Sure, the C5 Corvette is a beautiful car just as it comes from the factory. But, some Corvette owners are always looking to add a little something extra that makes their car look even better. One of the easiest places to do this is around the fog-lamp cove. If you want to add some texture to the plain-looking fog-lamp cutouts, these screens from Eckler's are an easy-to-install upgrade, and the closest a C5 can get to having a grille.
While the screens do provide some protection for the fog lamp against road debris, for the most part, they are purely an aesthetic upgrade. On a silver Corvette like Will Souza's from Deland, Florida, they look especially nice. We met up with Will at the Corvette Clinic in Lake Mary, Florida, and rubbernecked while Chris Haasis installed the screens on Will's '03 Corvette. Will was pleased with the end result and so were we, although he told us the job wouldn't be complete until he got the brake-duct screens to match.
Before you start, clean the...
Before you start, clean the entire fog-lamp-cove area with brake cleaner (not fluid). It will dry quickly and won't leave residue so you get a good surface for the screens' adhesive. It's also a good idea to run a little chrome cleaner over the screens' tabs, since you won't be able to access them later. Then, bend the tabs inward a little (as shown) so the adhesive won't stick until you're ready.
Before you expose the adhesive,...
Before you expose the adhesive, practice fitting the screens into place a few times, so you'll know what you're doing when it's time for the real thing. Try to align the screen with the contour of the cove, and make it flush. Chris began by setting the bottom of the screen, then sliding the top into place. Once you know where you want it, peel off the stickers and slide it in.
At this point, the adhesive...
At this point, the adhesive has still not made contact with the surface because we bent the tabs. Now, you can adjust the position with a tool like this. Chris uses it for radiator hoses, but you can use an awl or anything with a hook. The wires on the screen are laced like a tennis racket, so be careful not to pull them out of shape. Once you're satisfied with the positioning, reach through the screen with your tool and press the tabs down (and up) against the cove surface. With a few presses of your thumb here and there, you're done.