ncvette_1FUNRIDE

I know that more and more people are thinking of changing out their EXTERIOR 'A' pillars for either painted ones or carbon fiber ones.

I am in the process of doing this and thought I would post up some photos and instructions to help others who might want to do this.

I know others have already done this and posted detailed instructions that helped me a lot, I am just adding some photos to help out.

First the driver's side steps:

1. Open the hood. Once that is done you will need to remove a plastic cover on the driver's side near the base of the 'A' pillar by taking out one screw and sliding the part forward slightly and wiggling it loose.

2. After you get that part removed, you will need to remove the screw at the base of the 'A' pillar.

3. Next you need to pull the rubber weather stripping loose, starting right under the base of the 'A' pillar. It is held on by some sticky black automotive adhesive at the bottom, and the rest of it (up to the top) is in a groove that you can just pull it out of. Stop pulling it loose once you get to the top (don't go across the door).

4. This will expose all of the screws that you will need to take out. They're are 6 MORE screws to remove. Once you take those out the 'A' pillar can be wiggled loose as you pull downward on it. CONGRATS, it's out.

5. Reinstall the new 'A' pillar by reversing this process. Once all of the screws are back in, you need to work the rubber weather strip back into the groove that holds it and 'restick' the bottom part. You may need to add some adhesive but I didn't. I'm sure that it can be picked up at any automotive parts place.

Doing the Passenger's side is exactly the same with one exception. You DO NOT have any plastic piece to remove at the bottom. Instead you just grasp the flexible molding and pull it loose and up a little. (See the photos)

Hope this helps some of you who are thinking of this project.

NOTE: This process is really very easy to do this AS LONG as the 'A' pillar that you are putting back on ALREADY has the metal weather strip part POP riveted to it. Otherwise that is another big step that I will add to this thread in a few days.



















7 total screws removed from 'A' pillar itself. This doesn't count the screw that is in the extra plastic piece at the base of the driver's side 'A' pillar.



Passenger's side:






Just an extra photo showing what the metal weather stripping piece looks like that is pop riveted to the 'A' pillar looks like when separated.



I USED STAINLESS STEEL BOLTS INSTEAD OF POP RIVETS!

peter pan

Very nice write up and looks like something even I could do with your write up

Full Metal Jacket

any pics of the finished result?? Love the pics with the scribbled instructions on them.. If all DIY instructions were like that it would be aweseome..

Makes it totally easy, even I can do it.. thanks!

ncvette_1FUNRIDE

I will post up photos of the before and after as soon as I finish.

Unfortunately the painted 'A' pillars that I ordered from RPI Designs came WITHOUT the metal weather strip that is POP riveted on, and is needed to mount them.

I am currently in the process of mounting the metal weather strips (purchased separately at extra cost) by way of POP rivets (like the OEM ones).

As soon as I get this done (hopefully in a few days) I will finish up and post the finished photos.

brooklync5

Great write up very helpful I'll be using this in a month or so. Your handwriting on the other hand is terrible

Raazor

well done bro.

one question though: Why?

ncvette_1FUNRIDE

You ever tried writing with a wireless mouse on your recliner's arm?

I'm not too good at that, for sure.

Raazor

good enough though!

ncvette_1FUNRIDE

Thanks!

I wanted GLOSS Black 'A' pillars to match my top and BLACK painted 'halo'.

I'll post up photos when I get it finished in a few days. I have to POP rivet the weather stripping piece on before I can reinstall my 'A' pillars.

Tonycan

NOTE: This process is really very easy to do this AS LONG as the 'A' pillar that you are putting back on ALREADY has the metal weather strip part POP riveted to it. Otherwise that is another big step that I will add to this thread in a few days.

So, for those of us who only know how to remove and replace screws, and not POP rivets, who makes A Pillars with the metal weather strip attached? Thanks.

smurfkiller

wow i dont think you could have done any better than that. i been thinking about painting mine black as well.

has anyone seen real carbon fiber ones? i want to do sic motors cf roof and halo, so no imitation cf hydrocarbon.

Swiftrider08

Nice job on the right up! Only question I have is do you think it is truely necessary to remove the outer weatherstrip before taking out the screws? I can just roll it down a bit and see the screws right there.

ncvette_1FUNRIDE

I think EmpireCorvettes makes a Hydro-Carbon 'A' pillar that has the metal weather strip already attached IF you specifically request it. It may cost more money.

Swiftrider08

No one making them in real CF that I know of. And with that, only a few vendors offering them in hydrocarbon. I have a set on the way in the 05-07 finish.

Real carbon fiber or hydrocarbon, one issue I see is ordering from different vendors. Try to get all the parts from just one vendor as even though they might be advertised as the same, the patterns can vary from vendor to vendor and material to material. Put a whole plan together and check to see that you can get all the parts you want (even over time) from just one vendor. Only then order your first part. Just my suggestion.

ncvette_1FUNRIDE

Yes, there are a few screws that you cannot get to without pulling down the rubber weather strip, PLUS it is actually tucked into the 'A' pillar that you are removing.

speedster516

I think Jersey from Apsis makes them in real Carbon Fiber

Swiftrider08

Good to know. Thanks!

Will post how my install goes also.

ncvette_1FUNRIDE

OK, I decided to use stainless steel bolts instead of pop rivets. Easy to get and easy to install and works great.

Here are some more photos:
I'll post more out in the daylight when I get the chance.

Swiftrider08

Nice job and a good idea with the screws for those not wanting to use rivets.

ncvette_1FUNRIDE

Thanks!

I thought that this might be a good alternative for those that are not up to using pop rivets (like me).