Rear Spat Install Instructions - 2008-2014 WRX / STI Hatch

Kit Contents

  • 1 Left Rear Spat
  • 1 Right Rear Spat
  • 6 Stainless M5 Clip Nuts
  • 6 Black Stainless M5 Button Cap Bolts
  • 1 PAW Sticker

 

Tools Required

  • Jack and Jack Stands
  • Marking Tool - Sharpie, chalk pen, paint pen, or nail setter
  • 6mm or 1/4" Drill Bit
  • 3mm Hex Key / Allen Key
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Bumper Clip Removal Tool

 

Fitment Note: These rear spats are designed for widebody hatchback models only - 2008-2014 STI and 2011-2014 WRX. They will not fit the sedan body style.

 

Step 1 - Lift the Rear of the Vehicle

Jack up the rear of the vehicle. Lifting from the rear differential is recommended. Alternatively, ramps or hanging the rear end off a large curb is an option.

 

Step 2 - Remove the Lower Bumper Clips

Remove the two lower bumper clips from the installation area. This is just to make drilling and installing the clip nuts easier. Set them aside - they will be reinstalled later.

 

Step 3 - Align the Spat and Mark Hole Locations

The Pace Adventure Works Rear Spats are CAD-designed and reverse engineered to match the existing edges of the OEM body panels. The inside edge and curve of each spat correspond directly to the bumper inside edge profile, and the spat is cut around the existing bumper clip holes.

Align the inside edge of the spat to the inside edge of the bumper. The front-inside corner is the critical reference point for alignment -- once that edge is seated correctly, the rear of the spat should sit flush against the exhaust cutout or trim. With the spat properly aligned, mark the hole locations.

Tip: On light colored vehicles a Sharpie works well. On dark gray or black vehicles, a chalk marker or paint pen is easier to see. A nail setter can also be used to mark center points if preferred, but I like the marker better.


Step 4 - Drill the Marked Holes

Drill at each marked location. The plastic bumper is soft and requires very little pressure - light, controlled drilling will produce cleaner holes with minimal tear-out or burring. Take care not to drill through into the underside of the bumper or any components underneath.

 

Step 5 - Install the Clip Nuts

Insert a clip nut into each drilled hole. You may need to lightly pry the bumper to seat the clip, but excessive force is not required. Confirm that the hole in the clip aligns with your drilled hole.

Note that the clip will not sit fully flush -- this is intentional. Use needle nose pliers to gently position and align each clip as needed.

After installation, inspect each hole for plastic burrs from drilling. Remove any burrs before proceeding, which may require temporarily removing and reinstalling the clip nut.

 

Step 6 - Reinstall Bumper Clips

Reinstall the two lower bumper clips that were removed in Step 2.

 

Step 7 - Install the Rear Spat

Confirm you have the correct spat before bolting it in. The PAW logo should face upward near the exhaust when properly oriented.

Get all three bolts started before tightening any. The spat should sit flush with the bumper when fully seated.

Torque to 8.5 Nm / 75 in-lbs / 6 ft-lbs. This is approximately finger-tight-snug using the short end of a standard hex key.

 

Step 8 - Repeat for the Opposite Side

Follow Steps 3 through 7 for the remaining spat.


Step 9 - Lower the Vehicle

Lower the vehicle and verify that both spats are seated correctly and sitting flush with the bumper.

 

Questions about your installation? Email me at gregan@paceadventureworks.com or visit https://paceadventureworks.com/pages/contact.