removing spoiler 3rd gen
 

I was hoping to get some feedback from people who have removed the spoiler on their '01 ES, or are thinking of doing it. I want to keep the change reversible if, in the future, I need to revert to the stock look.

I keep telling myself I should have gotten the LX 2.0 but I got a deal on this thing. No qualms except for a mysterious engine rattle and a completely non-functional appendage on the back of my commuter.

comments...sugjestions....

c'mon
 

Does everyone love their spoilers that much? I mean who are we kidding here... :dunno:


I have access to a lasercutter. Was going to take the spoiler off, do some measurements, draw up a simple shape in CAD that would cover holes, lasercut it out of some metal sheet, maybe plastic, then a Santoprene gasket to put between. I think it would look pretty clean...

I'm sure someone has tried removing the spoiler at least.

I have removed the rear spoiler from '2000 protege lx' (factory spoiler). There are 2 screws at each end. Loosen those screws and there is still a flare-clip at each end. There is no way to get to it, but to yank it out (carefully). Unfortunately, one of the legs on the flare-clip must break off inorder to remove it. And of course, unplug the spoiler brake lights. The flare-clips are still usable with one leg and the spoiler can be reattached. I don't know about the dealer-spoiler installed, whether it has the flare-clips or not (my guess is it doesn't). Oh, and there is nothing sandwiched (gasket) between the spoiler and the trunk lid. I find it strange, a careful inspection reveals drain holes at the very bottom of the trunk lid.

Are you indicating there are no holes drilled into the trunk lid? It is held on by clips? I don't care about re-using mine, I just want it off and want the trunk lid to look like it was never there. Thanks.

There are 2 round holes at each end, and 1 square hole at each end. The 4 round holes are for screws and 2 square holes are for clips. Either way you look at it, there are 6 holes in total (in trunk lid), for factory installed spoiler. For dealer installed spoiler, I assumed there are total of 4 round holes (2 at each end in trunk lid).

I own a Black Mica 2001 Protege ES and really like it, but almost did not purchase it because of the non-functional "spoiler" that wrecks havoc on one of the best-styled rear ends in current automotive design. Nevertheless I purchased the ES for its suspension and superior brakes, and incidentally I went on to rough up the exterior lines further by adding a rooftop carrier for my creek-going kayak--the main reason I purchased my "Creek car".

Anyway, I have often thought that a clean, simple solution is to find a non-ES owner (also in Black Mica) who would like a free upgrade and swap deck lids--their wingless one for my winged lid.

As with so many of my truly innovative and brilliant ideas, this one remains in precious captivity with no action whatever.

Besides, I think my ES corners better with the additional rigidity caused by the wing on my deck lid.

(Hey, it could happen)