Fitting a Fiamma with a rear spoiler

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 1:36 pm

I've read the posts and seen the pics but can't find any info on how others have actually done the cutting of their spoiler (tools, technique, etc) to fit with a Fiamma rack?

The photos I've seen show a very clean job and if I was going to fit one I'd like to do the same.

Also, how permanent / secure are they from a theft perspective?

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:03 pm

Mine just bolts on the back....nothing to do with the spoiler.

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 1:10 am

Hi Haydn

Thanks for the photos.

I did find yours when I searched but I assume you had to drill the door.

I don't really want to do that but more importantly I don't want to have to stick a light board on.

It's the Merc Vito fit fiamma I was thinking about. Sorry, should have mentioned that in the original post.

Rhod · Post by **Rhod** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:24 pm

Hi Corblimey
I'm looking for the same info

Major Bloodneck posted a few months back saying that he could put someone in touch with a company who had the template for cutting the spoiler & would do the job if you posted it through. I PM'd him but didn't get a response & have been distracted by other things....

Rhod

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:58 pm

Hasn't "mayk19" got a fiamma bike rack with a rear spoiler?

csermanni · Post by **csermanni** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:30 pm

I bought a Fiamma rack from AVA.

In the conversation with them, they mentioned how simple it was to cut the spoiler to allow the rack to fit. They also mentioned they had a template they used ...
So ..., I thought it must be simple, I'll try it myself.

When I took the spoiler off (4 bolts) I decided that it was too much of a risk ..., and decided to send the spoiler to AVA for them to cut.

They did a beautiful job, which I would never have managed.

I also had to grind down the top clamps to prevent them touching the inside of the spoiler and pushing it out of alignment.

Also had to lengthen the rack by ~2cm (drill a couple of new holes in the tubing) to make it the correct length for the door.

But ..., worth the effort ..., really like the Fiamma bike racks.

Charles

Rhod · Post by **Rhod** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:18 pm

Thank you Charles!

How long did you have to be without your spoiler for? And the big question - what did AVA charge??
Rhod

csermanni · Post by **csermanni** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 10:50 pm

The spoiler was away for about a fortnight ...
... but then I didn't schedule it into their workload and they did seem to be busy boys.

Cost was £45 which I was happy to pay.
When I saw the finished job, I thought it was money well spent and would recommend their work.

The bikes sit quite high on the rack and I feel there is room below them to carry something (awning / gazebo / etc) or have a small luggage box fitted, without obscuring the number plate.

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 11:32 pm

Yeah, thanks for all the useful info.

I actually contacted ava today but haven't heard back yet.

I've been looking at some of the Thule produst that work in the same way as a Fiamma (which is what I want).

Just so happens there's an authorised Thule stockest about 8 miles down the road. I'm going to drop in tomorrow on my way into Exeter. He has a couple options to try so that should be interesting.

I'll let you if I had a solution that works without having to cut the spoiler.

Rhod · Post by **Rhod** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 5:58 pm

Charles - thank, guess I could live without the spoiler for a fortnight & £45 seems good value.

Corblimey - interested in what you come up with re Thule.

Rhod

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 6:19 pm

Just got back from visiting the Thule bike rack chap.

I'm going back on Saturday when he's had a change to put one of these together http://www.thule.com/Thule/ProductPage____45906.aspx

Unfortunately it looks like the spoiler will still need modding.

Anyway, we'll see.

I'll let you know how it goes.

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:24 pm

Heard back from AVA

£45 ex VAT and p&p on top of that to cut the spoiler

vanvliet · Post by **vanvliet** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 6:12 pm

Re the Fiammas - both ( non drilling into bodywork ) versions will fit .
The VW option has the bike platform sitting a bit lower than the vito version .I prefer this but you may not. It is something else to consider

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:32 am

Hi Van

Cheers for the extra info.

Which vw one are you referring to? There's the t2, t3, t4 & t5

If only they made a specific bongo fit life would be just that little bit simpler.

vanvliet · Post by **vanvliet** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 1:39 pm

The T4 is the one to go for if the VW version appeals
Lots of people have fitted them no problem but I couldn't resist tinkering with it and have slightly altered the angle of the top tubes and fitted black neoprene protectors ( touring pushbike handlebar grips !) to avoid damaging the roof paint
T4 with rack sitting just above rear number plate
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n54/ ... mmaVW4.jpg