Attaching Side Skirts?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 8,243
Likes: 4,618
From: Southwest Florida
Attaching Side Skirts?
I have read some install side skirts using rivets, others use double sided tape while others used screws.
I'm interested in getting RPI Design side skirts and they provide 12 screws per side. So I'm interested in hearing from those who have used screws to install side skirts. Did you encounter any problems? How have they held up?
I'm interested in getting RPI Design side skirts and they provide 12 screws per side. So I'm interested in hearing from those who have used screws to install side skirts. Did you encounter any problems? How have they held up?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 701
Likes: 72
From: Lacey WA
I got mine skirts from C7 Carbon. There were 5 screw holes predrilled to use factory screws....3 front and 2 back. They also sent a bag full of screws but I elected to use 1/2" double sided tape between screws instead of drilling holes. Worked great..no problems. I just didn't want a bunch of holes just in case I removed the skirts at a future date. Also I didn't jack up the car..had no reason to. I could get to all screws with a short socket wench.
Last edited by 2000 Vette Guy; Nov 28, 2017 at 12:21 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 6,223
Likes: 1,700
From: Northern California
St. Jude Donor '15
Personally I would use pop rivets over screws. If you’re going to make holes with screws, the pop rivets would be more secure. I’ve read about lots of people using the factory screws and tape, I think you’d be fine going that way too.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31,800
Likes: 2,422
From: DFW/Long Island
I agree, use pop rivets, that's how i attached ACS rockers to my '15 Z51. It was easy and they held up well. The factory rockers on my '17 GS seem more flimsy than the ACS rockers i put on the 15, if that gives you any idea on how secure they are.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,701
Likes: 1,023
From: Rock Hill SC (Charlotte NC Area)
2022 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Since we are on the subject, what is the best tool for installing pop rivets? I figure that is a ridiculously elementary tool question for some of you, but never had to deal with them before. I'm going to be installing a Stage Two splitter soon, and I need to figure out the rivets.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 134
Likes: 30
Since we are on the subject, what is the best tool for installing pop rivets? I figure that is a ridiculously elementary tool question for some of you, but never had to deal with them before. I'm going to be installing a Stage Two splitter soon, and I need to figure out the rivets.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31,800
Likes: 2,422
From: DFW/Long Island
Since we are on the subject, what is the best tool for installing pop rivets? I figure that is a ridiculously elementary tool question for some of you, but never had to deal with them before. I'm going to be installing a Stage Two splitter soon, and I need to figure out the rivets.
and the tool is a pop rivet tool. Just google it, and then search on youtube for how to use it, it's incredibly easy.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 6,223
Likes: 1,700
From: Northern California
St. Jude Donor '15
I spent $150 at harbor freight on a compressor and a few air tools, one of them being a rivet gun. It’s pretty handy having a small compressor too, I like being able to check tires and fill at home, plus I got a little nail gun for some carpentry projects.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 7,137
Likes: 3,176
From: Kannapolis MA.
If you have a Automatic Tranny the lines run in the rocker panel on the drivers side.Drill as shallow as you can.If using rivets?
I added stainless steal fender washers for more holding area.The rivet heads are a small diameter.
Start at the rear tire then move toward front.Depending on your choice of manufacture.If not matched properly toward rear it won't look right.The front is not as noticeable being short or long.
Unless your installing 3/4 length Stage 1 Style obviously start at the front.
The screws i used i added Silicon Adhesive to the treads.Figured it would act as a locktite so the screws don't loosen up.Lightly applied,not flooded
I added stainless steal fender washers for more holding area.The rivet heads are a small diameter.
Start at the rear tire then move toward front.Depending on your choice of manufacture.If not matched properly toward rear it won't look right.The front is not as noticeable being short or long.
Unless your installing 3/4 length Stage 1 Style obviously start at the front.
The screws i used i added Silicon Adhesive to the treads.Figured it would act as a locktite so the screws don't loosen up.Lightly applied,not flooded
Last edited by DALE#3; Nov 28, 2017 at 07:05 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 1,017
From: MOUNTAIN HOME Arkansas
I'll add this quickie. I put mine on alone using strong spring loaded clamps. "I got lucky" & they are perfect front to rear & even/flush at the top. You really must use 2 people for this to eliminate the sag in these as you rivet/screw/tape (whatever method) because you must start at one end & work your way down. If you figure hell, I'll just attach both ends to hold it in place, then you have a sag in middle that will bow. An aside, as one poster pointed out if you have the A8 you must correctly limit how deep the bit goes to keep from damaging lines. JMHO
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 787
Likes: 127
From: Connecticut
My opinion, is make sure the back lines up first. The front can be off just slightly and you wouldn't even notice.
I used standard rivots and a nice little galvanized neoprene padded washer I found at Lowes.
If I had to do it again, I would use a tri-rivot like the factory does.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Qty-48-Tri-...EAAOSw8d9UtwqR
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 787
Likes: 127
From: Connecticut
I'll add this quickie. I put mine on alone using strong spring loaded clamps. "I got lucky" & they are perfect front to rear & even/flush at the top. You really must use 2 people for this to eliminate the sag in these as you rivet/screw/tape (whatever method) because you must start at one end & work your way down. If you figure hell, I'll just attach both ends to hold it in place, then you have a sag in middle that will bow. An aside, as one poster pointed out if you have the A8 you must correctly limit how deep the bit goes to keep from damaging lines. JMHO
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 8,243
Likes: 4,618
From: Southwest Florida
EXCELLENT Video. Really helps. 
I did not realize if screws or rivets were used to attach the side skirts holes would have to be drilled in the rocker panels which means if side skirts were removed the holes would need to be filled and the bottom side of the rockers would need to be repainted so I see why double back tape would be better. In fact the installation method used by the guy in the video may be the preferred method.
One other point, I had my rocker panels covered with clear bra material so if I use double back tape along the bottom I think I would need to have it removed along that attachment line.
What to do...what to do...
I did not realize if screws or rivets were used to attach the side skirts holes would have to be drilled in the rocker panels which means if side skirts were removed the holes would need to be filled and the bottom side of the rockers would need to be repainted so I see why double back tape would be better. In fact the installation method used by the guy in the video may be the preferred method.
One other point, I had my rocker panels covered with clear bra material so if I use double back tape along the bottom I think I would need to have it removed along that attachment line.
What to do...what to do...
Last edited by Maxie2U; Nov 28, 2017 at 09:57 PM.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,018
Likes: 12,399
From: NE South Carolina
Used Rivets
I used rivets for my 2014 as there is little room behind the plastic rocker panel and you don't want to screw into the aluminum frame! Brushed against them when getting out! Glad I used rivets!
I opted for the Stage 2 aero package with my Grand Sport. Watched as C7 Tech at the dealer installed the full length side skirts. He drilled 13 holes/side and used special GM rivets. They have a special large shoulder to spread the load on the skirt. When I used rivets I used small stainless fender washer to accomplish the same!
Full details with lots of pics in this PDF:
http://netwelding.com/Side_Skirts.pdf
I opted for the Stage 2 aero package with my Grand Sport. Watched as C7 Tech at the dealer installed the full length side skirts. He drilled 13 holes/side and used special GM rivets. They have a special large shoulder to spread the load on the skirt. When I used rivets I used small stainless fender washer to accomplish the same!
Full details with lots of pics in this PDF:
http://netwelding.com/Side_Skirts.pdf
Last edited by JerryU; Nov 29, 2017 at 12:01 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 86
Likes: 5
From: Miami Florida
Rivets
Good morning ,
I just bought the rocker panel side skirt and I see that it has holes in them already but they’re on the side angle looks like I would have to drill the side angle of the car to put rivets or screws and I’m puzzled the manual is saying to add rivets but they send me screws. How is it possible to put screws on the sides where I was expecting them to mount them using factory screws from the bottom but the panel doesn’t reach down there. I added my front splitter and it was by using the factory screws from the bottom. Ur.i need feedback on this many thanks ,
QUOTE=2000 Vette Guy;1596061475]I got mine skirts from C7 Carbon. There were 5 screw holes predrilled to use factory screws....3 front and 2 back. They also sent a bag full of screws but I elected to use 1/2" double sided tape between screws instead of drilling holes. Worked great..no problems. I just didn't want a bunch of holes just in case I removed the skirts at a future date. Also I didn't jack up the car..had no reason to. I could get to all screws with a short socket wench.[/QUOTE]
I just bought the rocker panel side skirt and I see that it has holes in them already but they’re on the side angle looks like I would have to drill the side angle of the car to put rivets or screws and I’m puzzled the manual is saying to add rivets but they send me screws. How is it possible to put screws on the sides where I was expecting them to mount them using factory screws from the bottom but the panel doesn’t reach down there. I added my front splitter and it was by using the factory screws from the bottom. Ur.i need feedback on this many thanks ,
QUOTE=2000 Vette Guy;1596061475]I got mine skirts from C7 Carbon. There were 5 screw holes predrilled to use factory screws....3 front and 2 back. They also sent a bag full of screws but I elected to use 1/2" double sided tape between screws instead of drilling holes. Worked great..no problems. I just didn't want a bunch of holes just in case I removed the skirts at a future date. Also I didn't jack up the car..had no reason to. I could get to all screws with a short socket wench.[/QUOTE]
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 86
Likes: 5
From: Miami Florida
I just got my skirt and the manual says to use Rivets but the package came with screws. I'm the same I don't want to drill holes in the car but whether you use screws or rivets you still have to drill regardless. I'm surprise using double side tape and that's it... I don't think that will hold for a long time due to wear and tear with the tape from the weather no? Maybe I'm wrong let me know how long have you had this on.
Thanks,
Juan
Thanks,
Juan