Miata Fender Vent Installation
Thank you for choosing Spiked Performance!
This Fender Vent kit is a DIY product, and although cutting into your car can be scary, it's a fairly simple job. Just remember to take your time, and cut with the most precision possible. We are not responsible for any damage to your vehicle or this product during the installation process or after. If you do not feel comfortable, please consider professional assembly.
Your Spiked Performance Fender Vent kit includes:
- Fender Vent set
- 1/8th Rivets
- Vinyl Cut template
Tools needed:
- Icy cold beverage
- Cutting tools-
- Angle Grinder (we use a 4.5" cutting disc)
- Dremel with cutting discs and drum sanders
- Drill & 1/8″ drill bit
- Rivet Gun
- Scissors
- Masking tape
- Measuring tape
Step 1: Remove Fender Liners
If you haven't done this already, you will need to jack up the front of the car and remove the liners. The rest of this install does not require the car to be in the air.
Step 2: Install Cut Template
There is a line that flows on the fender, just above the wheel opening (see red line in image below). The vent is designed to follow this line. Place the vent as illustrated, just over that line, so the top of the vent is parallel to the ground. Tape is down with masking tape to check position before sticking.
Now it's time to install the template. This is a big sticker, so it's difficult to install without a wrinkle or bubble. The best way to be sure it's done right is by using a vinyl applicator liquid, or baby soap/water.
Spray the surface with the vinyl applicator liquid. Apply the decal and adjust as needed. Use a squeegee or a credit card to smooth out the template and run the application fluid out from under the template. Give it a few minutes to dry, and peel the transfer tape.
Step 3: Protect the Paint
Tape some newspaper or whatever you have handy to cover all areas of the fender you aren't cutting. You can also go crazy and just cover everything in masking tape. (This is precaution that I didn't take on my own car, so see Hood sample below)
Step 4: Cut!
Cut the inside of the template out. I prefer the angle grinder for the large cuts, and the Dremel for the cuts around the corners. To clean up the cuts, use the drum sander attachment on the dremel on any rough edge or to make any small adjustments to the cut.
Warning: Take your time. Do this in sections, and give your fender a chance to cool between cuts. If it over heats you'll melt the vinyl, and it can start to damage your paint.
This is a good time to sip your icy cold beverage between cuts.
Step 6: Drill the mounting holes
Start by only drilling one hole. Then place the vent on the fender, and stick a rivet in the hole to hold it in place. *Do not actually install the rivet, you are just placing it in the hole.
Line up a hole on the opposite corner. Example; you drilled the bottom left hole, so line up the top right.
Drill through the vents and the fender together. Now stick a rivet in this hole to hold the vent in place.
Drill the remaining holes through the Vent an Fender together. This insures perfect alignment.
Step 7: Install the Pop Rivets
This step is self explanatory. Use your rivet gun to install the rivets. If you don't have a rivet gun, you can order one for about $20 on Amazon or grab one from a local hardware store.
The Fender does have a curve to it, and the vents will be able to bend to match the curve. Just apply pressure and make sure the rivets are fully seated before squeezing the gun!
That's it! Congratulations on your new Fender Vents!
Email us hello@spikedperformance.com if you have any questions.