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Simple question: I finally decided to unpack my Stage 3 side skirts to replace my factory 3/4 length skirts on the C7 GS. The new skirts included a pack of rivets, but it looks like people online are now using screws. I would rather use screws, but want to know the exact size/length of the proper screw, if someone can let me know asap. Self-tapping if I can find them, otherwise I"ll just drill the right hole. Thanks!!
Any reason you don't want to use rivets? The side skirts pretty much never need to come off. I was hesitant in using rivets, but I've had no issues with them.
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I too used rivets when I installed a set of side skirts on my 2014. There will be a hole in the car one way or the other and I just felt the rivets offered a bit more security from coming loose. My side skirts are rock solid and no problems at all with them.
Also the GS has fluid lines running along the drivers side rocker, so need to be careful drilling and a rivet would be preferred to a sharp screw touching one of those lines. Not sure about the passenger side rocker.
If you use screws, you have ~1/8" of material the screw is threading into. For self-tapping screws that's about 1 thread or at best 2. One false step by someone and the whole side skirt is laying on the ground. In addition, over time the screws can come lose and you don't want to have that happen while driving. If you just occasionally putter around town then the bolts or screws are probably fine. If you use the car often and/or at higher speeds.....well....GM used split rivets for a reason.
It's not like you ever need to take the skirts off and even if you do, it only takes a moment to drill out an aluminum split rivet.
Below is what a split rivet looks like from the backside vs a normal rivet. In this case I was replacing the regular rivets. You don't need the washers, this is because I was installing a larger front splitter as seen in the bottom pic. The split rivets have Much more holding power....
Last edited by 96GS#007; Apr 19, 2025 at 11:52 PM.
Definitely use the rivets, these are specially designed for this application. They have a
larger head and a tri-wing design for superior holding power vs a screw. These are
what I used with my skirts and they are still holding strong.
Also the GS has fluid lines running along the drivers side rocker, so need to be careful drilling and a rivet would be preferred to a sharp screw touching one of those lines. Not sure about the passenger side rocker.
I think everyone does. The automatics have the ATF lines for sure but I was pretty sure the manuals also have some sort of line. So the drivers side rocker is full of things regardless of type of C7. I have a manual and I was trying to avoid hitting something or another when I installed them.
I think everyone does. The automatics have the ATF lines for sure but I was pretty sure the manuals also have some sort of line. So the drivers side rocker is full of things regardless of type of C7. I have a manual and I was trying to avoid hitting something or another when I installed them.
I don't know what side skirts you have, but the narrow profile set I bought for my Stingray had two holes on each end that matched up with bolts on the underside of the car. I just used those bolts and 3m double side tape along the length of it. Been on there 6 years and isn't going anywhere. Cleaned both with alcohol and used adhesion promoter...
Update:
1. Ended up using rivets on the passenger side. That's the side where I crushed the 3/4 length side skirt a few years ago. Took that mess off back then, and ordered the Z06 style for my GS. Had to drill a couple holes that weren't there in the body, but no problem. Rivets, even the normal kind, seem to be holding very well.
2. On the driver's side, I still have to take off the existing 3/4 skirt. I, too, think the M7 does not have fluid lines there from my memory reading about it on here several years ago. Still, will go easy with the drill!
Thanks, all.
Help with side skirts
