Screws or Tape for Side skirts?

[I'm Tony Danza]

I am going back and forth with installing my new carbon fiber side skits. Anyone use screws for this job? The reason I am leaning towards those is for future easy removal/adjustment if needs be and they would be a bit more flush against the body. I would plan to use high quality black carbon self-tapping screws that would be resistant to rust.

However, the less holes in the body the better against rust. Would that be a concern drilling into the underside along the sides?

I would use 3M tape, as I did with my rear spoiler...but it's never coming off without a fight.

Would rather not hack this job and do it 100% right the first go around.

Thoughts/Tips?

 

[cncBilly]

Go from the underside, drill holes, goop with anti rust stuff of your choice, plug holes with screw hole rivets, screw on your beautiful carbon skirts. Bob’s your uncle.
Pro tip: measure lots then measure two more times

 

[SKStinger]

Tape them on where you want them with 3M and then screw the self tapping screws in. You’re screwing into plastic so nothing is going to rust.

 

[I'm Tony Danza]

Tape them on where you want them with 3M and then screw the self tapping screws in. You’re screwing into plastic so nothing is going to rust.

Ah. So are there no metal frame rails to worry about directly under the plastic side sills? I know there is some decent give in some spots, but it's tough to tell without taking them off.

This is the best reference that I have and it looks like a no...besides the lift points running alongside?

http://www.kstinger.com/side_sill_molding-633.html

 

[MerlintheMad]

Ah. So are there no metal frame rails to worry about directly under the plastic side sills? I know there is some decent give in some spots, but it's tough to tell without taking them off.

My understanding is that the "side sills" (aka rocker panels) clip to the steel chassis. So, yes in order to secure your aftermarket CF side skirts with screws, you will be drilling into steel. I don't see how this is avoidable, or that being avoidable would be a good idea: how could side skirts be firmly attached if screwed only into the OEM rocker panels, which are clipped to the chassis?

You've mentioned that "there is some decent give in some spots": have you tried pushing up hard on the underside of the rocker panels to see if they snap more firmly into place? Because one of the extraneous noises complaints on here is sometimes solved by doing exactly that: and once snapped back into place all the way the rattling noises also went away. The take away for your project is: if the rocker panels can work loose like that, the last thing you want is to screw CF side skirts into only the plastic, adding weight and encouraging the attachment clips to work loose even more readily.

 

[I'm Tony Danza]

My understanding is that the "side sills" (aka rocker panels) clip to the steel chassis. So, yes in order to secure your aftermarket CF side skirts with screws, you will be drilling into steel. I don't see how this is avoidable, or that being avoidable would be a good idea: how could side skirts be firmly attached if screwed only into the OEM rocker panels, which are clipped to the chassis?

You've mentioned that "there is some decent give in some spots": have you tried pushing up hard on the underside of the rocker panels to see if they snap more firmly into place? Because one of the extraneous noises complaints on here is sometimes solved by doing exactly that: and once snapped back into place all the way the rattling noises also went away. The take away for your project is: if the rocker panels can work loose like that, the last thing you want is to screw CF side skirts into only the plastic, adding weight and encouraging the attachment clips to work loose even more readily.

I definitely want the screws to go into steel, 100% agreed. As for the give, it is only between some of the clip locations along the side sills, so I was curious as to how it looked underneath, if I would be hitting steel only at particular points. Everything is clipped as it should be.

If I can't find any better pictures beforehand, I will get under there and see the lay of the land. Am hoping to get a look into the water before jumping in

 

[SKStinger]

From someone who has actually done this, you are not going to hit steel and won’t need to. The spots where you’re going to be putting the screws will be in the plastic hollow portion of the side skirt. That’s all you’ll need to keep them secure. It’s no different than a front splitter where you’re screwing into the plastic bumper cover. Don’t overthink this.

 

[I'm Tony Danza]

From someone who has actually done this, you are not going to hit steel and won’t need to. The spots where you’re going to be putting the screws will be in the plastic hollow portion of the side skirt. That’s all you’ll need to keep them secure. It’s no different than a front splitter where you’re screwing into the plastic bumper cover. Don’t overthink this.

Roger that, I appreciate it!