Raceskinz technician Clay...
Raceskinz technician Clay Bush prepares Rollen Robertson's '07 Shelby GT500 for surgery. Installing Raceskinz new Shelby GT500/GT-CS rear diffuser cover (PN CF1004RLD; $860) is a straightforward two-person process that involves first raising the rear of the car and securing it on jackstands, and then removing the tires and splash guards on both sides (reinstalling these exterior-trim pieces is optional). Aside from the floor jack and stands (or a twin-post hoist if you're lucky enough to have one at your disposal), a cordless drill and Phillips-head screwdriver are the only tools necessary to get the job done.
Think back to the year 2006 and recall the way the Internet buzzed with discussions about over-inflated pricing for Ford's top-tier S197 'Stang, the Shelby GT500-and moreso about the widespread speculation that the factory-blown, 500hp (flywheel) Mustangs would only be purchased by people with lots of money, who would store the cars away or leave them bone-stock in the hopes of "cashing in" on their high-dollar investments after several years.
As strong advocates of modifying Mustangs, regardless of their stature, we're really glad things didn't play out the way it looked like they were going to. Sure, Shelby GT500s and their non-supercharged-siblings, Shelby GTs, definitely are special Mustangs, but we're glad to see that owners are not being conservative about making performance and cosmetics changes to their rarer Mustangs.
This month's Tech Inspection focuses on improving a Shelby's appearance by installing a new cosmetic bolt-on from Raceskinz of Van Nuys, California. Raceskinz is a customizing outfit that has been on our radar since 2006, when we came across a pair of Shelby 'Stangs at the SEMA show that were dressed in the company's badass carbon-fiber stripes.
We made note of how cool the stripes were, but we also later learned that working with carbon fiber is Raceskinz specialty, and the carbon S197 stripes we drooled over were just a precursor of things to come. Well, after nearly two years of conceptualizing and development, Raceskinz is taking the wraps off of the S197 Mustang pieces its been working on, and called your tech editor and offered an exclusive opportunity to check out the first installation of the company's super-sexy, 100 percent carbon-fiber Rear Diffuser Cover for '07-'09 Shelbys (PN CF1004RLD; $860).
As our resident carbon-fiber king and Shelby GT500 owner, we know that Editor Steve Turner has a keen interest in this diffuser and many of the other carbon-centric Mustang products in the Raceskinz catalog. Look for more info about those items in future reports on Project Vapor Trail.
Right now, it's all about the rear diffuser cover, and the following photos and captions show you how Raceskinz technicians Clay Bush and George Bryant went about applying one to the back of Rollen Robertson's Vapor Silver '07 GT500.
 Each Raceskinz rear diffuser...  Each Raceskinz rear diffuser cover is molded and assembled by hand using 100-percent, true carbon fiber. The diffuser's fins are done separately, and then expertly incorporated into the panel so that the weave pattern flows seamlessly and is consistent throughout all areas of the diffuser. "We wanted to introduce carbon fiber to mainstream Mustang enthusiasts, not just the folks who own Super Snakes and really exotic sports cars that already have carbon everywhere," says company co-owner, Mike Smith. "While we use the best materials available for all of our products, our prices are very affordable, giving 'Stang owners on a budget a good chance to accessorize with true carbon fiber, without having to drive straight to the poor house when they're done." |  Those of you who know your...  Those of you who know your Shelbys-or your carbon-are aware that you'll only find "factory" carbon-fiber goodies on the Shelby Super Snake (front fascia splitter, mirror covers, and rocker panels) and KR (splitter and mirror covers). "The high-end cars from Shelby come with the front and side pieces, but there's nothing on the back," says Mike. "We decided to complete the set-creating a molded appliqu/cover instead of a completely new rear fascia or a carbon-painted piece-and make it available not only to those who want to balance out their Super Snake, but also for enthusiasts with standard Shelby GT500s and even Shelby GT 'Stangs, who want to set their cars apart with a unique look." |  Prior to installing the diffuser,...  Prior to installing the diffuser, Clay removes the backing from the two-sided tape and applies a bead of 3M's Scotch Seal Polyurethane adhesive sealant around the inner perimeter of the diffuser, which-along with self-tapping, Phillips-head screws-will keep the diffuser secure at slow or high speed. |
 Once the tape and adhesive...  Once the tape and adhesive are ready, Clay and Raceskinz technician George Bryant position the Raceskinz rear diffuser cover directly over the Shelby's factory diffuser. Each carbon-fiber cover is produced on a detailed replica of a Shelby's rear fascia to ensure perfect fitment, without trimming or cutting. Blue masking tape is used on both the body and the new diffuser to assist with aligning the cover with the body, and to prevent scratches and excess polyurethane from sticking to either piece. |  There are eight screws (included...  There are eight screws (included with the kit) that help secure the new diffuser to the bumper cover. The covers have index marks that are used for drilling small holes where the screws are placed. Once the fasteners are all secured, Raceskinz recommends applying light hand pressure for about two minutes to the three primary areas of the cover (center and each side) until the adhesive on the backside becomes tacky. |  When the new diffuser is in...  When the new diffuser is in place, Scotch Seal is applied in the small space between the tape lines, to form a clean diffuser-to-body seam. After applying the sealant in a modest, uniform bead, it then is smoothed out using a body-filler applicator blade or even your fingertip. The car should be allowed to set, preferably in the sun or heat, for approximately three hours (to allow the tape and polyurethane to cure) before reinstalling the rear tires and going for a cruise to show off. |
 Once the tape is removed and...  Once the tape is removed and the Shelby is sitting on four wheels again, the rear diffuser cover looks totally awesome and makes a dramatic difference over the drab OEM cover. With the days of huge price tags for new and used/leftover Shelby Mustangs (hopefully) long gone, enthusiasts who have wanted these cars since they first rolled into dealerships are now able to purchase them and get right into hooking them up. If appearance is what you're into, this new carbon-fiber piece by Raceskinz (and there should be plenty of others by the time you're reading this) is a fine way to get your ride's personalization started on the right foot. | | |