Question about 560SL front spoiler (air dam)

Does the front spoiler (air dam) on a 560SL have the pebbly anti-rockchip surface that the rocker panels and rear valance panels do, or is it smooth (untextured)?

Thanks,

[abe g]

My air dam on my 1977 450sl (added in 1980) is smooth, and a potential pain in the a--. If you hit frozen snow or a small rock you can say goodbye to it! Its polystyrene and brittle. I would not add one if not already on. regards, abe g

[RickM]

MD, The factory (?) examples I've seen are partially covered with the Wurth Body Shutz. Typically in the car colored center section of the spoiler...between the black outer "lip" and the grill.

Question I have regarding the same part....does anyone have dimensions and approximate weight of the unit? I need to know if it can ship UPS. Thanks!

Thanks for the answers - to the question I asked and to one more important!

I bought a Performance Products "OEM" spoiler/dam, but given the info you provided, I think I'll make a fiberglass mold from it before painting and installation. Then, if/when it breaks, I'll be able to make a fiberglass replacement from my mold.

[RickM]

Wanna sell a fiberglass repro?

Also, was the part shipped UPS?

The size - for shipping purposes - depends upon the size of the box it's shipped in!

Mine came by UPS, but it's considered "oversized" (the following is from the UPS.com site):
Oversize: The designation for larger packages that you ship via UPS Ground and UPS Standard to Canada that meet one of the following specifications for billing purposes:
Oversize 1 (OS1): a package with a combined length and girth that exceeds 84 inches, and combined length and girth is equal to or less than 108 inches, and actual weight is less than 30 pounds. For each OS1 package, the billable weight is 30 pounds.
Oversize 2 (OS2): a package with a combined length and girth that exceeds 108 inches, and actual weight is less than 70 pounds. For each OS2 package, the billable weight is 70 pounds.

As a result, although it's very light (5 lbs?), it's not that cheap to ship.

[abe g]

To: Rick: I repeat, its not worth the cost or effecton on looks. Just one crack will convince you (too late), Mine has about 4 repairs (due to road debris) and is rady to be taken off. Abe G

[RickM]

Abe, Thanks for the advice. I go through the same headache with an extremely low airdam on a 911 of mine.

However, my car has no front spoiler at all. Since I am going with 560sl wheels I figured I'd go with a more pronounced spoiler. Besides I don't use the car everyday or in the snow.

Any alternatives?

RE your comment ". . . my car has no front spoiler at all . . . ."

That may present a problem for fitting a 560SL "OEM" dam/spoiler since it's designed to be attached to the SL's "chin" (front valance) according to PerfProd. Can you post a picture of where the spoiler would go - i.e., where you have no valance (low angle, front 3/4 view)?

As to making fiberglass parts for other people, I wouldn't be able to do the grill section (it's basically out of sight anyhow unless you're lying in front of the car like a cheating husband I read about), and I'd need to check a few things first with my attorney.

As to alternatives, how about buying some sheet aluminum and pop-riveting a race-style air dam around the bottom of what you have? You could finish the bottom with black flexible cove (typically used around the perimeter of a vinyl bathroom floor).

[abe g]

JCWhiney has a selection of soft plastic (rubber?) air dams in their catalog. Can be cut to size, etc. Conforms to shape needed, various widths, etc. Still against thse, Serve no purpose . Abe G

[RickM]

I don't think I'm ito making my own spoiler. If I also need the factory front Valance then I have an issue. MD, when you get around to installing can you verify?

Here's a really bad pic of my spoiler-less front.....

I'll do a test fit in the next day or two and get back to you off-forum (assuming you have direct email enabled).

I just had an idea, though: Would you be interested in buying my PP "OEM" spoiler/dam (after I make the mold from it) for 75% of what PP sells them for (plus shipping, of course)? There'd be no additional holes or paint; it'd be just like it came to me. Something to think about while I check how it mounts . . . .

[RickM]

MD,

Thanks for the effort...I really apreciate it. I would definitely be interested in purchasing the PP part.

You can reach me @ Mrnetvestor@yahoo.com