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My 2003 airdam was never properly attached with the original springs on the back, and when I finally bought the replacment for it, the hardware kit, including the springs was omitted. Can anyone explain why they had springs on the back of the center section? If I screw the plastic center to the metal race will it still work? I had an idea that the springs on the air dam from the factory somehow allowed the airdam to flip up a little bit when it ran over obstacles. Can anyone weigh in on this with some experience?
The springs were part of the air dam and allowed it to be pushed backwards if you pulled up too close to a Parking stop ( for want of a better word ) and allowed you to back up and have no damage to the air dam and not damage to it.
The springs were part of the air dam and allowed it to be pushed backwards if you pulled up too close to a Parking stop ( for want of a better word ) and allowed you to back up and have no damage to the air dam and not damage to it.
Thanks! Now my question is how did the springs accomplish that? If anyone has an installation guide or pictures that would help!
Sorry- that video is not applicable. It shows you how to install a fully assembled front air dam (already has the springs etc. installed). I know how to turn a wrench, I just need to fabricate the springs and wire and whatever else that attaches the backing bar to the air dam so that it has that springiness that allows it to deflect over objects that would otherwise break it. I looked at Froggy's video, which was helpful, but it fell short of how the springs mate to the plastic air dam.
Thanks, Bookyoh! I know where I can buy some springs like that, and I have some thin steel cable in my garage. I can fabricate a solution based on the pictures you sent. That's much better than resorting to bolting the air dam to the backup bar and praying I never run over anything to tear the bolts out!
Thanks, again!
Thanks! Now that I have a clear picture of how the old springs worked, I fabricated a new set out of hardware store parts that are easily obtained. Here's one side completed.
Thanks to everyone for the helpful responses! And don't tell NCRS!
I have replaced mine 3 times, but the replacements always came with all the hardware?
The main function of the air dam is to make everyone turn around, look at you, point and laugh as you attempt to pull in your driveway! Also, wakes up neighbors when you come home from the gym at 2am.
In the video that came with the C5 it explains (and demonstrates) how the center section is designed to scrape and fold back when hitting a dip, etc. Actually my "side" air dams are the first to wear out since I pull in at an angle to both my alley and garage. I do have the after market side reinforcement strips which help.
I wish someone made a set about an inch shorter (for those of us that just drive around town.
I have replaced mine 3 times, but the replacements always came with all the hardware?
The main function of the air dam is to make everyone turn around, look at you, point and laugh as you attempt to pull in your driveway! Also, wakes up neighbors when you come home from the gym at 2am.
In the video that came with the C5 it explains (and demonstrates) how the center section is designed to scrape and fold back when hitting a dip, etc. Actually my "side" air dams are the first to wear out since I pull in at an angle to both my alley and garage. I do have the after market side reinforcement strips which help.
I wish someone made a set about an inch shorter (for those of us that just drive around town.
LOL. My side pieces on the air dam do the same! It used to make me cringe when I pulled out of the driveway. I'm used to it now, and the set I bought comes with new side sections.
My new air dam was advertised as having the complete hardware kit, but the package arrived damaged and I suspect the hardware package fell out somewhere along the way. My original airdam was held on by Zip ties, and I wanted to get a little closer to the stock configuration with the replacement, and I was stuck with nothing to copy and no hardware kit.
When I removed the old nasty air dam, it turned out that one side was held on my a M6-1 bolt, while the other side was held in place by a self threading bolt. Not surprsing since this Corvette had been through several owners, some of them good, and others, not so good. I bought a new M6-1 bolt just to make sure both sides matched.
I'm pleased with how my jerry-rigged spring assembly worked out. It's totally invisible from the front, but it works like it's supposed to. Once more, thanks to the forum members for pitching in with ideas.
OK, OK.... Now never ever ever drive that Corvette over obstacles, such as driveway curb lips, road debris or marshmallows!... Oh!.. That sound we all hate!... Ah! but, that horrible screach functions... Learn to love it. 🙄
C5 Front Air Dam replacement
