Buffing trunk

[deano55]

I'm going to buff out my trunk lid and back quarters where there is a good amount of scuffs from the previous owner sliding things across that area for some reason. I want to take the spolier off so that I dont burn the front edge of it. I took all the nuts off from underneath but it wont let loose. Is there double sided tape on the front edge or am I missing some hidden nuts?

[1oldman]

Just a thought - tape off the front edge of the spoiler you are concerned about. I'm not the expert, just done some reading trying to get the courage to do mine - lol... - BC

[deano55]

yes, I could do that but really want it out of the way

[01bonneSC]

If you burn though the paint on the spoiler, it means you are burning through the paint on the deck lid. Pretty sure that pro detailers dont remove the spoiler.

[ga93sle]

The problem is the edge of the buffer doesn't have any polish on it, it's not lubricated so it can burn the paint easier. We don't remove wings or anything, but you really shouldn't be holding it in one place long enough to burn the wing anyway. Depends on your pad, too. If you're using a nice soft pad it shouldn't really burn through that easily...

[deano55]

using 3M pads, black and white foam for compounds then moving on to the polishing pads. So no one know how to get that off?

[crash93ssei]

I am not sure how to get it off either, but I do also agree with saying to tape the edge of the spoiler and save yourself the headache and wasted time of removing it.

[00Beast]

I'm sure there's double-sided tape on it. Don't remove it, not worth it...

[1oldman]

If you burn though the paint on the spoiler, it means you are burning through the paint on the deck lid. Pretty sure that pro detailers dont remove the spoiler.

The only body panel I have had painted on our car that wasn't because of an accident, was the spoiler. Correct, they did not remove the spoiler to paint it. It was done on the car. - BC

[Grimm]

If you burn though the paint on the spoiler, it means you are burning through the paint on the deck lid.

Not true. It is easier to burn through clear and paint on plastic than it is on the metal body parts. I would just tape off the edges also. I don't though, and haven't had any problems after having the pad in contact with the spoiler several times. But I use a DA. If you are using a rotary, taping would definitely be recommended.

[deano55]

yep, using my big old Bosch varible speed 9" buffer. Should'nt matter what the paint is on, plastic or metal as long as it's the same mill thickness. Guess I will tape it off since it's on pretty good.

[crash93ssei]

Actually it does matter metal or plastic. Plastic will not dissipate the heat from polishing as fast as metal does so it runs a greater risk of overheating and burning through the paint.

Years ago, before I found this site and before I got into detailing, I had a friend that had a rotary polisher. He let me check it out on the trunk of my old '93 SSEi and it wasn't bad, but I didnt tape the edge of the spoiler and touched it briefly with the pad.... burned right through it. The biggest problem with the edge of the spoiler is that it is such a sharp edge so all of the friction is applied to one small area and burns the paint right off in just a second. Taping the edge will reduce the risk to almost zero, but still, if you hold the pad on the edge of the spoiler, it will burn through the tape as well as the paint.

Bottom line, just be careful around the spoiler as well as the edges of the trunk and you will be fine.

[deano55]

ok, thanks for the info guys

[Skippy1827]

And I think they apply sealant around the bolt holes of the wing to keep water out. That may be what you have.

[Grimm]

I forgot to mention, I can see some black stuff in a few spots around the edges of my spoiler, so I'm guessing there is some sort of sealant/glue under it.

[Archon]

It's been a while since it was posted, and I believe it was the 2000+s, but the poster said the spoiler was also held on with a type of double-sided tape. He used dental floss to cut through it between it and the trunk lid.

[deano55]

I pulled pretty hard on it and would'nt budge, leaving it on. I sure dont want to clean off the black double sided stuff.

[Gumball]

Did you try what Archon said above? if no dental floos is around, thin fishing line will work. after that you can use goo-gone or something like it to loosen the solvent of the glue.

[00Beast]

It's not worth him moving it just to buff. If he was having it painted or something, then maybe, but not for what he's doing.

[theax40]

Im interested in how difficult removing the spoiler will be. Mine is bulging up in the middle and a ton of black stuff runs out with the water when I wash it. Im thinking of taking it off and reinstalling it with some fresh double stick tape.