Wanting to make their vehicle stand out from the stream of monotonous cars, each owner comes up with various tuning options that can refresh the design. So, many resort to airbrushing and paint stylish images on the body. However, this option is difficult to classify as budget, and therefore not everyone can afford it. Another thing is a spoiler, which can be made for relatively little money. Such tuning can improve the exterior, as well as positively influence the aerodynamic properties of the car. Our experts will tell you how to make a spoiler with your own hands in this article.
Content
Tuning or functionality?
We create a spoiler ourselves
It takes a lot of skill to make a high-quality spoiler with your own hands. But the main thing is to be patient and take your time in your work. The manufacturing process may be different, but it is always not rushed.
DIY spoiler
Tuning or functionality?
When people talk about tuning a car, a spoiler or a wing is most often thought of. The wing is an additional part of the car, which, thanks to the gap, increases downforce at high speeds, above 80 km/h. This ensures greater vehicle stability and traction on the road surface. Calling it a spoiler is not entirely correct, but most car enthusiasts know it by this name.
A spoiler or, more precisely, a lip spoiler is a part for a different purpose and does not need a gap for this. Its task is to reduce air turbulence and reduce the aerodynamic drag coefficient. It is usually mounted on the trunk lid, especially if there is a sharp transition from a horizontal to a vertical surface.
The wing and spoilers can be installed on the car initially during production or during operation by the car owner himself. Those installed and made independently usually have a decorative function and do not fulfill their intended purpose. If the rear wing is installed incorrectly or incompletely, the car also loses its technical characteristics, and in this case the spoiler has a negative effect on the car.
The wing is a mandatory element of sports cars when driving on race tracks. The cars are equipped with an adjustable rear wing, which is automatically activated when the pilot presses the gas pedal. This detail significantly increases speed on straight sections and helps when overtaking.
Wing - a mandatory element of sports cars
In order for the wing to cope with the task, it is installed not only on the rear of the car, but also on the hood and on the sides, the so-called body kit and sill extension, respectively. Otherwise, at high speed, as a result of the operation of the rear spoiler, the car will rise above the road front. The body kit in the car also serves as an additional cooler for the internal parts of the car, thanks to the redirection of the air stream.
The disadvantages of the wing include:
- reducing vehicle ground clearance;
- poor visibility in the rear window;
- considerable cost if you buy ready-made and high-quality ones.
If you are going to buy a spoiler, pay attention to the material and manufacturer. A quality product will not be cheap. A professional technician should install such a part; it is better not to do it yourself.
The material for making the wing can be:
- fiberglass is the most popular;
- ABS plastic is lightweight, flexible, and becomes brittle over time;
New style spoiler made of ABS plastic
- silicone with organosilicon polymers;
- carbon – excellent characteristics, but high price.
Spoilers can also be custom - these are designer single copies - and factory ones, which are produced in large quantities. The wing can be attached to the car body with double-sided tape or self-tapping screws if the structure has racks. Depending on the design, steel or aluminum is used for the racks.
We create a spoiler ourselves
Many motorists make their own trunk spoiler. This significantly saves money and in some cases looks no worse than expensive tuning parts.
Before you start making a wing yourself, you should purchase materials and tools for the job. You will need:
- foam for the base, thickness 5 mm;
- spray paint to match the car;
- metal sheet, thickness up to 1.5 mm;
- epoxy adhesive;
- carbon fiber.
You will also need brushes, sanding paper and other small items.
Making a spoiler for a car with your own hands
On the Internet there is also a method for self-production based on polyurethane foam. You can spend a lot of effort on it, but the result is amazing. The base is formed from polyurethane foam on a car previously wrapped in film. Then they cut out the desired shape and polish it. Then they also use epoxy resin and fiberglass, but the top layer is putty mixed with fiberglass and only then regular putty. The further process is similar to the others: priming, sanding, painting, polishing. But as a result, the visor you made yourself for the rear window is indistinguishable from the factory one and looks like an original part of the car.
When making it, you should remember that it doesn’t matter how to make a spoiler for a VAZ or a foreign car, the main thing is that the result is worthy of attention and brings aesthetic pleasure to the owner.
On motorcycles they also install a part related to the spoiler - a fairing. Performs a protective function: the motorcyclist from the headwind and the dashboard in the event of an accident. Thanks to various, sometimes completely unique designs, the bike stands out from the crowd.
And here are ways on how to make a motorcycle fairing yourself. According to the manufacturing principle, they do not differ from those given above. The only difference is in the shape of the fairing and its layout.
How the spoiler works
Depending on the type of product, the principle of its operation will vary. Thus, located on the trunk lid, the spoiler forces air flow pressure over the trunk and rear glass. If there were no spoiler, then a vacuum of air would form in this place, which directly affects the downforce of the car, reducing it. The rear spoiler increases air flow resistance and thereby allows the car to increase downforce, that is, grip on the road surface.
In addition, the rear spoiler, due to its location, dilutes the created air pressure under the car body, which also increases the aerodynamics of the car.
If there is a skirt on the body and it is mounted on the front bumper, then this leads to a decrease in the air flow pressure under the car, which affects the quality of downforce while driving.
In addition, the spoiler in front of the car additionally increases air resistance due to its shape, however, it is for this reason that air friction on the bottom of the car is reduced, which, ultimately, again makes it possible to increase the quality of grip on the road. And one more additional property of the front spoiler is that it has a beneficial effect on the overall operation of the cooling system in the car.
What is a car spoiler
A spoiler is one or more special elements designed to change the aerodynamics of a car body by redirecting air flows. The main purposes of installing this part are:
- reduction of aerodynamic drag;
- increased downforce;
- combating vehicle body pollution.
It is worth mentioning that many install a spoiler as a decorative (tuning) element. Its mounting can be done in front, behind, on the roof or on the side of the car. With an individual approach, you can make a custom-made spoiler, which will allow even a production car to stand out in traffic.
An original spoiler from a tuning studio will make your car stand out on city streets.
Pros and cons of installation
The spoiler gives the car the following qualities:
- attractive appearance;
- improved dynamics;
- increased adhesion to the canvas;
- reducing fuel consumption;
- increasing braking efficiency.
It should be clarified that the positive qualities of the element in question appear at speeds above 100 km/h.
Installing a spoiler on a car gives it a number of advantages, but they appear at speeds above 100 km/h
The disadvantages include:
- high cost of structural elements;
- increased fuel consumption due to incorrectly selected form or installation;
- fragile material of manufacture (plastic).
How to choose the right spoiler for your car
Having decided to give his “swallow” additional aerodynamic characteristics and refine its appearance, the car owner decides to choose the ideal spoiler for himself.
The choice of product should be based both on the financial capabilities of the car enthusiast, and on those design features of the car that will/will not allow the installation of this or that type of product. It should be noted that not every spoiler can be installed on a specific car model.
For example, almost any spoiler is suitable for sedans due to the specifics of their body - a shortened and tightened relief. Owners of such cars actively install lip spoilers of various shapes. For hatchback cars, it is recommended to install a ducktail spoiler - a kind of trim on the rear window. A station wagon car tends to install a spoiler on the roof or front bumper due to its large dimensions.
Standing out in an endless stream of cars in the city is not easy
Car tuning options
Today you can choose a spoiler for almost any car, regardless of body type: from a sedan to a minibus. To make the choice easier, you need to understand in more detail the criteria by which this tuning element is classified:
- at the installation site;
- by installation method;
- by material;
- according to form.
You can secure the spoiler using double-sided tape, but only if the part is small in size
The main location for installing the spoiler is the rear of the roof or trunk lid. This depends on the body type, as well as the size of the spoiler and its shape. You can attach a tuning element:
- using double-sided tape. This option is appropriate for small spoiler sizes;
- bolted fastening. Many motorists do not like this method because of the need to make holes in the body part;
- fastening with staples. This option is suitable for those cars that have a certain shape of the rear cover and a gap between the body.
What material is suitable for tuning
As for the material for making the spoiler, the most common are:
- ARB plastic;
- ordinary plastic;
- fiberglass;
- polyurethane;
- aluminum.
To give preference to a design made from one material or another, it is first necessary to consider each of them in more detail, taking into account its chemical and technical characteristics.
Which form to choose
Spoilers can be quite varied in shape. To conclude whether this option is suitable or not, you need to see the part in front of you. There are cases when the shape of an element complements a part of the body, but generally spoilers are represented by the most non-standard designs. With their help, you can give your car not only exclusivity, but also aggressiveness.
Spoilers can also be classified by design:
- custom - represented, as a rule, by a single copy;
Custom spoilers are produced in single copies, which allows you to make the car unique
A spoiler bought at a car store will decorate the car, but will significantly lighten the pocket of its owner
Types of tuning elements
It would seem that a spoiler is a highly specific element for a car. However, there are several types of spoilers, each of which stands out depending on the style, location on the car body or material.
Variations in style
There are only two types of spoiler styles in the world:
Differences in location on the car body
There are four types of spoilers based on their location, with the most common being the rear spoiler. It is mounted on the trunk lid.
The rear spoiler is especially popular among Russian drivers
The second most popular is the roof spoiler - it is installed on the roof of the car.
Roof spoiler - an option for advanced jeepers
Third place in the field of giving the car special aerodynamic properties is shared by two types of spoilers, which are mounted on bumper skirts or on side skirts.
The spoiler on the front bumper skirt gives the car a sporty look
Varieties by type of material used: photo
Modern spoilers can be made from a variety of materials. The main criterion is the strength and lightness of the product, as well as its wear resistance. Therefore, spoilers are made mainly from these raw materials:
fiberglass (or, as it is also called, fiberglass). In terms of its composition, this substance belongs to plastic materials that are produced with the addition of synthetic resin additives and glass fibers. Today, fiberglass spoilers are considered the most budget-friendly in the car tuning industry. However, the low price does not in any way affect the quality of the product: the fiberglass spoiler has the same strength and durability characteristics as its more expensive counterparts;
A fiberglass spoiler has a low cost and a sufficient service life
ABS type plastic. This type of plastic itself is quite fragile, so when making spoilers, various strengthening additives and impurities are added to it. Due to their low cost, spoilers made of ABS plastic sell well, but their wear resistance leaves much to be desired;
A spoiler made of ABS plastic is relatively cheap, but is fragile
silicone materials. The production of car spoilers from silicone began relatively recently. The great advantage of such products is their elasticity and increased durability, since air flows, even during prolonged use, cannot deform such a spoiler;
The spoiler made of silicone materials is elastic, durable and attractive in appearance.
carbon (or carbon fiber material) is one of the most modern types of raw materials from which a spoiler can be made. The product will give the car excellent aerodynamic characteristics, but the cost of carbon spoilers is quite high;
A carbon fiber spoiler is quite expensive, but the envious glances of other car owners more than compensate for this small drawback
light metals - aluminum and steel. Making an entire spoiler from metal is unprofitable and pointless, so light metals are used only for casting individual elements - blades, struts and flaps.
Rules for selecting a suitable spoiler
Today, many spoilers are produced for a specific car make and model, but there are also universal options that are suitable for almost any car. The only difference is where they will be attached. The car itself should also be taken into account: if we are talking about the executive class, then the spoiler will obviously be an unnecessary element in the design.
It is important to evaluate how the chosen accessory will look. To do this, just take the part, apply it to the car and see from the outside how well it matches its appearance. Many tuning studios have a special program with which you can choose the best option, after which they determine the location of the element’s installation. If the spoiler is designed for a specific car, then this question does not arise.
It is better to purchase a spoiler without a paint layer, which will allow you to find a color that matches the car. An important point is the selection of a suitable fastening method.
In order not to make a mistake with your choice, it is better to contact only reputable tuning companies. Only in such studios can truly high-quality products be installed.
Relevance of part installation
First of all, a spoiler can improve the aerodynamics of a car. It also affects grip and maneuverability while driving. These qualities are especially necessary for those who like to travel at high speed. During movement, a powerful oncoming air flow is formed. If the machine does not have auxiliary functional elements, there will be a high probability of it skidding and creating an emergency situation.
Installing a spoiler on the trunk is necessary because this part changes the flow of air mass. When driving at high speed, the car is pressed harder against the road surface and the position of the car when driving becomes safer.
Air flow change
How to make a spoiler for a car with your own hands
When and why do you have to ask yourself the question of making a spoiler yourself? Today, a large selection of the element in question is offered and, it would seem, doing something with your own hands in this regard is not required. But then the cost of a high-quality spoiler turns out to be quite high, and this indicator is not a guarantee that the desired effect will be achieved.
Therefore, some car owners design spoilers themselves, obtaining the desired design and the desired effect from installing such an element. A homemade accessory can be made using various materials, which the owner chooses based on his imagination and free time.
Tools and materials
To start making a spoiler, you will need to prepare the following list of materials and tools:
- foam sheet;
- fiberglass about two meters;
- fastening and welding;
- spray paint (2 pcs.);
- primer (3 cans);
- epoxy glue 2 kg;
- tassels;
- spatulas;
- mesh for reinforcement;
- sandpaper.
Depending on the specific design of the product, the main material is:
- gypsum;
- Styrofoam;
- polyurethane foam;
- metal carcass.
Stages of making a homemade spoiler
The entire process of creating a structure can be divided into several stages:
- mold making;
- material reinforcement;
- putty;
- painting;
- installation.
One of the stages of creating a spoiler is strengthening, i.e. imparting rigidity to the structure
It is best to use cardboard as a pattern. You can also use plywood, but this will lead to additional costs.
Regardless of the material chosen, after realizing the desired shape, be sure to try on the pattern on the machine. You need to make sure that the size is correct and the attachment points correspond to the intended locations. You should make sure that the future product is symmetrical, for which the pattern is bent in half.
The frame can be made of different materials, but its main role is to hold the given shape at the beginning of the manufacture of the part. The spoiler will be given rigidity by fiberglass, as well as a layer of putty and paint. When choosing a filler, you need to take into account the planned shape of the future product.
Video: making tuning elements with your own hands
Important features of making your own lip balm
- For everything to work out, you need to remember just one proportion: 1/1/1. These are the parts where the wax/solid oil/liquid oil is added. Then the hardness of the balm will be slightly above average. If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the amount of wax. Divide a unit of wax into 7 grams of wax and 3 grams of solid oil.
- 1 standard tube of lipstick pencil contains only 10 g.
- It’s so convenient to make 3 pieces at once, dividing the proportion by 10/10/10 g. This makes it more convenient to calculate the ratio of components. Or you can count 3/3/3 g each, leaving 1 g for auxiliary components.
- It is better to take containers for DIY lip balm that are opaque, so as not to be afraid that it will all oxidize or separate under the influence of light.
- Homemade lip balm can be stored for up to 1 year.
3.Technology of how to make lip balm
Everything is extremely simple and does not require special skills. It is much more important to stock up on ingredients and select them so that they are suitable for solving your problems. If you just want to make your own lip balm, without pursuing any special goals, just choose essential oils or flavors that will make you happy!
Melt all the solid ingredients, wax and solid oil. To do this, use a water bath or microwave at low power. Everyone knows how to use a microwave. But I’ll write about the water bath. Place a glass of oil and wax in a pan of water. Turn on the stove. As the water heats up, all the ingredients will melt and we can mix them all together, creating a mixture for the lip balm.
What is better: microwave or water bath? Many people heat it up in the microwave and there are no problems. The beneficial effect remains. Heating in a water bath is more interesting and visually appealing.
Step #2
Add liquid oil, essential oil or flavoring and coloring if desired. Personally, I like variations of lip balm recipes without a strong color. Mix well.
There are some nuances at this stage. If the liquid butter is too viscous, it is better to add it too at the heating stage, when all the ingredients have already or almost melted.
Step #3
Pour everything into lipstick tubes.
If you use a composition with wax, you need to fill the container under the lipstick in 3 portions. Pour 1/3 of a glass and shake to mix, and so on 3 times. This technique will make the texture of your homemade lip balm more uniform.
Step #4
Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour. For hardening.
You can, of course, put it in the freezer, but then it is important to control it so as not to freeze it too much.
As you can see, nothing complicated. The main thing is to stock up on the necessary ingredients and you can start! We’ll talk about DIY lip balm recipes below.
Making a spoiler from foam plastic and fiberglass
One of the important stages in creating a spoiler is proper design. This element cannot be done “by eye”. The ideal option at the design stage would be to involve an engineer or an experienced person who is involved in this type of tuning.
After determining the dimensions and design, you can begin to create a metal frame.
- Quite often, when making a rear spoiler, a sheet of galvanized iron 1.5 mm thick is used, the edges of which are bent upward. M6 nuts should also be welded to the base for subsequent installation of the product.
Galvanized iron is often used as a frame for the spoiler, to which nuts are welded to secure the future product.
To increase the volume of the workpiece, foam plastic is used, which is pasted over the metal frame.
To give the product rigidity, several layers of fiberglass are applied, and drying is performed before applying the next one.
The surface of the spoiler is primed to improve adhesion, puttied, primed again, cleaned and covered with several layers of paint and varnish.
After applying the paint layer and drying, the spoiler is installed on the car
Video: tuning the rear window of the Audi A8
How to install a deflector on the hood with your own hands without damaging the varnish
It is also important to note the decorative function, through which the Chevy Niva takes on the strict shape of the front end. So, the cost of a hood deflector for a Shevik is about Voron Glass rubles, and installation is so simple that it’s a pleasure to do it
On the video from the Internet you can find an example of installing a deflector for other models, which is absolutely identical for Shevik.
Brackets are included with the hood deflector. How to install a hood deflector without brackets The trend that has become fashionable to go to a car service center for every minor issue has no logical basis.
With the question of how to install a deflector on the hood, there is absolutely no need to seek advice from specialists and spend money on it. This procedure is quite within the capabilities of any car enthusiast.
A tuning kit from a well-known manufacturer cannot fail to make changes to the exterior. The main task of glossy plates is to protect the car. The front part of the hood, the false radiator grille and the bumper are the most vulnerable places for sand, stones, and insects that mercilessly bomb the paintwork while driving. Deflectors are exclusively model accessories, that is, you need to buy products exclusively intended for a specific car model.
Otherwise, if you neglect this recommendation, rust and subsequent rotting of the metal may appear in this place.
Hood and rear door spoiler
We put the rubber seal in its regular place, and similarly install the insulation clamps back. To prevent scratches and darkening of the plastic, you do not need to wipe it with a dry cloth, it is better to use the rinsing method. The deflector not only protects the hood surface from minor damage, but also protects the windshield.
This is a kind of plastic screen that follows the entire contour of the Chevrolet Niva. When moving, a counter flow of air occurs, regardless of the direction of the wind, and the deflector partially directs it upward. It divides the flow into two parts and lifts it above the car body. It turns out that all the small pebbles, midges, etc.
All mounting hardware for the deflector is included in the kit, so there is no need to invent anything new. In some cases, there is no need to even drill holes in the hood.
Source
Step-by-step production of a plaster spoiler
Using a material such as gypsum, you can make not only a matrix, but also a copy of your favorite spoiler.
- To pour the gypsum, we make a polystyrene foam box. Then we place the part matrix or the finished spoiler into it, after wrapping it in cling film to avoid damage.
To make a spoiler from gypsum, a polystyrene box is prepared, into which the matrix for the new spoiler is then placed.
After filling the matrix with gypsum, you must wait until it hardens.
After the plaster has hardened, all that remains is to open the halves of the matrix and take out the future spoiler frame
To give the matrix strength, you should follow the same recommendations that are given for making a spoiler from foam plastic.
How to make a spoiler for a car with your own hands: successful elements and a master class on how to make them
Wanting to stand out from the gray traffic stream, every car owner comes up with ways to give his car a memorable appearance. Not everyone can afford to apply a design with an airbrush or completely tune a car. But making a body spoiler with your own hands is a task accessible to the owner of any car model. Such tuning not only improves the exterior, but also gives the car improved aerodynamic characteristics.
How to make a foam spoiler at home
The procedure is simple, but requires care to avoid damage to the bodywork.
- We cover the upper part of the trunk lid with polyethylene, you can also use masking tape.
Before applying foam, protect the surface of the trunk lid with plastic film or masking tape.
Polyurethane foam is applied to the prepared surface, which should preferably be moistened for better hardening.
When the foam hardens, use a knife to form the future spoiler
To impart rigidity to the structure, fiberglass is used, which covers the product in several layers.
The matrix can also be made from plasticine. The process is similar to the described sequence of actions for making a foam spoiler. Regardless of the chosen method, care must be taken to ensure sufficient rigidity of the structure. In addition, fastening such a tuning element should prevent its loss, ensuring reliable fixation.
Not only foam plastic, but also plasticine can be used as a material for making the matrix.
Necessary materials:
- A sheet of foam plastic 1x1 m, approximately 5 cm thick. More is possible, but this should be enough (unless, of course, you are going to make a vertical bar instead of a spoiler)
- Fiberglass (the quantity will need to be calculated independently, based on the size of the spoiler. There will be 6 layers of fiberglass)
- Epoxy resin
- Reinforced mesh
- Piece of sheet fabric
- Putty and primer
- Plastic bags
And so we will transgress. First you need to cut a hole diagonally in the foam for the future spoiler. We cut according to our plans and fantasies. That is, as you imagine, you cut out the future workpiece.
Chevrolet Niva hood and rear door spoiler
A spoiler on a car is designed to create downforce on the road surface. When developing high speeds (over 100 km/h), the car becomes less stable on the road due to the aerodynamic forces acting on it, which is caused by the possibility of tipping over. The Chevrolet Niva is not designed for high-speed racing, so a spoiler is installed to decorate the appearance. In the article we will consider the need to install a spoiler on a car, what they are, and how they are installed. Unfortunately, there is no video on the Internet on installing the body kit on a Shevik, so it would be relevant to consider in detail how to install the spoiler.
