Mitsubishi Evolution X Spoiler Removal

January 09, 2010 | DIY Tech | Tune2Win | Comments (1)

This quick little guide to removing the spoiler off an Evolution X can be applied to any car that needs its spoiler removed. However, use caution because while the same basic tools and steps may apply the spoiler may be attached in more points or have more plastic clips. For the most part though, most spoilers are attached with screws and adhesive tape.

In this case, there is one bolt and one screw on each side holding the spoiler to the trunk. Start by removing both of them.

When you remove the nut and bolt on both sides you'll notice the spoiler still wont budge. That's because there's double sided tape holding it on.

Before we begin trying to seperate the adhesive from the spoiler, it's best to heat it up with a hair dryer or heat gun. This will soften the adhesive and make the job easier.

The first method I tried is to cut through the adhesive tape was using dental floss. While it does work, it's very painstaking and long.

I found a razor blade works much better and faster. Start by sliding it in between the spoiler and trunk. Apply some upward pressure to the spoiler and it will create enough gap to slice the adhesive. The blade will cut through rather easily when the adhesive is warm.

Soon you'll have be able to peel up most of the spoiler and cut the final remants of the adhesive. Repeat the same procedure for the other side. As you see in this photo, there is a plastic clip that also holds the spoiler in. It came out without fuss though.

With both sides free of the adhesive tape the spoiler should come right off.

Unfortunately, we are now left with some nasty adhesive tape on the trunk that needs to be cleaned off.

I read removing the tape can be done with a cleaner called Goo Gone. Because I didn't have any of that laying around I went back to the heat gun and used my finger to peel back the tape. It's cumbersome but even with Goo Gone you're going to need plenty of rubbing and elbow grease to get it off.

I worked my finger forward with good pressure on the deck and it removed the tape quite well.

Half way done here. The clip in the middle can be removed by pushing in on the sides of it, then it should just pop up and out.

This is what the finished product looks like. I used some WD40 at the end to clean up any remaining residue. You can see the left side bolt hole came up a bit when I was trying to pull the spoiler apart too hard. Nothing a plug wont mask.

I bought these rubber grommets at the local automotive shop but I really don't like the way they look. I'm going to try to figure out a different method to plug these holes and I'll update this article when I do. You actually don't have to plug the outer most holes since they will just bleed water into the run off passage but the middle hole runs into the trunk and water will definitely collect in there.