Fitting rear spats

JayJay · Post by **JayJay** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 3:08 pm

Right, my rear spats are painted and drying but I'm not sure how to secure them. Can anyone recommend a glue to secure them? They screw in place of the rear mudfaps in the arch, but I need to secure them as they sweep around the bumper.

Just a big blob of silicon? I was thinking of running a bead of silicon between the spats and the bumper, or is there a special glue?

Cheers,
Jay

Post by **Pushki** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 3:16 pm

I think it's one of the Sikaflex ranges of adhesives they use.

Post by **RattyMcClelland** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 3:40 pm

Firstly they should be installed and then painted. Dont use silicon near fresh paint.
Im having the same issue with mine. Im going to use self tappers, no more nails glue and then filler over the screws and then paint.

JayJay · Post by **JayJay** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 4:00 pm

I can't paint them when they're on the car unless I do a LOT of masking, even then the spraypaint will probably go everywhere.

What's wrong with painting then fitting?

The silicone won't be anywhere near the paint (it's behind the spats

not on the outside painted part) and there's no filling needed.

Pushki - cheers, I'll try and get hold of some.

Post by **RattyMcClelland** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 4:26 pm

Sure you can. I do ALL my repairs on the car. Making is body lemonade easy. Well to me anyway. Just use big masking tape then use plastic bags around the bottom of the bumpers and wheels. No more masking needed. Unless your spraying at over 4psi (compressor) overspray will be minimal/non existant.

Spraying before fitting makes it easier to fit too incase you have to modify anything to fit.

Post by **Vtecmec** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 4:36 pm

As Pushki said, sikaflex is the stuff to get, 221. It's so strong it can be used to bond roof panels. And as Ratty said, DIY silicone is nasty reactive stuff and has no place on a car.

Painting first and then fitting afterwards is always best. Though a thorough test fit should be done first to ensure you don't have to modify anything after you have painted it.

Post by **RattyMcClelland** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 5:03 pm

So this Sikaflex 221 can it be use to bond the spats to the bumpers and nothing else needed. I can get loads of g clamps and glue it. My spats arnt a perfect fit and require bending and holding to stay in place.
I may invest. See how we both get on.

Post by **Vtecmec** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 5:11 pm

Yes, it's incredible. We used to use it to bond windscreens, sunroofs, wobbly trims, etc. It sticks to rubber, metal, paint, glass, skin, etc.

Do use surgical gloves with it though, the only way to remove it from your hands is to also remove some skin!

Post by **RattyMcClelland** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 5:15 pm

Excellent. And a rep for you.

JayJay · Post by **JayJay** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 5:35 pm

Repped as well, I'll get hold of some

I'm going to sand the spats down a bit, get rid of some of the bumps and give it a second coat before putting it on.