C8 Tech/Performance Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Panels Below the Front Radiators

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 25, 2020 | 01:40 AM
  #1  
Lmmgr's Avatar
Lmmgr
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 27
From: Maryland
Default Panels Below the Front Radiators

I discovered when I installed Radiator Grills on the front of my C8 (to help protect the radiators from road debris), the Panels below the front radiators were full of pebbles and sand (BTW: I haven’t driven on dirt roads). The only way to clean that debris out is to periodically remove those panels. I’m glad I got XPEL Paint Protection.

Radiator Grill

Last edited by Lmmgr; Sep 25, 2020 at 01:54 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2020 | 03:28 PM
  #2  
J5isalive's Avatar
J5isalive
Racer
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 377
Likes: 435
Default

Originally Posted by Lmmgr
I discovered when I installed Radiator Grills on the front of my C8 (to help protect the radiators from road debris), the Panels below the front radiators were full of pebbles and sand (BTW: I haven’t driven on dirt roads). The only way to clean that debris out is to periodically remove those panels. I’m glad I got XPEL Paint Protection.

Radiator Grill
There is an easier way to remove the debris. The 991.1 GT3 has a similar problem with collecting debris in these areas. After you wash the car, use a leafblower and blow through that grill opening, it will create turbulence and blow the debris out the front underneath (to the left or right) of the corvette emblem. Easy Peezy.

Last edited by J5isalive; Sep 25, 2020 at 03:28 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2020 | 01:59 AM
  #3  
GTUnit's Avatar
GTUnit
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 668
From: Orange County, CA
Default

Z51 underbody covers before the front wheels have a vent that will clear the debris you are referring too.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2020 | 06:45 AM
  #4  
RussM05's Avatar
RussM05
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,226
Likes: 1,029
From: Thomas Texas
Default

I just rise the grills area and let the water flow out thru the vent with the debris.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2020 | 02:32 PM
  #5  
Fabspeed_Motorsport's Avatar
Fabspeed_Motorsport
Supporting Vendor
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 739
Likes: 352
From: Fort Washington, PA
Default

You wouldn't believe the debris (and mummified wildlife!) we find when performing installations. Rear diffusers and undertrays collect a ton of debris as well. Compressed air is your friend (just like those hard-to-reach areas in between the seats and center console). It's not an awful idea to remove the bodywork every couple years for a deep clean if you're really particular.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2020 | 05:24 PM
  #6  
john91498's Avatar
john91498
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,823
Likes: 960
Default

Originally Posted by RussM05
I just rise the grills area and let the water flow out thru the vent with the debris.
So, just shoot water directly into the grill area?

TIA
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2020 | 12:48 PM
  #7  
OldJedi's Avatar
OldJedi
Drifting
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 625
From: Southeast, FL.
Default

Originally Posted by Lmmgr
I discovered when I installed Radiator Grills on the front of my C8 (to help protect the radiators from road debris), the Panels below the front radiators were full of pebbles and sand (BTW: I haven’t driven on dirt roads). The only way to clean that debris out is to periodically remove those panels. I’m glad I got XPEL Paint Protection.

Radiator Grill
Thanks, which radiator protectors did you go with and how are they held in place? Do they seem to be working? Have you noticed any increase in engine temp? Thanks Steve

Last edited by OldJedi; Oct 3, 2020 at 12:49 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2020 | 01:38 PM
  #8  
RussM05's Avatar
RussM05
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,226
Likes: 1,029
From: Thomas Texas
Default

Look close and you can see the zip ties in the corners. Best way to attach them. I used the really small zip ties. Always use black as they are not affected by UV sunlight.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 5, 2020 | 01:39 PM
  #9  
RussM05's Avatar
RussM05
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,226
Likes: 1,029
From: Thomas Texas
Default

Originally Posted by john91498
So, just shoot water directly into the grill area?

TIA
The bottom panels have large slots at the rear, so junk will be flushed out.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2020 | 11:40 PM
  #10  
john91498's Avatar
john91498
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,823
Likes: 960
Default

Originally Posted by RussM05
The bottom panels have large slots at the rear, so junk will be flushed out.
Thanks
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Panels Below the Front Radiators





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:40 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE