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C 5 Body style question

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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 03:02 PM
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Default C 5 Body style question

Hello everyone. I am new and looking to buy a used C 5 coupe. I have noticed that some have a center raised spear in the middle of the body side. Some just have the two from the reverse scoop behind the front tire. The red convertible at the top of the page had the third spear going down the middle. I will be honest. I don't like this feature and wonder what models/years don't have it. Thanks.
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Badge
Hello everyone. I am new and looking to buy a used C 5 coupe. I have noticed that some have a center raised spear in the middle of the body side. Some just have the two from the reverse scoop behind the front tire. The red convertible at the top of the page had the third spear going down the middle. I will be honest. I don't like this feature and wonder what models/years don't have it. Thanks.
Welcome to the forum.

The "spear" you speak of is called a Body Side Modling (BSM) and is there to prevent door chips. This was an option on Vettes and from what I understand can be removed if you ended up buying a Vette with one on it and didn't want it on. Do not let the BSM stop you from buying the Vette you want.
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 03:07 PM
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I think you are talking about Body Side Moldings (BSMs) that are optional on all C5s. Some like 'em, some don't. The side panels are indented from the ducts or "gills" and those are not optional as they are part of the body.

Even if you do get a C5 with BSMs, they can be easily removed.

Mine has them.

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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 03:14 PM
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I agree with CAJUNY2KC5 and jaxgator. These are easily removed with either fishing string used to "saw" through the adhesive holding them on, or by heating this adhesive up with a heat gun or hair dryer and pulling the BSMs off. Regardless of which technique you use to remove them, finish by using 3M adhesive remover to take off the remaining adhesive from the paint. Its that simple...so don't let the BSM's stop you from buying the vette you would otherwise want. Goodluck

Last edited by DickieC.99; Dec 16, 2004 at 03:17 PM.
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 03:15 PM
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Buy C-5, heat Body Side Moldings, remove same, polish and wax cove... drive, enjoy!

Welcome aboard!
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by CAJUNY2KC5
Even if you do get a C5 with BSMs, they can be easily removed.

Mine has them.
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 06:05 PM
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What you are seeing are the body side moldings (midway on the door and front fender) which are an option on the car. If you find a car you like that has these, they can be removed with a hairdryer and some fishing line.

The scoops in front of the rear wheels are the brake ducts that came standard on the Z06 model and have been installed by many other C5 drivers on their coupe or convertible.
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 06:05 PM
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You may want to think about keeping them, if your future Vette is daily driver. They can save some nasty parking lot door scrapes.
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 06:07 PM
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Welcome
Enjoy the ride
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 06:09 PM
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Welcome Good luck on your search for a car and when you do, Don't forget to wave! :

BSM's
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 06:18 PM
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I like the look better w/o. It's all up to you!
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 07:37 PM
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I use my vette as a daily driver so I like the idea. You can always remove a BSM much easier than removing a door ding courtesy of some @#$#$%
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 09:25 PM
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Yes, as said...easy to take off...get the car you want...
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 09:58 PM
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Welcome to the Forum and good luck finding the right new ride!
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 10:22 PM
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Wow. Thanks for the replies. This is a great resource. I assumed the spear was cast into the body. Good to know it is a option. The car will be a daily driver, so might be a idea to keep it on the car.
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Badge
Wow. Thanks for the replies. This is a great resource. I assumed the spear was cast into the body. Good to know it is a option. The car will be a daily driver, so might be a idea to keep it on the car.
Yeah, I have them on mine, and realized i like them and come in handy
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 10:37 PM
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Well the great debate is started. To BSM or Not BSM. It was the only option I didn't get.
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 10:48 PM
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I prefer the cleaner look without. Mine is not a daily driver and am verrrry careful where it is parked. Welcome and enjoy,with or without.
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 10:57 PM
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I like the C5 with or without BSM... Mine has them and I never really thought much about it. So Many other things spend my energy(and cash) on!!
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 11:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Zilla
altho I like mine
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