FRC Installation
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Centerville OH
FRC Installation
Need some help. Received one of my new mods today (FRC) and to my surprise the directions state that I need to remove the fuel line to get my stock ones off and put on the new ones. Is this necessary? I'm no mechanic when it comes to this level of "do-it-yourself" mods. Any words of encouragement or maybe another way of installing?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I'd say, wrap the fuel line with painters tape, and carefully wiggle it past/thru the FRC. Do the same with the new one.
If your new ones are painted, I think the mfr/vendor is just taking the extra precaution that you WON'T be careful and will damage the paint. Then you'll want to return it and blame the vendor. So, if you want to do it with zero chance of damage, remove the fuel line.
If your new ones are painted, I think the mfr/vendor is just taking the extra precaution that you WON'T be careful and will damage the paint. Then you'll want to return it and blame the vendor. So, if you want to do it with zero chance of damage, remove the fuel line.
CF Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,262
Likes: 21
From: Palm City Florida
Need some help. Received one of my new mods today (FRC) and to my surprise the directions state that I need to remove the fuel line to get my stock ones off and put on the new ones. Is this necessary? I'm no mechanic when it comes to this level of "do-it-yourself" mods. Any words of encouragement or maybe another way of installing?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,303
Likes: 12
From: R.I.P Zebra Ct
I've removed mine many times and here is the best way.
1) Blue painters tape around fuel line.
2) Heat cover up in that area with blow dryer. Get it nice and warm. It will be so flexible that you won't even touch the fuel line putting it on(still do the tape for though)
To take them off, just drive for awhile. That will heat them up and make it easy.
Trust me, works perfectly.
1) Blue painters tape around fuel line.
2) Heat cover up in that area with blow dryer. Get it nice and warm. It will be so flexible that you won't even touch the fuel line putting it on(still do the tape for though)
To take them off, just drive for awhile. That will heat them up and make it easy.
Trust me, works perfectly.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 89
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From: Centerville OH
I tried taking the one off on the side of the fuel line and could't do it. Like you mentioned - I'm going to have to warm it up first -- it is about 42 degrees in my garage right now. Will let you know if it all works out 
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
You've gotten some good advice and no question removing the fuel line is your best bet. Another good suggestion is to take driver's side cover...tape the edges with painters tape and then wrap it in a large bath towel. Start and run your clothes dryer for a good while to build-up heat...shut-off the dryer and place your towel-wrapped coil cover in the dryer (but DON'T START THE DRYER). Just let it heat up and it will become more pliable.
Also, use your old coil cover and practice installing it before you try installing your new cover. If you bend it too far it's better to find out on your old cover. It's not difficult to do...practice first.
Also, use your old coil cover and practice installing it before you try installing your new cover. If you bend it too far it's better to find out on your old cover. It's not difficult to do...practice first.
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 81
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From: Cape Coral Florida
I used tape on the edges of the opening in the FRC and on the fuel line. I also used some vasoline on the edges over the tape. It was a warm day and they went on with little effort and no damage to the paint on the FRC.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 89
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From: Centerville OH
Great suggestions!! I finally got the stock cover off - over the fuel line. I used a heat gun to warm it up. It was still a bear to get off. Unfortunately I couldn't find any painters tape so I have to wait until tomorrow to hit Lowes/Home Depot for that. I will practice with the stock cover first. Thanks again for all your help/suggestions. A great forum indeed!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,189
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From: Northwest Arkansas
This issue seems to come up periodically and I am always surprised to see how many experienced Vette modders advocate heating/bending/taping the covers to install them.
You can go to AutoZone, O'Reilley's, or any other automotive store and buy a simple plastic tool that will easily remove the fuel line. Removing the fuel line, swapping out the FRC, and re-connecting the fuel line literally takes less than 2 minutes using this procedure. Why risk scratching or breaking your new cover (or taking the time to do all this prep work)?
I recommend having a rag handy to catch any fuel drops that may drip when you disconnect the fuel line and I wouldn't recommend disconnecting the fuel line while the engine is hot.
...just my $0.02
Good Luck!
You can go to AutoZone, O'Reilley's, or any other automotive store and buy a simple plastic tool that will easily remove the fuel line. Removing the fuel line, swapping out the FRC, and re-connecting the fuel line literally takes less than 2 minutes using this procedure. Why risk scratching or breaking your new cover (or taking the time to do all this prep work)?
I recommend having a rag handy to catch any fuel drops that may drip when you disconnect the fuel line and I wouldn't recommend disconnecting the fuel line while the engine is hot.
...just my $0.02
Good Luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,500
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
and be careful where the cover is split for the fuel line . . .the edges are very, very sharp . . . . .and I have the scars to prove it!
great advice in each of these posts . . . .OR
you can buy the beer and we'll all come over to help . .
Good luck - - post pictures when you're finished !
great advice in each of these posts . . . .OR
you can buy the beer and we'll all come over to help . .
Good luck - - post pictures when you're finished !
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 89
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From: Centerville OH
Too late...cut myself already!! I do have one question though...when removing the fuel line, do I need to bleed the line? Anything special other than to get a cheap $5 tool from Autozone and unhook it? Sounds way too easy. If you guys were in Dayton, I would take you up on it and the beer is on me!! 
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
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Another possible suggestion: Get a clear soft plastic hose about the size of the fuel line, cut to length and slit it so it can be put on the fuel line, put a little vaseline on the plastic hose and slide on the FRC. Similar to using the painters tape idea.
AL
AL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Arkansas
Too late...cut myself already!! I do have one question though...when removing the fuel line, do I need to bleed the line? Anything special other than to get a cheap $5 tool from Autozone and unhook it? Sounds way too easy. If you guys were in Dayton, I would take you up on it and the beer is on me!!
You're right - this is too easy which is why I don't understand why everyone doesn't use this method.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
I'm getting ready for this mod too, so thanks in advance for all the good advice.
Question: How are the FRCs attached to the engine? Is it hard to remove and replace the new ones? They can't be loose, but I imagine that they "snap" into place or something.
Question: How are the FRCs attached to the engine? Is it hard to remove and replace the new ones? They can't be loose, but I imagine that they "snap" into place or something.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,474
Likes: 3
From: Bradenton, FL & Chandler AZ
St. Jude Donor '09
I received my painted FRCs yesterday. I went to Checkers Auto and rented the fuel line removal tool. Some fuel did SHOOT out and got all over. Anyway, it was not that big of a deal, but for sure, a pain in the neck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 158
From: New Bedford MA
This issue seems to come up periodically and I am always surprised to see how many experienced Vette modders advocate heating/bending/taping the covers to install them.
You can go to AutoZone, O'Reilley's, or any other automotive store and buy a simple plastic tool that will easily remove the fuel line. Removing the fuel line, swapping out the FRC, and re-connecting the fuel line literally takes less than 2 minutes using this procedure. Why risk scratching or breaking your new cover (or taking the time to do all this prep work)?
I recommend having a rag handy to catch any fuel drops that may drip when you disconnect the fuel line and I wouldn't recommend disconnecting the fuel line while the engine is hot.
...just my $0.02
Good Luck!
You can go to AutoZone, O'Reilley's, or any other automotive store and buy a simple plastic tool that will easily remove the fuel line. Removing the fuel line, swapping out the FRC, and re-connecting the fuel line literally takes less than 2 minutes using this procedure. Why risk scratching or breaking your new cover (or taking the time to do all this prep work)?
I recommend having a rag handy to catch any fuel drops that may drip when you disconnect the fuel line and I wouldn't recommend disconnecting the fuel line while the engine is hot.
...just my $0.02
Good Luck!
Pull the fuel line off at the firewall to avoid splash fuel on the new FRC when putting it back. There is a samll amount of fuel in the line so have a rag handy. The plastic fuel line tool works just fine. We used a $10.00 aluminum tool kit from AutoZone but the $5.00 tool does the same thing.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
they push on to some posts, very easily. trust try loosening the passenger side one by gently lifting it up along one edge. gentle is the operative word.
