5VM style rockers
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
5VM style rockers
Can 5VM style rockers and front spitters be removed without damaging the vehicle? I’m considering a 2024 convertible with these items already installed. Not a fan and want them removed.
Last edited by gxtol@yahoo.com; Aug 10, 2025 at 07:22 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 1,583
From: Clermont, Florida
Yes the splitter can be removed without damage. The skirt might leave a drill hole at the rear fin area in the panel. You should be able to see in there if it does. If not that can be removed without damage too.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,840
Likes: 12,284
From: NE South Carolina
My How To Doc covers the GM install and shows where it is drilled: http://netwelding.com/Side_Skirts.pdf
This Pic from my Doc may help. It's the GM OEM side skirt install procedure. You'll see in step 3 the hole being drilled in the fender for a bolt that hold the winglet. In Pic 6 you'll see the bolt being tighten from the back of the fender to 22 ft-lbs. If aftermarket probably does not have that drilled hole. The rivets under the side skirt go into the bottom of the ricker panel Only an ant would see the small holes when removed. Probably have to drill them out. The OEM carbon fiber side skirts were very thin and also used 3M tape and what will be very difficult to remove a 3M adhesive used to install windows. I dealt with that window adhesive when I installed windows in my '34 Ford my street rod, strong tough stuff! If it was used (as GM procedure called for ) good chance paint will come with it!
Yep splitter is easy bolted on with OEM bolts that you'll just reinstall when it's off.
Last edited by JerryU; Aug 10, 2025 at 06:13 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 2,323
From: Simi Valley, CA
2022 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I put 5VM side skirts and splitter on my '22 C8 right after it was delivered new. I still have 5VM's (a replacement in the case of the splitter) and still think they look good. BTW, I'm 75 years old.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,840
Likes: 12,284
From: NE South Carolina
Here are some Pics:
After my 1st two Vettes, C4s looked new when I sold them except for dings in the rocker panels and after the rear wheel I installed these large splash guards on my new C6. Although contoured and body color were a bit gorpy! The Rears worked but the Fronts did NOT stop pebbles thrown by the front tires from dinging the rockers near the rear wheel well.
GM knew where the problem was and added clear plastic film from the center of my C7 2014 Z51 doors up to the front of the rear wheel well. BUT they used clear, thick plastic, easier to install and it was dinged within a month and looked bad. I added full length side skirts that solved the problem. Removed their cheap, marked PPF. Also added full length side skirts to my 2017 Grand Sport.
This is a Pic a fellow took of his C8 after Tracking. This is where the Rubber on the Track hits. And no shape front splash guards no matter how deep and wide (like I added to my C6) will stop pebbles throw by the front tires hit in the back area!
So for me Form Follows Function! Therefore I think the side skirts I added to stop pebble dings LOOK GREAT!
Some think the Winglets were added to look good! NOT! Just as used on most Jet Planes today they make the side skirts (and front splitter) technical function of providing downforce, more effective. Now at normal street driving speeds not needed. But at 150 mph they help add downforce. And just like airplanes the winglets prevent high pressure on one side from spilling over the edge to low pressure reducing effectiveness. On airplanes they improve the wings effectiveness providing 3 to 4% better fuel economy! Understanding their function I think they look fine! Again Form Follows Function even for this 82 year old!
Last edited by JerryU; Aug 11, 2025 at 09:52 AM.
