Creating your OWN "Race Brace" for your Duckbill Spoiler

This article is going to help you get one step further in increasing the rigidity and structural stability of your Duckbill Spoiler for your mustang without breaking the bank.

This is a very simple and easy task, and requires only a drill, some drill bits, spray paint, and 35 dollars.

First thing you'll want to do is go into either Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, or any store that would have a 4 foot steel flat bar. You can choose your thickness, but the dimensions I chose on the demo car (in the photos) are 1/8th inch thick, by 1 inch, by 4 feet. This allows for a small bit of flex that allows the wing to curve to aerodynamic forces, actually strengthening it without buckling completely. If you want something more rigid, you can go up to a 1/4 inch thick too. 

The one we purchased for the demo car was from Home Depot, made by Everbuilt, and cost us $23.92 at checkout. We also bought a can of black spray paint to lightly coat the front and back of the bar to prevent rusting. A link to the steel bar is here.

Next up, you are going to want to drill your holes. The distance between the bolt holes on the back side of the wing span 42 inches. The flat bar spans 48 inches. 

Measure out to exactly 3 inches, beginning from the edge of the flat bar, center punch it or mark it however you'd like, and do the same on the other edge. 

Next, go and drill a couple pilot holes and lubricate the drill while doing so. Then you can step up to a 5/16ths drill bit. That should be enough for the middle wing bolt to clear. You can also oval out the holes to allow for adjustment as the washer will clamp down on the brace.

Take this time to paint if you'd like. After painting, I recommend putting some 3M double sided tape on the inside facing the spoiler, and adhering it to the spoiler after it's bolted in place. This will keep the spoiler from buffeting at interstate speeds and causing weird harmonics. 

Next, remove the center bolt on either side of the wing (DO NOT MOUNT TO TOP OR BOTTOM BOLT HOLES, CENTER ONLY) and place the steel brace over top and begin threading in one side. Thread in the other side. Use a quarter inch ratchet and tighten to 8 ft/lbs, or roughly hand tight. 

DO NOT USE AN IMPACT DRILL on any of the bolts, as the 3D prints have brass heat inserts that could lose their grip on the part if you use excessive force. 

And there you have it! Your wing is now reinforced, giving you some peace of mind at the racetrack. If your seeing over 130 miles an hour, this is a must. If you are cruising on the interstate, this mod may help with buffeting and flexion at those speeds, but aren't a concern for structural failure. 

Stay tuned as we're going to an airfield next week to test this spoiler at speed! 

Thank you all!