Front end issues.. skid frame, Frame?..
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Houston Tx
Front end issues.. skid frame, Frame?..
Realized this issue a little after I got my car from the dealer (Got it used) The passenger side, skid bar?, is at least an inch lower. The front bumper doesn't look like its lower after measuring the sides but the bottom part is off as you can see from the pictures. The red body part thats "dimpled" next to the skid bar? is basically folded because of it but anyone know whats possibly broke/bent or how to fix it? Any ideas?
Anyone else have this issue?
Anyone else have this issue?
Last edited by airspeed247; Jul 7, 2010 at 09:40 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 940
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
The black exposed pieces are part of the radiator support and it's only aluminum. I'd guess the right side is cracked and that's what's causing it to hang low. It's pretty easy to unbolt the bottom of the bumper cover and take a look in there and see what's going on.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 559
Likes: 43
From: Bonita Springs FL
Yep, it was on my C5. That's evidence that someone hit something like a parking barrier pretty hard. It's either bent or one side has pulled out of the frame mounting points.
Those pieces that hang down are part of a brace that is bolted to the frame. They were cockeyed on my C5 when I bought it used. I can't remember who I ordered the new one from but it took about 3 or 4 hours for me to install. It was a PIA to unhook all the wiring etc. that ran through the brace but all in all it wasn't a big deal and I didn't even have to take the front bumper cover off.
Here is a photo of the old and new braces. They are flipped upside down. The new one came bare silver and I painted it black.
The little gold pieces in the bottom of the photo are threaded inserts that go into holes in the frame. You might want to order a few of those also as one side of the bar had pulled out of the frame mounting points.
Thats why it was hanging down.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Those pieces that hang down are part of a brace that is bolted to the frame. They were cockeyed on my C5 when I bought it used. I can't remember who I ordered the new one from but it took about 3 or 4 hours for me to install. It was a PIA to unhook all the wiring etc. that ran through the brace but all in all it wasn't a big deal and I didn't even have to take the front bumper cover off.
Here is a photo of the old and new braces. They are flipped upside down. The new one came bare silver and I painted it black.
The little gold pieces in the bottom of the photo are threaded inserts that go into holes in the frame. You might want to order a few of those also as one side of the bar had pulled out of the frame mounting points.
Thats why it was hanging down.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 545
Likes: 3
From: Cypress TX
Collision Catalog - 2007 - Chevrolet/Geo - Corvette
Radiator support, Radiator support, Skid plate, Skid plate
Partstaxi has it for $276.00 on their site. Crazy thing is the 09-10 part is only $113.00.
Steve
Last edited by skamp; Jul 8, 2010 at 11:08 AM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 559
Likes: 43
From: Bonita Springs FL
Here is a link to an exploded view. It's called a radiator support/skid plate.
http://www.newgmparts.com/partlocato...layCatalogid=0
Last edited by Whisky; Jul 8, 2010 at 05:24 PM.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 180
Likes: 1
From: Greenville NC
Mine was broken in a minor curb accident. Insurance forced me to purchase new. I have re-welded the old one as I am a certified welding instructor/inspector. The part is aluminum, in which I have been welding for over 10 years. Although I am certain that this part is designed to break away upon heavy impact to avoid further damaged more vital components, I was very suprised of the poor quality of welds that were performed on this part. They looked like they were made by someone with VERY little experience! Hardly ANY penetration in SEVERAL places! It is no wonder that there are so many complaints with this part. Insurance quoted a factory replacement for around $450-$500....... I found a new after market version on Ebay for $239. I will sell my repaired skid plate/lower radiator support for $150. I have fixed the broken welds & reinforced the insufficient factory welds. 252 945 0254
