FRC install how-tos?
10-21-2002, 04:09 PM
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FRC install how-tos? I have a 2000 Firehawk and just got in some 97 Corvette Fuel Rail Covers. I got the 97s cause that's what the guy I bought it from suggested. I realize they are not a direct snap on unit and a little customization is required. Does anyone know of a site that has a "how-to"?
Thanks,
Mike
Thanks,
Mike
10-22-2002, 11:47 AM
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Re: FRC install how-tos?
10-23-2002, 12:51 AM
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Re: FRC install how-tos? OK first off thanks for the links. I looked at all that stuff and tried the things suggested there. But neither of the FRCs fit right. The Drivers side one fits "OK". But it doesn't lock into place like it should. The passenger side one is a nightmare. I ended up cutting so much that now it looks like crap. I bought the 97 set, but why aren't the bolts that hold it on lining up?
Your advise is appreciated,
Mike
Your advise is appreciated,
Mike
10-23-2002, 06:21 AM
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Re: FRC install how-tos? Mike,
I feel your pain. It took me about 3.5 hours to get them on and my driver's side FRC still doesn't sit like I want it to. However, the passenger side fits like a glove. I don't recall exactly how I cut the passenger side, but I know I didn't have to cut too much. You will have to bend the AIR tubes for it to fit. You'll also have to cut a line in the front part of the FRC where it meets the throttle body. I cut the **** out of the driver's side. All cuts were made far in the back so you can't see them. You'll need to bend a few things on the driver's side near the coil packs. I can't remember exaclty what to bend, sorry.
Don't give up though. They look very good. Let me know if you still have problems. I'll pull my FRC's off and I'll get a good look at the engine bay.
Dan
I feel your pain. It took me about 3.5 hours to get them on and my driver's side FRC still doesn't sit like I want it to. However, the passenger side fits like a glove. I don't recall exactly how I cut the passenger side, but I know I didn't have to cut too much. You will have to bend the AIR tubes for it to fit. You'll also have to cut a line in the front part of the FRC where it meets the throttle body. I cut the **** out of the driver's side. All cuts were made far in the back so you can't see them. You'll need to bend a few things on the driver's side near the coil packs. I can't remember exaclty what to bend, sorry.
Don't give up though. They look very good. Let me know if you still have problems. I'll pull my FRC's off and I'll get a good look at the engine bay.
Dan
10-24-2002, 02:21 PM
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Re: FRC install how-tos? Mike-
Not sure if I've met you or not, but I had the Red Firehawk beside the 2 black ones at the Damascus Car Show this summer...I remember an NBM Formula Hawk there...had a cutout on the stock exhaust...anyway...
Heres the 'how to' that I post on SLP's board when someone asks about FRCs...
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">
OK. Corvette FRCs from your local dealer will set you back around $35 a piece. The part numbers for them are below. You'll need some type of epoxy or body filler with a flex agent in it, since the FRCs can flex (and they will, at least a little, with the heat of the engine and during installation). We used a flexible seam weld (got it at NAPA, SEM 39927), but you have to have a special kind of two-tube gun to mix and apply it. I've heard that bumper repair kits work great, too. Bottom line: regular epoxy or bondo will NOT work that well...you run a risk of chipping out after the install. For the resurfacing, you can use any kind of textured paint (NAPA again, SEM 39103 bumper coating), if you want to keep the rough texture. I know of some that used spray-in bedliner for trucks with MUCH success. I think that would work well, but we had no problems with our method.
How to do it...
First off, you should cut them to fit your car. Be warned up front; this is a PITA. There are several differences between our LS1s and the 'vette LS1s. You'll have to cut around the throttle cables (more if you have ASR), the second (forward) fuel line, and the emissions stuff at the back of the engine. The configurations change year to year, and probably are different for SSs and Firehawks. All I can say is don't be afraid to cut. Test fit them, trim a little, test it again, etc. It took us about 3 or 4 hours to get the first set cut to fit. Key tools used? Hole saw, Dremel tool, bandsaw, razor knife, & lotsa 4-letter words.
After they're cut and you're comfortable with how they fit, the first step is to get the paint out of the Corvette lettering. Use whatever method you like for this. We used small flat-bladed screwdrivers, sharpened a little, and scraped it out. We did the final cleaning with a Dremel tool (invaluable, lemme tell you). OK, now, the recessed area should be clean and fairly rough. Now, mask off the areas above and below your lettering to prevent 'accidents'. Fill the lettering with the bumper filler or flexible seam weld, making sure that you fill each letter completely with no bubbles. Let that dry. After its completely dry, sand it flush with the rest of the cover. After you're satisfied with the surface, spray the coating or textured paint in light coats and cover it. After letting it dry, sand it and get rid of the little plastic 'hairs' that pop up when you sand plastic. Go very lightly, and you should get a great surface. Finish it up with a few more coats, and you should have a great final product. Go have a good serving of your favorite BEvERage...you've done good work today. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
The ‘Trans Am’ on my FRCs is the badging that is stock on the doors. If you're going to use the ‘Firehawk’, you're not going to need it. I had the stylized 'Firehawk' on my airlid, so I went with the T/A on the FRCs. I've seen an aluminum piece, etched with 'Chevrolet' and a bowtie that looked really good, installed on an SS. Very nice.
I’ve got another set of Black FRCs that are cut and ready to install… I can send anyone pics of them, showing the cuts that were made. Given proper motivation, I could probably make a template, scale it down for easy transmittal, and scan it for someone. Proper motivation would be someone asking for it… <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" /> I can't say that every car will be cut like these, but 2001 Firehawks without TCS should be close.
Hope this helps in your quest for F-body FRCs...Sorry it’s so long, but its not an easy process...email or post with any questions.
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="http://images.fpdev.net/?id=119498&outx=600&oq=0" alt=" - " />
If you have any questions, feel free to email me or IM me...CByrdmn1856
Byrdman
Not sure if I've met you or not, but I had the Red Firehawk beside the 2 black ones at the Damascus Car Show this summer...I remember an NBM Formula Hawk there...had a cutout on the stock exhaust...anyway...
Heres the 'how to' that I post on SLP's board when someone asks about FRCs...
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">
OK. Corvette FRCs from your local dealer will set you back around $35 a piece. The part numbers for them are below. You'll need some type of epoxy or body filler with a flex agent in it, since the FRCs can flex (and they will, at least a little, with the heat of the engine and during installation). We used a flexible seam weld (got it at NAPA, SEM 39927), but you have to have a special kind of two-tube gun to mix and apply it. I've heard that bumper repair kits work great, too. Bottom line: regular epoxy or bondo will NOT work that well...you run a risk of chipping out after the install. For the resurfacing, you can use any kind of textured paint (NAPA again, SEM 39103 bumper coating), if you want to keep the rough texture. I know of some that used spray-in bedliner for trucks with MUCH success. I think that would work well, but we had no problems with our method.
How to do it...
First off, you should cut them to fit your car. Be warned up front; this is a PITA. There are several differences between our LS1s and the 'vette LS1s. You'll have to cut around the throttle cables (more if you have ASR), the second (forward) fuel line, and the emissions stuff at the back of the engine. The configurations change year to year, and probably are different for SSs and Firehawks. All I can say is don't be afraid to cut. Test fit them, trim a little, test it again, etc. It took us about 3 or 4 hours to get the first set cut to fit. Key tools used? Hole saw, Dremel tool, bandsaw, razor knife, & lotsa 4-letter words.
After they're cut and you're comfortable with how they fit, the first step is to get the paint out of the Corvette lettering. Use whatever method you like for this. We used small flat-bladed screwdrivers, sharpened a little, and scraped it out. We did the final cleaning with a Dremel tool (invaluable, lemme tell you). OK, now, the recessed area should be clean and fairly rough. Now, mask off the areas above and below your lettering to prevent 'accidents'. Fill the lettering with the bumper filler or flexible seam weld, making sure that you fill each letter completely with no bubbles. Let that dry. After its completely dry, sand it flush with the rest of the cover. After you're satisfied with the surface, spray the coating or textured paint in light coats and cover it. After letting it dry, sand it and get rid of the little plastic 'hairs' that pop up when you sand plastic. Go very lightly, and you should get a great surface. Finish it up with a few more coats, and you should have a great final product. Go have a good serving of your favorite BEvERage...you've done good work today. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
The ‘Trans Am’ on my FRCs is the badging that is stock on the doors. If you're going to use the ‘Firehawk’, you're not going to need it. I had the stylized 'Firehawk' on my airlid, so I went with the T/A on the FRCs. I've seen an aluminum piece, etched with 'Chevrolet' and a bowtie that looked really good, installed on an SS. Very nice.
I’ve got another set of Black FRCs that are cut and ready to install… I can send anyone pics of them, showing the cuts that were made. Given proper motivation, I could probably make a template, scale it down for easy transmittal, and scan it for someone. Proper motivation would be someone asking for it… <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" /> I can't say that every car will be cut like these, but 2001 Firehawks without TCS should be close.
Hope this helps in your quest for F-body FRCs...Sorry it’s so long, but its not an easy process...email or post with any questions.
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="http://images.fpdev.net/?id=119498&outx=600&oq=0" alt=" - " />
If you have any questions, feel free to email me or IM me...CByrdmn1856
Byrdman
10-25-2002, 06:46 AM
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Re: FRC install how-tos? I remember reading, that someone who makes these for people, sells a bracket that repositions the fule line, or air lines (cant remember which) to make installation much easier. Its a bracket thats like 7 bucks and can purchased from Chevy. Youll have to do some searching though, cuz I cant remember who said it.
Sory
Sory
