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Front Fender side cove screens, How difficult is this job ?
I've had a set of black side cove race-mesh screens laying around here, and I saw a few threads on how to install them and I'm just a little confused as the how to install them, and how to hold them in-place while the Adhesive/Panel bond sets up. Anyone who has done this or traveled this job, can you give me some pointers as to how to go about this ?
I would think they would go in much like the C5 cove screens and that was not that difficult. Of course removing the front wheels and the rear inner fender panel to have access to the cove is the hardest part. I did find that the self adhesive pads are not the best and most likely the screens will come loose after some time. I suggest that you use a good epoxy on the pads so you know they are not going anywhere. Again this is based on the C5.
I done this job years ago. Basically remove the inner fender by removing the push pins and 3 bolts under the car. A flat head screwdriver sufficient but they do make specific tools that can be found at a hardware store or Harbor freight. Once the inner fender is removed you can push out the fender enough to reach your arm in. When I did this job I had placed cardboard to hold the fender out and some string to hold it out of the way. Inside the fender you will find that there is a black piece of plastic that is glued in place. It has to be removed. I was able to do so by forcibly pulling but heat may be easier. Finally the installation procedure just has you push these new screens in place.
Having installed these on my C6, it is much easier to do if you remove the front wheels, and the back inner fender panel to get good access. I also went a step further and removed the plastic piece on the side of the fender panel. This gave me great access to clean the area, before installing the screens. The 2 sided tape is not the greatest bond, so the suggestion of using another type of adhesive (epoxy, silicone sealant, etc is recommended. I used Shoe Goo for mine. Once the screen is positioned in the proper place, you can attach zip ties and towels in the front of the fender to keep the screen tight and in place to allow the adhesive to dry.
Here is a pic with the towel method.
Everyone has pretty much told you how to go about this for installation. Clean the area really well, I used denatured alcohol. Next prep the area with 3M 94 adhesive promotor. Stick them on and done. The tape will fail without the bonder but rock solid with it. I built my own and used this process and they ain’t going nowhere. A pic of mine in black for reference.
Thank you, Yes I've used the 3M # 4298 adhesive promoter and it does make a difference, and in this type of installation it is a must. I'll clean the area with lacquer thinner and then once dry I'll use the 4298 and then install the screens. This job means jacking up remove the front wheel and put the car on jack stands. I think that is the only way to be able to take my time and do a good job.
Lacquer thinner is mostly acetone these days and will dissolve paint and plastic. Mineral spirits won't hurt cured paint or clear coat and are excellent for removing wax and tar. Varsol is a fairly well known brand of mineral spirits. It's a petroleum distillate, so if gasoline won't hurt your finish, neither will Varsol.
You are way overthinking this. Use some isopropyl alcohol and be done with it. My car is a 2006 and has 175,000 miles so I think it would have a lot more buildup than yours. My screens have been on for over 6 months now after just cleaning with alcohol and then securing with clear silicone.
07-31-2021, 10:40 AM
Front Fender side cove screens, How difficult is this job ?
