Will removing BSM's leave a mark?
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Instructor
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From: Arklahoma
Will removing BSM's leave a mark?
I have an '03 AE vert with the body side moldings. I have always preferred the look of a C5 without them, but am concerned that having them removed will leave a "ghost" mark. The car has always been garaged, for whatever that bit of information is worth. Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
David H.
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Several members have removed the BSM's with varying success. I've seen everything from "just had to wipe with a quick detailer" to "Oh crap, it damaged my door." I wish that I could give you better information but it seems that it will come down to technique, Patience and the individual car. Just gather as much input as you can on the best approach and go for it.
Paul
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I agree with talon90. I've read posts of no problems, slight color differences, and even peeling the paint off when removing them. Most have no problem getting them off, but I guess anything could happen. If you decide to do it, just take your time. Best of luck.
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The newer the car the less chance of any mark being left on the doors. NOW, a 98 C5 that has been sitting outside for alot of it's life, WILL obviously be a bad candidate for BSM removal.
They CAN be removed fairly easily though on ANY C5. Paint does fade however, no matter how well you take car of it so the older the car, the best chance of it leaving traces of being there.
They CAN be removed fairly easily though on ANY C5. Paint does fade however, no matter how well you take car of it so the older the car, the best chance of it leaving traces of being there.
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Just don't get Red_Racer to remove your BSM then you could end up with a mark 
Sorry Joe could help it
Sorry Joe could help it
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From: Northern NJ nj
Originally Posted by dmaxwellh
I have an '03 AE vert with the body side moldings. I have always preferred the look of a C5 without them, but am concerned that having them removed will leave a "ghost" mark. The car has always been garaged, for whatever that bit of information is worth. Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
David H.
David H.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Manassas VA
I got my wife to assist me when I removed mine. Okay, the truth is I ended up assisting HER, but that's beside the point. Excercise EXTREME patience, and follow the technique best suited for you. We had success with Dental Floss and the sunny side of the car. I highly recommend two people, one to lift and the other to 'cut through' with the floss.
After removal, the remaining adhesive rubbed off with my finger, and then I used Scratch-X on the areas where the BSM's were, washed, waxed, and final detailed. You can VERY FAINTLY see some traces of a small line or two, but you have to know where to look and catch it from the right angle. Otherwise, it came out great. You're gonna love the clean look!
Good luck.
After removal, the remaining adhesive rubbed off with my finger, and then I used Scratch-X on the areas where the BSM's were, washed, waxed, and final detailed. You can VERY FAINTLY see some traces of a small line or two, but you have to know where to look and catch it from the right angle. Otherwise, it came out great. You're gonna love the clean look!
Good luck.
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Originally Posted by Zilla
Just don't get Red_Racer to remove your BSM then you could end up with a mark
Sorry Joe could help it
Sorry Joe could help it
At least I know the right way now...
Melting Slicks
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I've had 3 99's and took them off all three. No problems at all, no discoloration or issues. The last one was last July, black car, 4 years old and it looks great. Don't be skeered, do it, I think the cars look a ton better when they are off.
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Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
I agree with talon90. I've read posts of no problems, slight color differences, and even peeling the paint off when removing them. Most have no problem getting them off, but I guess anything could happen. If you decide to do it, just take your time. Best of luck.
Don't rush it by trying to pull them off once you have enough of it off that you can pull hard. Use the fishing line all the way along and clean up with Goo Gone. You'll love it. Your color shouldn't show any differences. Post some before and after pics. 
Instructor
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From: Alta Loma CA
I just had this done! I have a 2001 Coupe, black in color. Like SLIK said, I didn't have the guts to remove them either, so I had West Coast Corvettes do it for me. Came out beautifully. You would never know they were there. WCC only charged me $65 to do it. Money well spent as I think the car looks much better without them. John at WCC said most come off pretty easily and only rarely require buffing to remove any residual marks. He did mention problems can occur when the vehicles are older and have been left parked out in the sun (i.e. not garaged 
) as the paint does fade a bit and a "ghost" image can appear
) as the paint does fade a bit and a "ghost" image can appear
Melting Slicks
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From: The second childhood is the best one of all.
I've got a friend who races C-5s at very high speeds. He says the BSMs are functional. As the air flows over the front fenders on a C5 it comes down in the door area on each side and, without BSMs, it flows under the body and provides lift. Lift at 170 mph is a bad thing. At that speed, according to him, the BSMs reduce lift and actually provide a little downforce. What do you think? Is this cool or what? 
Melting Slicks
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From: The second childhood is the best one of all.
Dude! I'd give my left gonad for a ride in a black hawk. My buddy races in open road races in the Las Vega 
s area. The last race he did he dialed in 160 and averaged 159.997. That is on regular roads and an average over 90 miles. He did something like 90 miles in 32 minutes. He's got a 99 C5 with the Mallett 450 HP conversion. Would you want lift?
s area. The last race he did he dialed in 160 and averaged 159.997. That is on regular roads and an average over 90 miles. He did something like 90 miles in 32 minutes. He's got a 99 C5 with the Mallett 450 HP conversion. Would you want lift?
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From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
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Originally Posted by BickyDhadwal
leave them on there...i think they look great....and they are an option!!!
Leave 'em on.
Take 'em off.
Leave 'em on.
Take 'em off.
How about a poll on the topic??
Guys, the battle is over. The "take 'em off" side wins!
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From: I love you & miss you Linda
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Originally Posted by vettenovice
Why risk it? Are BSMs really that bad?
They come off easy