C5 Skid Plate Installation Question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
C5 Skid Plate Installation Question
I'm usually in the C1/C2 section with the dinosaur cars, but I find I have a C5 question. 
I have a 2001 coupe. 24,000 miles, never wrecked, etc. Nice Millenium Yellow/black car.
Ordered a pair of skid plates from Eckler's. You can see them on the far left in the pic at the link below. They're the gold anodized ones.
http://www.ecklers.com/exterior-part...kid-plate.html
Problem is I can't get them to fit.
I've tried them both ways, short end to the front, short end to the rear. Regardless of which way I install them, they won't slide "up" far enough to allow the bolt to pass through above the existing bar.
What am I missing here? I'm a much better than average mechanic.
I might add that the current skid plates have some scrapes on the bottom, but they're not bent/crooked, etc.
Any advice? TIA.
Chuck
I have a 2001 coupe. 24,000 miles, never wrecked, etc. Nice Millenium Yellow/black car.
Ordered a pair of skid plates from Eckler's. You can see them on the far left in the pic at the link below. They're the gold anodized ones.
http://www.ecklers.com/exterior-part...kid-plate.html
Problem is I can't get them to fit.
I've tried them both ways, short end to the front, short end to the rear. Regardless of which way I install them, they won't slide "up" far enough to allow the bolt to pass through above the existing bar.
What am I missing here? I'm a much better than average mechanic.
I might add that the current skid plates have some scrapes on the bottom, but they're not bent/crooked, etc.
Any advice? TIA.
Chuck
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
You can barely wiggle either end up in that opening. When I force the skid bar "up", it doesn't go far enough above the existing bar to insert the bolt.
Chuck
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
I'm just bringing this back TTT for anyone who reads it.
These skid plates are worthless. Absolutely useless.
There is no way that they will fit properly. I tried them in both possible orientations. They fit like boots on a rooster.
When you get them positioned in a half decent manner, the tabs line up with the vertical bar holding the original skid plate. So, you would have to drill the bar, IF you could get to it.
AND, the retention bolt? Well, it you slide the tabs fore or aft of the vertical bar, of course the plate itself doesn't fit, BUT there is no way you can get a bolt/nut in there to tighten things up.
I'm certainly not removing the entire nose panel to put these gizmos on.
My advice? Don't waste your money. They're worthless.
Chuck
These skid plates are worthless. Absolutely useless.
There is no way that they will fit properly. I tried them in both possible orientations. They fit like boots on a rooster.
When you get them positioned in a half decent manner, the tabs line up with the vertical bar holding the original skid plate. So, you would have to drill the bar, IF you could get to it.
AND, the retention bolt? Well, it you slide the tabs fore or aft of the vertical bar, of course the plate itself doesn't fit, BUT there is no way you can get a bolt/nut in there to tighten things up.
I'm certainly not removing the entire nose panel to put these gizmos on.
My advice? Don't waste your money. They're worthless.
Chuck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
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I bought the exact same ones from an eBay vendor and they fit pretty good. I did have to spread open the prongs a little bit before slipping them on. They look like they'll provide some decent protection if I ever scrape the frame rails again.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 43
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From: marion nc
skid plate
same here, took about 5 min. to install.......clay
Race Director
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From: The Sunshine State
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I looked at these and the roller skate wheels before I settled on my Fangs. (First White, then Black).
I know each driver/owner has different needs, however I just wanted something to protect the frame. I've owned my C5 for 6 years and I'm still feel like I'm learning to park it at times around raised sidewalks and parking blocks.
Best thing about the Fangs is if you do rough them up, you can wipe them down with Armour-All or some other type of black plastic/vinyl treatment and they are as good as new!
I did not like the above linked skid plates because I didn't understand the concept of installing metal over metal to protect the metal? Wouldn't the second piece get just as nasty?
The roller skates are a good idea in concept, however I didn't like the idea of worn down roller skate wheels peaking out under my front end.
You can't even see the Fangs if I don't point them out!
White Fangs:
Black Fangs:
I know each driver/owner has different needs, however I just wanted something to protect the frame. I've owned my C5 for 6 years and I'm still feel like I'm learning to park it at times around raised sidewalks and parking blocks.
Best thing about the Fangs is if you do rough them up, you can wipe them down with Armour-All or some other type of black plastic/vinyl treatment and they are as good as new!
I did not like the above linked skid plates because I didn't understand the concept of installing metal over metal to protect the metal? Wouldn't the second piece get just as nasty?
The roller skates are a good idea in concept, however I didn't like the idea of worn down roller skate wheels peaking out under my front end.
You can't even see the Fangs if I don't point them out!
White Fangs:
Black Fangs:
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Black Fangs FTW... I bought a set around Halloween and love them.
Thread Starter
Race Director
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Hmmmm. Interesting.
I was unfamiliar with the Fangs. Looks like a neat installation, totally unlike the useless items I bought.
I'll look into it, and thank you all for the tip.
Chuck
I was unfamiliar with the Fangs. Looks like a neat installation, totally unlike the useless items I bought.
I'll look into it, and thank you all for the tip.
Chuck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
For me, it's the frame wheels that I cannot wrap my brain around. How are the wheels supposed to protect the frame rails especially since they are installed by drilling a large bolt hole through the side of each frame rail which in itself, will weaken the structure. Secondly, I wonder what happens when they are hit. Wouldn't that cause the frame rails to distort or the bolt to break or bend?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
For me, it's the frame wheels that I cannot wrap my brain around. How are the wheels supposed to protect the frame rails especially since they are installed by drilling a large bolt hole through the side of each frame rail which in itself, will weaken the structure. Secondly, I wonder what happens when they are hit. Wouldn't that cause the frame rails to distort or the bolt to break or bend?
Drilling a relatively large hole in that area would definitely weaken the structure. Chuck
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From: SacCityCorvette.com in Sacramento Ca Join us on Facebook!
St. Jude Donor '12,'13,'15,'16,'17
Hi,
Thanks everyone for giving Chuck our info on the Fangs and letting everyone know how well they work!
Here is a link to our Christmas sale
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-p...-stocking.html
Merry Christmas!
Thanks everyone for giving Chuck our info on the Fangs and letting everyone know how well they work!
Here is a link to our Christmas sale
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-p...-stocking.html
Merry Christmas!
__________________
Don't forget to check out our products at www.saccitycorvette.com
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Don't forget to check out our products at www.saccitycorvette.com
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Last edited by SacCityCorvette; Dec 24, 2010 at 06:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Hi,
Thanks everyone for giving Chuck our info on the Fangs and letting everyone know how well they work!
Here is a link to our Christmas sale
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-p...-stocking.html
Merry Christmas!
Thanks everyone for giving Chuck our info on the Fangs and letting everyone know how well they work!
Here is a link to our Christmas sale
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-p...-stocking.html
Merry Christmas!
MUCH better design. Heading "North" for the Christmas holidays. I'll probably order a set when I get back.
Thanks to all.
Chuck
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From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Neat looking item. Thank you for the link. Looks like they attach by drilling 2 holes, and then using either 2 sheet metal screws, or 2 machine screws (after tapping the hole).
MUCH better design. Heading "North" for the Christmas holidays. I'll probably order a set when I get back.
Thanks to all.
Chuck
MUCH better design. Heading "North" for the Christmas holidays. I'll probably order a set when I get back.
Thanks to all.
Chuck
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From: SacCityCorvette.com in Sacramento Ca Join us on Facebook!
St. Jude Donor '12,'13,'15,'16,'17
Hi,
No drilling required on the C5 Fangs installation.
The C6 Fangs require drilling 4 small (approximately 1/8" with supplied drill bit) holes then threading them with the self tapping machine screws. Only screw the self tapping screw in and remove it one time because each time you screw it back in it will recut the treads and you don’t want that.
After they are tapped install the Fangs with the Black Oxide coated Stainless steel machine screws. We recommend applying a drop of #242 Loctite to them. It’s a simple install and the aluminum is easy to drill.
No drilling required on the C5 Fangs installation.
The C6 Fangs require drilling 4 small (approximately 1/8" with supplied drill bit) holes then threading them with the self tapping machine screws. Only screw the self tapping screw in and remove it one time because each time you screw it back in it will recut the treads and you don’t want that.
After they are tapped install the Fangs with the Black Oxide coated Stainless steel machine screws. We recommend applying a drop of #242 Loctite to them. It’s a simple install and the aluminum is easy to drill.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,389
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From: somewhere shooting my assault rifles
Got my fangs on...
I had wheels all this time thinking I needed them going in/out of my driveway the way front always lifted up rolling on them turning in and out and different angles trying not to scrape. Today did the driveway test many times and not once did the fangs scrape so the wheels hung low enough below cradle support to hit them.
I had wheels all this time thinking I needed them going in/out of my driveway the way front always lifted up rolling on them turning in and out and different angles trying not to scrape. Today did the driveway test many times and not once did the fangs scrape so the wheels hung low enough below cradle support to hit them.
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From: SacCityCorvette.com in Sacramento Ca Join us on Facebook!
St. Jude Donor '12,'13,'15,'16,'17
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Thanks Z06Supercharged!
Hurry! Our Christmas sale is almost over!
Don't miss out on a great money saving sale!
Here's a link to our Christmas Sale!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...g-stuffer.html
Thanks Z06Supercharged!
Hurry! Our Christmas sale is almost over!
Don't miss out on a great money saving sale!
Here's a link to our Christmas Sale!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...g-stuffer.html
