New Roof Wing for the G-Sedan - HappyBuyItNow Extreme3
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 104
From: Charlotte NC (sorta)
How about some weaker double sided tape from the hardware store as a temporary solution. If it's weak enough, there will be no trouble taking it off, but you may not want to drive much depending on the adhesion.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 19,859
Likes: 5,149
From: Rochester, NY
We'll see if I can get to it today. If not, then the weekend. (There's a snow storm heading up the East Coast tonight.)
The instructions sheet that came with the roof wing ends with, "VERY IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT drive the car in 24 hours after installation!"
Last edited by Rochester; Dec 9, 2014 at 10:45 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 19,859
Likes: 5,149
From: Rochester, NY
As for shape, last night I was experimenting with the curvature, and this morning there's still a curve to the piece, meaning it didn't entirely straighten out over-night.
That's encouraging.
It's the corner pic on close-up, because overall the paint seems fine. However, in the right light, there are some swirls. Although covered in packing wrap, I suspect it got boxed up too soon after painting, and that it could have sat a few more days. Either that, or there's no clear-coat. I don't really know. And while I acknowledge seeing swirls in the paint, it's really not a big deal, IMO. It might become a big deal if I keep the roof wing, and any imperfections in the paint start to bug me. I suppose at that point I could have it repainted.
That's encouraging.
It's the corner pic on close-up, because overall the paint seems fine. However, in the right light, there are some swirls. Although covered in packing wrap, I suspect it got boxed up too soon after painting, and that it could have sat a few more days. Either that, or there's no clear-coat. I don't really know. And while I acknowledge seeing swirls in the paint, it's really not a big deal, IMO. It might become a big deal if I keep the roof wing, and any imperfections in the paint start to bug me. I suppose at that point I could have it repainted.
Last edited by Rochester; Dec 9, 2014 at 09:10 AM.
Registered Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 508
Likes: 43
From: Westchester County
True. I seem to have more help-dad-out leverage lately since we started giving them an allowance.
So at this point, I've got first impressions compared to expectations, and they're pretty darn good. I really like the quality, the paint, the color (as black trim), the design, angle and fitment. If I can get this adhered to the car properly, I'm pretty sure it's a keeper. However...
...I'm concerned about the natural shape of the material fighting with the necessary curvature on the roof-line, and unseating the double-sided tape.
And I'm concerned on how to proceed, considering that it's mid-December in Upstate NY, and I have a detached, unheated garage.
So at this point, I've got first impressions compared to expectations, and they're pretty darn good. I really like the quality, the paint, the color (as black trim), the design, angle and fitment. If I can get this adhered to the car properly, I'm pretty sure it's a keeper. However...
...I'm concerned about the natural shape of the material fighting with the necessary curvature on the roof-line, and unseating the double-sided tape.
And I'm concerned on how to proceed, considering that it's mid-December in Upstate NY, and I have a detached, unheated garage.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 19,859
Likes: 5,149
From: Rochester, NY
Free + shipping.
Premier Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 773
Likes: 50
From: Ontario canada
It seems 43 1/8" fits between the sheet metal from one D-pillar to the other, with about 1/16" to spare. In other words: perfect width. So much for my measuring skills... I thought there was only 43" to work with.
The next problem (?) is how to test-mount it. The curvature of the roof means the material needs to bend a little bit, following that curvature. And that's only going to happen by actually adhering it to the window. Err-r-r. You can get a perspective on how much it has to curve, by butting up the piece at the middle and looking at the corners.
Here's another one:
It's night, and it's freezing out. I'll see what I can do tomorrow in the daylight.
Kind of stymied, though, on how to do this in the winter, without a second pair of hands. It's really a two person job, just like in that video.
And I have to decided whether or not to butt the material up to the roof directly, or leave a small gap and follow the edge of the glass instead.
The next problem (?) is how to test-mount it. The curvature of the roof means the material needs to bend a little bit, following that curvature. And that's only going to happen by actually adhering it to the window. Err-r-r. You can get a perspective on how much it has to curve, by butting up the piece at the middle and looking at the corners.
Here's another one:
It's night, and it's freezing out. I'll see what I can do tomorrow in the daylight.
Kind of stymied, though, on how to do this in the winter, without a second pair of hands. It's really a two person job, just like in that video.
And I have to decided whether or not to butt the material up to the roof directly, or leave a small gap and follow the edge of the glass instead.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 19,859
Likes: 5,149
From: Rochester, NY
It's 30*F outside, but sunny ahead of the storm. So I used a small square of 3M outdoor tape on each corner, and in the middle, to test-fit the prototype roof wing on the car, for pictures. I'm afraid this is as good as it's going to get until a final installation in the Spring. And while good-enough for photos, it's certainly not perfect.
And I think Pedro was right, that it looks better flush against the roof, rather than to the gap at the edge of the glass. Good call.
I'll leave the car out and maybe take some more pics later. (The car is so damn dirty today... sigh.) The pics are each approximately 1600x900, but the forum re-sizes them for display.
And I think Pedro was right, that it looks better flush against the roof, rather than to the gap at the edge of the glass. Good call.
I'll leave the car out and maybe take some more pics later. (The car is so damn dirty today... sigh.) The pics are each approximately 1600x900, but the forum re-sizes them for display.
Last edited by Rochester; Dec 9, 2014 at 12:23 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 19,859
Likes: 5,149
From: Rochester, NY
The sun is setting, so I took some more pictures without direct sunlight. IMO, these actually showcase the roof wing better than the morning pics did.
You know what? I'm calling it. This is a keeper.
(Sorry, Pedro.)
I'm still not going to install it for real until Spring 2015, though. Until then, I've got these pics to look at.
You know what? I'm calling it. This is a keeper.
(Sorry, Pedro.)I'm still not going to install it for real until Spring 2015, though. Until then, I've got these pics to look at.
Registered Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 508
Likes: 43
From: Westchester County
Registered Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 508
Likes: 43
From: Westchester County
That looks great!! Once you get the final install I'm pretty sure that you will like it. It's so subtle yet adds a depth to the rear that is much needed matched with the trunk spoiler.
Registered Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 508
Likes: 43
From: Westchester County
[QUOTE=Rochester;3853069]
You know what? I'm calling it. This is a keeper. (Sorry, Pedro.)
No worries, It looks really good!! I might look into trying to get a hold of them so I can order one. I would probably paint match mine though, unless I vinyl wrap the roof glossy black. Which IMO for my car would look good because I have tints all around including the front windshield, but I am still on the fence when it comes to that.
You know what? I'm calling it. This is a keeper.
(Sorry, Pedro.) No worries, It looks really good!! I might look into trying to get a hold of them so I can order one. I would probably paint match mine though, unless I vinyl wrap the roof glossy black. Which IMO for my car would look good because I have tints all around including the front windshield, but I am still on the fence when it comes to that.
