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1997-2004 side fins

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Old May 18, 2009 | 07:18 PM
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Default 1997-2004 side fins

I'm in market for a 1997 to 2004 vette. Could someone explain to me why some have a horizontal fin running along side to scoop and some have no fin at all....thanks: a previous 1963 split window coop owner.
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Old May 18, 2009 | 07:35 PM
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They're called Body Side Moldings (BSM's) --- not really anything more than asthetics.

Some people like 'em, some don't.

Dave
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Old May 18, 2009 | 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Bondo John
I'm in market for a 1997 to 2004 vette. Could someone explain to me why some have a horizontal fin running along side to scoop and some have no fin at all....thanks: a previous 1963 split window coop owner.
Are you refering to the Body Side Molding (BSM) that is painted the same colour of the car?
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Old May 18, 2009 | 07:55 PM
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Default side fins

Originally Posted by HiVoltge
Are you refering to the Body Side Molding (BSM) that is painted the same colour of the car?
If you look at top vette photo on this page you can see the fin or strip that runs along side of car and ends in scoop. Is this an option that can be ordered at time of purchase? I'm asking this because I've been looking at pictures on internet sale and most have this but some don't.
I prefer this look. If I buy a car without this can it be purchased or is it a factory design of the car. thanks ...Bondo
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Old May 18, 2009 | 07:56 PM
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If you look at top vette photo on this page you can see the fin or strip that runs along side of car and ends in scoop. Is this an option that can be ordered at time of purchase? I'm asking this because I've been looking at pictures on internet sale and most have this but some don't.
I prefer this look. If I buy a car without this can it be purchased or is it a factory design of the car. thanks ...Bondo
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Old May 18, 2009 | 08:13 PM
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they make the vette go faster....
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Old May 18, 2009 | 08:15 PM
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The "fin" you refer to is a Body Side Molding, or BSM. They were a standard feature when the cars were new. The cars you see without them are ones where the owners removed them. They're just a rubber strip attached with a very sticky adhesive. If you buy a car without them, you can buy the BSMs from GM or a number of dealers and have them intalled/painted. I've seen photos of at least one car here on this forum where the owner added two additional BSMs, one above and one below the factory one. So like they say at Burger King, you can have it your way!
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Old May 18, 2009 | 08:17 PM
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Yes, it was an option. The body side moldings can be easily removed if you don't like them.

Mine does not have them, never had them (see sig pic).


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Old May 18, 2009 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by 808VetteFan
The "fin" you refer to is a Body Side Molding, or BSM. They were a standard feature when the cars were new. The cars you see without them are ones where the owners removed them.
Incorrect...they were a $75 option, B84 RPO

Most dealers that pre-ordered cars, ordered them with this option, but they were not standard.


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Old May 18, 2009 | 08:32 PM
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Thanks for all the replies.....and now I see said the blind man....thanks
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Old May 18, 2009 | 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Y2Kvert4me
Incorrect...they were a $75 option, B84 RPO

Most dealers that pre-ordered cars, ordered them with this option, but they were not standard.


Thanks for the correction! I guess it's true what they say about assuming...

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Old May 18, 2009 | 10:10 PM
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It's just an option that came on the car. Some like it, some don't.
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Old May 18, 2009 | 10:28 PM
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Originally Posted by maxvalley
they make the vette go faster....
And here I was contemplating removal
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