subject of all time.
Side molding....Remove or leave it?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Concord California
Which ever way you go, depending on how long the side molding was on, the color of your vette, the paint under the molding may be darker than the rest of the vehicle. So keep that in mind before you start ripping and a roaring.. Good luck.. I like the vettes without them, but that's me.. I think they just look to busy on the side of a very clean looking vehicle.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh PA
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,758
Likes: 42
From: Prescott Arizona
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 37
From: Burbank. CA.
I removed my BSM and put marks down the whole side of the door. I used weed eater line that was shape like a hexagon. What I thought was glue marks left over, was actually paint that came off. 
I'm no waxer, but this is definitely going to be a problem to fix. If I used fishing line, maybe this wouldn't have happened. Don't know.
Steve A.
I'm no waxer, but this is definitely going to be a problem to fix. If I used fishing line, maybe this wouldn't have happened. Don't know.Steve A.
Last edited by mountainbiker2; Oct 12, 2011 at 09:01 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,542
Likes: 385
From: Fort Worth Texas
I removed my BSM and put marks down the whole side of the door. I used weed eater line that was shape like a hexagon. What I thought was glue marks left over, was actually paint that came off. I'm no waxer, but this is definitely going to be a problem to fix. If I used fishing line, maybe this wouldn't have happened. Don't know.
Steve A.
I'm no waxer, but this is definitely going to be a problem to fix. If I used fishing line, maybe this wouldn't have happened. Don't know.Steve A.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Logan Township Nj
I am not removing mine until I move out of my apt later this month... I have yet another "abandoned" car parked next to me but they left a lot of room. I wonder why this is the 2nd abandoned car-- but hey, its ok. It does not move and left me plenty of room (I am next to the curb).
BTW, I removed mine on a bright silver metallic 1998 firebird (it was 2004 when I removed them- no fading at all)... that car was kept outdoors too.
BTW, I removed mine on a bright silver metallic 1998 firebird (it was 2004 when I removed them- no fading at all)... that car was kept outdoors too.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 10
From: Tulsa OK
When I started looking at used C5s, BSM were not even on my list of options. After buying a very clean, low mileage '02 I started looking at other C5s and discovered the reason mine looked a little plain was the absence of Body Side Moldings. I was able to purchase a set of used ones from a Forum member. After cleaning and painting, applying tape and measuring closely my Corvette isn't missing a thing.
My answer to your question: leave them on.
OBD
My answer to your question: leave them on.
OBD
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 908
Likes: 0
From: CA
I have to disagree with the earlier poster who said the C5 looks like something's missing without the moldings. Quite the opposite, IMHO. The moldings look like something that was just slapped on as an afterthought. As for the guy who read that the moldings somehow helped the aerodynamics of the car, well, you really shouldn't believe everything you read! Unless you can cite a reputable source, I say that's a load of horse dung.
Remove, definitely. But that's just my ridiculous opinion!
Remove, definitely. But that's just my ridiculous opinion!
One of my Corvette books that I have it states that the BSM in fact aid in the aerodynamics of the car. Now by how much, I don't know. I'll have to pull that book out again and see. IMO I think they should stay on. As I noted before. If it's functional and looks good, why not keep them? 
Last edited by 91GreatWhiteShark; Oct 14, 2011 at 04:06 PM.
