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Tech Tips :: C5 Related Tech Tips :: C5 Rolled Exhaust Plate Install

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Please note: I installed a C5 rolled exhaust plate from Xtreme Motorsports. I am confident that this tech tip will work for others as well, but check measurments first to be sure. Sorry there are no pics, my sister borrowed my digital camera. One other tip: Don't say to yourself "this would be a great time to polish the exhaust plate before I put it under the car." It is shiny enough already. Just wipe off your fingerprints when you are done. Polishing the plate with even Zaino will scratch the chrome. Trust me, I know. After one install gone wrong (crooked) I set out to find a way to ensure the exhaust plate was straight, centered, and at the right height. It is a lot of work, but if you are a perfectionist like me, it is necessary. Here is what I did: 1. Cut a piece of scrap wood which is about 14.25" long (the length of the exhaust plate) and .75" thick (the distance the bottom of the plate is supposed to be from the bottom of the CD changer tub). A piece which is 1.75" wide is perfect. I believe this equates to a 14.25" long piece of 1X2. 2. Measure the exact center of the 14.25" piece of wood and mark the 1.75" side with a line indicating the center. 3. Take a very small piece of mounting tape (the same type used to mount the plate, but thinner if you have it) and place it near the center of the scrap wood on the side opposite from where the pencil line is. You will be pulling the scrap wood out at the end, so keep this in mind when selecting the size of the piece of mounting tape. 4. Look under the CD changer tub. There is a tiny drain hole, which is directly in the center. 5. Clean the area on the tub where the plate will be mounted with rubbing alcohol, as indicated on the directions provided with the plate. 6. While laying under the CD changer tub, press your scrap wood into place by lining up the back side of the line you drew earlier with the tub's drain hole. Obviously, remove the strip protecting the adhesive first. 7. Test fit first the exhaust plate first!! Then, when you are ready, remove the strips covering the adhesive. Use the "rolled edge" of the exhaust plate by holding the adhesive backing away from the tub while pushing the rolled edge firmly against the scrap wood. If the scrap is just as long as the plate, use you fingers to ensure that the plate is centered. 8. Slowly press the plate from the bottom edge upwards while still holding the plate tight against the scrap wood and centered. Once it is attached, that's it! 9. Remove your scrap wood from the tub and any adhesive the wood may have left. Crack open a beer and admire your work.