I am puzzled, I cannot figure out or see how to remove the door GFX from my car. I need to take them both off ASAP to paint and repair. I've heard that the methods are convertible exclusive. Thanks in advance!

Tyler
Oh, as you may have figured, I just can't get the back off. I've taken out all the screws.

 

The ground effects that are ON the doors you have to take off the door panels and roll the windows up. You'll see the nuts inside the door, I can't remember what size socket to use.

The ground effects that are on the body, below the doors, you have one or two bolts behind the rocker emblem, and one that you have to take out the interior panel next to the rear seats to get to. It's the panel with the speaker in it. There will be one nut in there.

 

On the door, you have 2 black nuts on the flange, IIRC they are 11mm. Then pull the door panel off and you have 3 or 4 nuts in there. IIRC they are 10mm.


On the GFX. Pull the front plastic fender well off, and in there you have 2 nuts. Then in the door you have the 4-5 screws. On hardtops or t-tops you have 4-5 screws on bottom side. Then on the back half, you have to take the rear armrest panel out. Then peal back some black sound dampener off a hole. Then down in that hole you have 1-2 nuts. IIRC that is 10mm also.

I have seen some that have screws on the fenderwell flange on the rear.

(all this posted is for 3 different 1991 models I have worked on)

 

Ok, it's the rocker GFX I have yet to remove. I've been puzzled for days on how to get it off, but now hopefully I should be able to get them off soon. Thanks a lot for both of your help, I'll keep you posted!
Tyler

 

I assume you are talking about convertible gfx. They are the same as regular coupe gfx, BUT They are modified by ASC for the cars. The verts have a steel brace that runs along the rocker, from the front fender to the rear quarter. This brace made it impossible to just bolt on regular gfx without it looking goofy. So, to solve the problem, ASC cut off the tabs that would normally hold screws on the coupes to hold the gfx to the rocker. They then placed a few rivets in their place that need to be drilled out. You can see them by looking at the bottom of the gfx.

 

Ok, so I would need to drill out the rivets and then replace attach them back on in a different manner? Now, is this still the case if I have a factory convertible? I mean, my vin shows a 3 instead of a 2 (I'm pretty sure), signifying a vert. So are you saying that GM sent them to ASC to modify after putting a convertible vin number? I apologize for my ignorance, just behind on my convertible specifics. Thanks a lot.

 

you are correct. All verts where actually shipped out of GM as a t-top car, but had vert vin tags.

ASC chopped the top, added a trunk, top, body bracing. Then sent it out.

 

The ASC conversions were most likely done mainly due to the fact that it came out so late in the thirdgen run. It would have cost GM millions to retool their factories to make the parts, and then reconfigure the plants to assemble verst as well as coupes. It was smarter to let an outside vendor due the job and have the customer pick up the tab. So yes, the verts have a '3' instead of a '2' in their VIN because it is a GM authorized vert sold through their dealers, but they didn't actually do the conversion.

 

Ok, I see now, thanks for the info! Today I had just a few minutes to work on my car, and really could not see or figure out how to remove the rocker GFX still. I have the interior panel containing the speaker and armrest (is that the sail panel?) and am wondering if I'm supposed to remove the rear seat? Thanks again for all your collective help!

Tyler

 

you can get that yes, sail panel out w/o removing the seat. Its a few screws, then a clip for the light and speaker.

Then down low, with the bottom cushion out (13 or 15mm, dead center), that hole is covered with tar paper as I said. Remove tar paper and in one of the holes is the nut(s).

 

Cool, that sounds easy enough, and also explains why I couldn't see the nuts . I'll go and try that in the morning. I can't say thanks enough for all the help and info, it's made my project possible! If all goes to plan, tomorrow will be the first time I will have ever driven her (....legally). I plan on posting some pics of before and after paint and tell a little about all the troubles and different projects associated....a lot. One last thing, does metallic black sound ok (stock was black)? Dunno about how it would go with a black vinyl top.

 

Other then strait black, the only black I have seen had prizmatic or peral over it(cant rem which).

All up to you on how you want to be different. Mine sure isnt a stock combo.

 

I think the metallic flakes on a black car would stick out a lot more than on any other color. So if you do go with flakes, ask the vendor you buy the paint from if it would be wise to go with the smaller flakes that are available. Most people go with the medium flakes. Maybe even add in some pearl too, I think that would look really cool.

 

Hey, thanks once again for all the input. Haven't been on in a couple days, been busy with my car. Got some before pics taken, and am on my way to painting today. I'll post some after pics hopefully soon! But as far as the paint, it happens to be exactly what you guys were suggesting, metallic flake with some pearlescent in it. Can't wait to see how it turns out! Thanks guys.

 

REVIVING THIS THREAD I just to to remove the front fenders. The GM Shop Manual says to remove the ground effects, to remove front fenders. Do I have to? Any shortcuts? I already have the front bumper cover off, for some other work.

Thanks.

 

I am STUCK on the same rocker Ground Effects Nut, as the OP, from 2007! OP , like many, never advised of the outcome to his problem.

89 IROC Z VERT...all screw's OUT of the sill mounted GX, but there is a NUT at the trailing vertical edge, of the GX trim. After removing the door opening black plastic ventilation grill, I can see the speed nut, with my Borescope. I can not get a socket on it, even using my SLIM , foot long, 1/4 rachet.

Anyone?

 

Do you have a picture of the area in question? I've had mine off a lot, albeit a Camaro and not a bird.

 

I have a Camaro, Ill attach a pic, soon! I am gonna prep for paint and would like rockers GX off, first, if possible.

 

On my 89 IROC vert I had my teenage daughter reach in though the door vent access holes in the jamb. I believe we also used the Harbor Freight extra long flex head ratchet.

 

I was using the HF super slim, long ratchet. Great ratchet for tight placed, just could not get my are in enough. I will have to look for a "Skinny Girl"!