Fiat 500c Soft Top Roof Spoiler refresh. Peeling plastics sorted!

2014 Fiat 500 soft top convertible.
The plastics on the Fiat have seen better days, and with the clear coat peeling off the roof spoiler I remove from the car, dismante the high level brake light and give it all a refresh. Obviously nothing is straight forward, but I'm pleased with the results.
Preparation of the plastic with wet and dry paper, then preparation and paint using:
Halfords plastic preparation
Halfords black plastic paint
Polar Flawless Lacquer Satin Spray
I'm no professional, but it was worth the effort, especially with a replacement spoiler costing over £100.
Enjoy the video
Please remember, I am not a trained mechanic and what I do may not be the best / correct way but works for me. Videos are made as a guide of how I do / did it rather than a bible for others to follow.
Thanks for watching.
#fiat #500

[@boejoss]

Thank you so much for the vid, used it to change out the failing third brake light on my Abarth 500c

[@workinprogress1098]

Great, glad it was of help. 👍🏼

[@peterphillips6924]

Our 500 had the same issue so some time ago I removed the spoiler, rubbed it down & and re lacquer it. Big fail within 18 months it was peeling again so this time I did almost the same but after rubbing down to almost bare plastic just used the Halfords bumper paint and did not lacquer it. At the same time replaced the brake light that had failed with a non original one (the Fiat one was so expensive). Over 2 years later and it still looks as good as the day I reworked it. I am happy to confirm this fix worked for me, great video,thank you.

[@workinprogress1098]

Thank you. I'm so glad it's helped others.

[@Bossworld]

@Peterphillips6924 how did you find the fitment of the aftermarket light? I found the two screws from the stock one wouldn't seat all the way home, I've ended up having to use a couple of small nuts as washers, and used silicone to stop any water ingress on the whole effort. Wish I'd taken a proper picture of the placement of the rubber grommet but just hopeful I've done it OK

[@PeterP-h4p]

@@Bossworld The holes on my replacement lamp didn't match the original holes in the spoiler so I drilled new ones, it was a bit of a pain to get it aligned properly. I never bothered with sealer as the original holes in the spoiler were mostly covered up by the new lamp and I don't think there is much chance of water being forced through the old holes, If any did get through it would only go behind the spoiler and drain out of its own accord, rather than into the car, I hope. I cut the plug of the old lamp (leaving short wire tails) so I could transfer the grommet and then soldered the original plug onto the new lamp wires, making sure the polarity was correct. I struggled a bit refitting the grommet back into the roof but with the help of a flat blade a bit of care and the large amount of black sealer present from original fitment it resealed perfectly. From the sounds of it I think you have done okay.

[@Bossworld]

@@PeterP-h4p Thanks Peter. Frustrating when these cheaper parts need adapting. I've ended up with the grommet lip sitting in the fabric as per this vid at 08:05 but seems OK so far, even though mine doesn't protrude over the metal as much as I'd like. Tried pulling the insulation a bit closer but could then see the two wires so decided that was a bad idea and pushed it back!

[@PeterP-h4p]

@@Bossworld I think thats fine, if it stops water getting past the roof fabric the grommet is doing its job.

[@IvanoMarini-j5q]

non parlo inglese quindi lo dico in italiano GRAZIE GRAZIE GRAZIE SEI IL NUMERO UNO CIAO👍👍👍👍

[@workinprogress1098]

😄 Appreciated

[@sandraprice1587]

Wow!! Love it!! I am so excited! Wish me luck!! ordered the side triangles and about to look for paint...it makes me so sad when I see how the plastic came off and kept thinking I have to save to hire someone....thanks for posting this!

[@workinprogress1098]

Good luck with it. Glad it's given you the confidence to tackle yourself. 👍🏼

[@Ze7707]

Thank you so much! I came for the spoiler, but I also learned those triangles can be replaced easily, mine are starting to go

[@workinprogress1098]

Glad it helped 👍🏼

[@carlray6010]

Great video mate! Loved the detail on the dismantling bit. 😊

[@workinprogress1098]

Thanks, hope it helps! 👍

[@yperry1]

Thank you so much for this. My 2012 is in great shape, but the peeling lacquer on my rear spoilers annoying. Going to give this a go!

[@workinprogress1098]

Good luck! Glad the video helped.

[@BedeNorbert]

Thanks for this tutorial! I have the same issue, now I am ready to fix it!

[@workinprogress1098]

Great. Glad it helped 👍🏼

[@JeanPierreThiry]

Merci ! Very interesting indeed. Thanks to you, I now feel able to do the same for mine.

[@workinprogress1098]

That's great. I'm glad the video inspired you. Hope it turns out well for you. 👍🏼

[@marctownsend4821]

Top work sir well done 👍

[@workinprogress1098]

Thanks 👍

[@marcoooit]

Great work, nice video

[@workinprogress1098]

Thank you very much!

[@sallywalton5375]

What a beautiful job!! Looks great

[@workinprogress1098]

Thank you! 😊

[@emmanuelw9832]

This is exactly what I was looking for, my red top is peeling badly, this is Amazing! Question, which method worked best for you to get the remaining flakes off? Was it the paint remover? The wool pad? 1200 sand paper? Any suggestions would be wonderful, really looking to do this soon and not worry about it anymore!

[@workinprogress1098]

Glad the video has helped you. The sandpaper is definitely the way to go. Good luck, look forward to seeing the results.

[@roblox4life663]

What do y'all use to clean the interior headliner of fiat convertible?

[@ultzmann]

Great video, from where did you get the part next the door you removed before? thx

[@workinprogress1098]

Thank you. Bought the door triangles from Amazon of all places!

[@kneh39]

Hello, can I do also unscrew high brake light without unscrew the spoiler and how is the fabric clipped

[@workinprogress1098]

Hi. In short, you can't as far as I'm aware. If you watch the video, you'll see the spolier covers roof fabric bar fixing holes and one cable hole and the brake light is screwed to the spoiler plastic. Hope that helps?

[@CSSSOLIVEIRA]

Very good, thank you very much!

[@workinprogress1098]

You are welcome!

[@Aldik1980]

Well done ! Thank You !

[@mirkomasini]

Thanks

[@mikec2010]

Thanks you. Good job

[@workinprogress1098]

Welcome 👍

[@estebandavila3565]

Hi. I have a question: Is the rear windshield at the button is glue with the convertible fabric? . Mine is loose I don't know if I need to glues because I will hace water intrusion

[@workinprogress1098]

Sorry for the slow response. Our fabric is bonded to the rear screen at the base. Not sure how though. It's not at the top as it separates as the roof lowers.

[@carlabadiesp6180]

Hi, may I ask what kind of T screw torx are you using

[@workinprogress1098]

Sorry, its an old set but they are available at most DIY or motorist stores

[@elenabeletsky9159]

Anyway this is beautiful car. Just have to know how to operate it