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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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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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