ZO6 Rear Vents Installed
03-01-2015, 04:07 PM
#21
Banned Scam/Spammer
Thread Starter
Just ATTEMPTED to install my Z06 vents and I could not get it released from the below the rear mirror. I attempted to pry something between, but I'm too worried of breaking the plastic. I don't know if mine has some extra adhesive that dripped down on the quarter panel??
Did you just removed the 8 bolts and 12 bolts ONLY or was there any loosening of the rear bumper, etc???
Did you just removed the 8 bolts and 12 bolts ONLY or was there any loosening of the rear bumper, etc???
Did you push down and pull out all in one motion?
03-01-2015, 08:53 PM
#24
Melting Slicks
Maybe be a silly question, but you removed the 7 fender bolts, the 1 bolt in the wheel well, and the 3 bolts around the gas filler pipe? I am about to do this myself and just wanted to see where your difficulty might be to save myself some headache when my vents arrive.
03-07-2015, 10:36 PM
#26
Just ATTEMPTED to install my Z06 vents and I could not get it released from the below the rear mirror. I attempted to pry something between, but I'm too worried of breaking the plastic. I don't know if mine has some extra adhesive that dripped down on the quarter panel??
Did you just removed the 8 bolts and 12 bolts ONLY or was there any loosening of the rear bumper, etc???
Did you just removed the 8 bolts and 12 bolts ONLY or was there any loosening of the rear bumper, etc???
03-07-2015, 10:46 PM
#27
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The new vents look great. Congrats on a functional as well as good appearance mod.
03-08-2015, 02:18 PM
#28
Melting Slicks
It was a pain in the *** on mine. One side went fast the other had glue. We have a body shop and used plastic shims and air tools to help the process and we still spent some time on it. When we finally got it off the glue that hit the fender was only 2-2.5 inches but it sure gave a fight... ugh glad that was over haha
03-08-2015, 02:45 PM
#29
Banned Scam/Spammer
Thread Starter
03-08-2015, 03:31 PM
#31
Melting Slicks
Ok, I finally got it loose and as described the time but of adhesive (shown below, thin line of black glue) really puts up a fight. It was tricky but in the end I'm glad I did the swap. Thanks for the tips via PM guys. I'll also add the weather stripping on the lower window is really easy to pinch towards the rear if you're not super careful.
03-08-2015, 06:05 PM
#36
Melting Slicks
In any case, start with the couple of beers as suggested earlier...
Use plenty of towels to cover any paint, and GENTLY using a few different trim tools get behind the body panel and break the bond free. I can't stress GENTLY enough as these are composite panels and will likely damage easily. I got a trim tool about mid way behind the panel and with the use of some towels as a fulcrum I was able to pop to free. As you can see form my pics, the glue is minimal (or it was on mine) so once you pop it it comes apart pretty easy.I'll offer these tips as well:
1. Ensure you have a long handle 8MM ratchet wrench. The short ones would be difficult to get to the nuts.
2. Use a rolled up towel to keep the panel pulled back so you can get to the just without holding and pulling back on the panel at the same time. Just makes it easier.
3. Use soapy water or some sort of lubricant on the weather strip below the window when reassembling. Without it, the weather strip WILL pinch towards the back of the window.
Good luck, hope this helps.
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Rookienot1 (01-08-2018)
05-06-2015, 12:53 AM
#37
CF Old Timer
I'd like to suggest increasing the number of beers required before starting this project. Wow, that was more challenging than I thought.
The window trim is the worst part of the project. After 3 or 4 tries, I used a very thin 6" drywall taping knife along the back of the strip to hold it up/flat and it went right in the first time. Made side two MUCH easier. I was lucky I had no glue leak and the panels popped right out. Took me about 1 hour on the first side, only 35 minutes on side 2.
The window trim is the worst part of the project. After 3 or 4 tries, I used a very thin 6" drywall taping knife along the back of the strip to hold it up/flat and it went right in the first time. Made side two MUCH easier. I was lucky I had no glue leak and the panels popped right out. Took me about 1 hour on the first side, only 35 minutes on side 2.
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Rookienot1 (01-08-2018)
07-19-2015, 03:39 PM
#38
Advanced
I think putting a length of cord/rope about .125" dia behind the rubber trim and then slowly pulling the cord away at 90* angle as the fender is presented may make the replacement of the fender somewhat easier. Just a thought. I haven't done it yet but I will when the vents arrive.
01-08-2018, 03:58 PM
#39
Cruising
Thanks for the tips Doc!
I would start with the drivers side, another guy (like me) mentioned his drivers side came loose with no issue. If thats the case for you as well maybe this is just a passenger side issue? Either way, it will give you an idea of how it comes apart.
In any case, start with the couple of beers as suggested earlier... Use plenty of towels to cover any paint, and GENTLY using a few different trim tools get behind the body panel and break the bond free. I can't stress GENTLY enough as these are composite panels and will likely damage easily. I got a trim tool about mid way behind the panel and with the use of some towels as a fulcrum I was able to pop to free. As you can see form my pics, the glue is minimal (or it was on mine) so once you pop it it comes apart pretty easy.
I'll offer these tips as well:
1. Ensure you have a long handle 8MM ratchet wrench. The short ones would be difficult to get to the nuts.
2. Use a rolled up towel to keep the panel pulled back so you can get to the just without holding and pulling back on the panel at the same time. Just makes it easier.
3. Use soapy water or some sort of lubricant on the weather strip below the window when reassembling. Without it, the weather strip WILL pinch towards the back of the window.
Good luck, hope this helps.
In any case, start with the couple of beers as suggested earlier...
Use plenty of towels to cover any paint, and GENTLY using a few different trim tools get behind the body panel and break the bond free. I can't stress GENTLY enough as these are composite panels and will likely damage easily. I got a trim tool about mid way behind the panel and with the use of some towels as a fulcrum I was able to pop to free. As you can see form my pics, the glue is minimal (or it was on mine) so once you pop it it comes apart pretty easy.I'll offer these tips as well:
1. Ensure you have a long handle 8MM ratchet wrench. The short ones would be difficult to get to the nuts.
2. Use a rolled up towel to keep the panel pulled back so you can get to the just without holding and pulling back on the panel at the same time. Just makes it easier.
3. Use soapy water or some sort of lubricant on the weather strip below the window when reassembling. Without it, the weather strip WILL pinch towards the back of the window.
Good luck, hope this helps.
Im going to try to do my 2016 C7 as soon as I can find a warm place to do it! Thanks for the tips! I really like the look and GM says it is a recommended replacement on the Z51! ( Not sure where but I read that someplace - LOL. ... Enough to get me off the hook with the wife anyway!)
These forums are really helpful and I thank you for taking the time to share your tips and results Doc! Ron
