Buffing or Replacing Door Sills?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 2,084
From: Lehigh Valley PA
Buffing or Replacing Door Sills?
Hi Guys,
Newb question. The 2014 C7 Im looking at has some scratches in the logo'ed door sills.
Questions:
1) Can that be buffed out? It looks like shoe scuffs - typical getting in and out type scuffs.
2) If not - how hard are they to remove and replace with new ones? I searched, but didnt find any instructions in the sticky posts or DYI posts.
Thanks!
Newb question. The 2014 C7 Im looking at has some scratches in the logo'ed door sills.
Questions:
1) Can that be buffed out? It looks like shoe scuffs - typical getting in and out type scuffs.
2) If not - how hard are they to remove and replace with new ones? I searched, but didnt find any instructions in the sticky posts or DYI posts.
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,079
Likes: 1,922
From: DFW, Tejas!
They literally pop out.
If don't have the plastic pry bar set thing typically used for body work, you can probably just put some masking tape on the end of a flat head screw driver and pop them up. Heck you might be able to do it by hand.
If don't have the plastic pry bar set thing typically used for body work, you can probably just put some masking tape on the end of a flat head screw driver and pop them up. Heck you might be able to do it by hand.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,982
Likes: 1,040
From: Georgetown CA
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
Always good to try polishing it out first, save some money that way, but as mentioned they are easy to swap out. If you do, maybe get some paint protection film put over them to further protect them
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 917
Likes: 252
From: Tucson AZ
When I got my '15 the sills had some scratches on them. I tried to polish them but there is some sort of a clear coat on them. I replaced them with a new set I bought off a fellow forum member. I then covered them in Xpel to protect the new ones.
Last edited by Bob Beroza; May 17, 2018 at 04:34 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 955
From: Central Commiefornia
As posted, the first attempt should be to clean them... Suggest starting with windshield cleaner and a paper towel, then moving up to Goo Gone, paint thinner or naptha (lighter fluid)... That will remove most shoe scuff marks.
If necessary to remove, they are held in with seven push in snap clips and do pop out easily with a flat blade panel removal tool.
Using tape film creates a problem around the raised letters and details, as it is nearly impossible to get it to "snuggle down" adequately near the raised details. I used 3M 90000 Paint Defender Spray Film, which isn't perfect, but does leave a good protective film and can be removed and reapplied.
Videos - https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...der+Spray+Film
My Amazon review:
If necessary to remove, they are held in with seven push in snap clips and do pop out easily with a flat blade panel removal tool.
Using tape film creates a problem around the raised letters and details, as it is nearly impossible to get it to "snuggle down" adequately near the raised details. I used 3M 90000 Paint Defender Spray Film, which isn't perfect, but does leave a good protective film and can be removed and reapplied.
Videos - https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...der+Spray+Film
My Amazon review:
Last edited by jimmbbo; May 17, 2018 at 06:45 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,965
Likes: 6,770
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
There are any number of different covers you can buy to place over the top of the sills. Mine fit on with just velcro on the cover pressed to the inner edge onto the carpet where it overlapped. I got black to cover the "billboards" on my '18 sills.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 2,084
From: Lehigh Valley PA
LOL...Both actually...Im one of those guys that enjoys getting the car ready for car shows AND I actually drive it. I put about 10k miles on my C5 last year...(first year of ownership)...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 6,140
Likes: 2,745
From: Northeast
The sills have clear coat on them. Light scratches can be buffed out with a mild compound, i.e., Meguiar’s Scratch X, as you would buff out scratches on the car finish. I’ve done this several times from shoe scuffs... and as mentioned, they simply pop off if you decide to replace them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,408
Likes: 2,203
Depending on the nature of the scuffs/dirt, you can try Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I have had success with those in places you never would have thought it would work...good product. If you get new, or get the originals clean, you can buy clear formed plastic (hard plastic) covers that fit perfectly and can be lifted up/off to clean or show. I have had them for 10 years on our 2008...would do again.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,018
Likes: 12,399
From: NE South Carolina
Here is a PDF may make you feel better replacing:
http://netwelding.com/Sill_Plate.pdf
You'll be happier with new!
Pro
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 740
Likes: 206
From: Poulsbo WA
In this area we do not judge cars with the doors open. (And yes, I am a show judge)
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,018
Likes: 12,399
From: NE South Carolina
That is a key item that is always judged at all car shows I attend!
Pro
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 740
Likes: 206
From: Poulsbo WA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 21
From: centennial colorado
I have those plastic covers on mine and the will over time chaffe the paint and the sill plates. Even the passenger side which rarely gets used shows signs of chaffing. Took them off and tossed them.