 Alfa Romeo Spiders from 1983-1985 used a soft, rubber rear spoiler (different from the 1986-89 hard spoilers). These seem to be holding up fairly well, considering the amount of UV radiation, ozone and other pollutants they encounter. One thing that happens to them, though, is that the color turns from black to a kind of gray.We've found a product that can turn the spoiler black again. Called Forever Black Trim Renewer (we sell it: item #22182), it comes with a shoe-polish-type applicator, and contains a dye--not a silicone protectant. In our experience, one application isn't enough on a badly-grayed Alfa spoiler; you just end up with a streaky-but-slightly-darker version of what you started with. However, if you put 3 or 4 applications on the spoiler, as evenly as you can, it starts to look pretty darn good. It seems to hold up well, even after 3 years. If you get it on your Alfa's paint, you need to wipe it off right away. I used masking tape to make it easier to get right up to the edges of the spoiler. By the way, if you ever need to remove the spoiler pieces (there are three), such as for painting, note that they are held in place with a combination of screws and glue. You need to carefully cut through the glue with a thin, sharp blade. Some folks have used fishing line to help with the separation.
- Mark Lee |
