Side Skirt flex
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 484
Likes: 59
From: Southbury CT
Side Skirt flex
So I have a set of side skirts and I'm working on the install. I'm looking for a no drill install. The skirts I have use OEM screws on each end, three in front two in the back. I've added a strip of 3M Molding Tape in the middle, much like what's referenced in this thread.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ferrerid=48830
Here's the issue, they flex more than I'd like them to. Some downward pressure on the outside edge and they flex down easily. It really seems like they need some attachment on the angled edge rather than just the bottom.
Those that have done no drill installs, are you adding tape there as well as on the bottom? I'm confident they would stay on as is, but I'm not satisfied with the install.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ferrerid=48830
Here's the issue, they flex more than I'd like them to. Some downward pressure on the outside edge and they flex down easily. It really seems like they need some attachment on the angled edge rather than just the bottom.
Those that have done no drill installs, are you adding tape there as well as on the bottom? I'm confident they would stay on as is, but I'm not satisfied with the install.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
easy to add push in fasteners anywhere underneath where a drill bit will go through both surfaces...the tape will fail over time due to grit/dirt getting in there defeating the adhesive qualities. I don't mind a small amount of flex, it saves the piece, if it were completely stiff you risk cracking it. they will take quite a beating even though there is movement...3 years on mine and put through lots of stress; accidentally stepped on the driver side several times getting out, bumped while polishing the car or doing mods...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Side skirts are pointless for the street and I am amazed at how many people have them just to protect the rocker panels. I personally do not like the way they look and will probably leave them off if I trade for a GS.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Dec 29, 2016 at 09:13 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 484
Likes: 59
From: Southbury CT
I may try some tape on the angle, if that doesn't work out there will be an as new set of side skirts for sale.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,887
Likes: 1,555
From: Calgary Alberta
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 901
Likes: 190
Following the manufacturers recommended installation procedure ensures they work as planned. Adding tape to the angled area will help however as others have pointed out can fail and may also create a gap that will collect debris. If you plan to drive your vette at triple digit speeds you may want to rethink using tape. I plan to use rivets on mine.
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