestly dont know what you can do about it. The material itself is the one that is decomposing. Painting over it will look nasty. Maybe use some water based protectant to prevent further decomposition?

04-23-2019, 04:21 PM	#6
car_freak85 Scooby Specialist Member#: 13530 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Cascadia Vehicle: EA63 , EA81T, EJ20G, EJ205	This particular spoiler is unpainted, but depending on trim, it came painted as well. I have a painted one in storage, I'll look at it to see if they have a coating or intermediate layer between the rubber and the paint.