.........but just curious, where are they touching?????? I'm installing mine on Friday, and I need the "inside info" beforehand....... 
"factory" side pipes question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro OR
"factory" side pipes question
I've completed installing my "factory" side pipes. These are pretty much identical to the factory ones, and use the "factory" fiberglass covers from Ecklers. My question is, is it OK if the covers touch the pipes? Or will this ruin the covers? The way my pipes are, they touch in some places.
Thanks,
John.
Thanks,
John.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro OR
I think I may have installed them a bit incorrectly. They have a ridge at the top, above the screws, and I think that when I tightened them it pushed them against the pipes. Kind of hard to explain. Also, the pipes on one side may be out from the car too far. I will try putting in some small spacers to space the covers out from the pipes a quarter inch or so.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 2
From: New Zealand
Is it touching on both sides????? or just one????? Is it touching along the bottom or the top????? Middle????
Is there any way you can move the pipes??????
I'm planning on using the rocker moulding screws and their fixing points to secure the covers.....is this what you did???????
Is there any way you can move the pipes??????
I'm planning on using the rocker moulding screws and their fixing points to secure the covers.....is this what you did???????
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro OR
It looks like it is touching at the bottom of the fiberglass piece. Mine already had holes drilled, so I used those holes and used self tapping screws to screw into the car. Since there is a lip along the top edge of the fiberglass, above where the screws go, I think the screws, when tightened, cause the bottom of the fiberglass piece to pull in to the pipe. By putting spacers in that are the same thickness as the lip, I hope to fix the problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Florida
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I would keep working with it until they did not touch! 
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Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Put some washers behind the fiberglass to build it up to the ridge. This will keep the cover square to the car and give more clearance.
an air gap is required, but if it's just touching here and there, wear is more of an issue than heat.
an air gap is required, but if it's just touching here and there, wear is more of an issue than heat.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
What paint to look like chrome?
How did you paint the fiberglass covers? I assume you'd like for them to look like the factory chromed covers? Do you know of a shop which can 'chrome' the covers, the same way automakers 'chrome' pastic trim parts?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro OR
I put about .17 or so of spacers behind and now they are fine. 
Currently, they are flat black. I'll either re-paint them with a glossy (or semi glossy) black, or maybe paint them with a chrome or silver paint. I don't know that it would be worth it to me to get the covers chromed.
Currently, they are flat black. I'll either re-paint them with a glossy (or semi glossy) black, or maybe paint them with a chrome or silver paint. I don't know that it would be worth it to me to get the covers chromed.