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I picked up a '99 6-speed last week, and I'm slowly discovering all the little issues a 23 year old car hides. I noticed that on the passenger side side vent, I can see the computer, and on the driver's side, it looks like there's a block-off plate. Is this block-off plate integrated into the wheel well? Is it a separate piece I can buy, or does the whole wheel well have to be purchased? Thanks!
Yes, you'll want to reinstall the vent insert to better protect the electrical components from water intrusion. The screen mesh product recommended won't do squat to prevent any water intrusion.
Looks like it could be item 7 per link below, which has been discontinued. To me, GM's goofy parts sketches are not always confidence inspiring. Most GM parts vendors have searchable parts databases. I provided this link just as an example.
Check out some of the Corvette used parts dealers for parts condition, availability and best price. I did a quick search and have provided a link just as an example, but I'm sure you can quickly find others. Be sure to verify part correctness and all-in cost delivered to door (shipping costs vary widely).
The fender insert is made from black ABS plastic. By the way, faded and grayed ABS plastic can be easily reconditioned with high quality olive oil (yes, you read that correctly) that is applied sparingly and rubbed / buffed into the plastic with a paper towel.
Last edited by M.Y.02Z06; Feb 21, 2022 at 11:26 AM.
Reason: Details...details...
So you need the vent covers? Mine dont have them either was thinking of putting them about 15$ each on ebay or are those knock off said requires 3m tape to install or do they snap into place. Interested in this as well
looked at mine there should be inner plastic covers inside the fender that protect the pcm from any weathering. The fender vents are for decoration i believe and to keep leaves out. So how do you insert these new ones i seen ebay said adhesive tape?
Your missing the inner fender cover i think heres photos of mine keeps the pcm covered. Should have that plastic inner fender protector for pcm as mine does have on both sides. Were you going to add the ducts or maily just worried about uncovered pcm?
Last edited by Justin Raney; Feb 21, 2022 at 01:30 PM.
I'm just worried about protecting the PCM. I think this is the part I need, but I'm not sure. Looks like it may screw in? These parts diagrams really are horrible.
Looks like it. Double check it against the same part that was removed in this video...starting around the 5 minute mark. The block off plate / insert part is useless other than keeping water from splashing onto your electrical goodies.
Thanks for all your help! Looks like the same parr to me. Now to find some attaching screws 😂
Originally Posted by M.Y.02Z06
Looks like it. Double check it against the same part that was removed in this video...starting around the 5 minute mark. The block off plate / insert part is useless other than keeping water from splashing onto your electrical goodies.
Check a vendor's GM parts database. It might show the screw specs. If I recall, the screws are black and have sheet metal grade threads, and there is a black washer. Though, the panel screws should be hidden (see the video around the 4:40 time mark) so finish color does not matter.
When I had my car's passenger fender apart (had to repair the attachment tab on the underside that had broken due to incorrect jacking by a prior owner), I recall that most of the fender well screws were of the same size. You could remove a fender liner screw and test it on the panel when it arrives and then head to the hardware store to get the extras that you'll need.
FYI...you'll need to jack up the RF corner, remove the wheel, and remove the wheel well liner to be able to install the replacement block off plate. Each wheel well liner fastener screws into a metal clip. You'll likely need a small ratchet to remove the screws.
When replacing all of the wheel well liner fasteners just gently snug them up by hand tightening...don't go bats**t and over-tighten them.
Lastly, (on my '02...may be the same on your car) the wheel well panel wraps under the car and is attached to the underside with two or three fasteners. One of the fasteners is located near the rocker panel and might be a pain to find and remove / replace.
Thanks for all your help! I actually had the wheel well off this past weekend as I wanted to see if perhaps the part was tucked up in there, or cut away, or something. Those 7mm bolts are a pain to get off!
I ordered the part yesterday, so I should be getting it installed hopefully this weekend. Thanks again!
Cool yeah mine has one already glad it does that keeps the pcm protected. May i ask are you going to put the plastic grill guards? You have to get under there to install them with 3m adhesive tape i read. It doesn't bother me not having them. More stuff makes more things to break. What exactly are the grill guards functions?
1999 C5 side vent splash guard?
