Project 3 - Nose Mask Installation
Applicable Years: C5, C6
Skill Level: 1 Wrench
Tools required: 10mm socket, ratchet, No. 2 Phillips screwdriver
Time required: 1/2 hour
Parts source: Mid America Motorworks
Chips on the nose of your Corvette caused by pebbles and other debris hitting it at highway speeds are unsightly and a constant problem if you do a lot of throughway driving. Installing a nose mask is an easy and cost-effective means of preventing new chips from occurring as well as covering up existing ones, plus it gives the nose of your Corvette a sporty Euro-look.
All you'll need to do this installation is a 10mm socket, ratchet, Phillips screwdriver, and about a half hour.
 Installation starts with removing...  Installation starts with removing each of the three front 10mm bolts that hold the inner fenderwell panel in place and replacing them with the supplied snaps and Phillips screws. Having the wheels turned makes accessing these much easier. |  Once all the snaps are secured...  Once all the snaps are secured in place with the screws, position the mast on the front of the car. Begin attaching it with the snaps, starting at the bottom and working your way up on each side, stretching the mask as required for a taut fit to secure it. |  Here's what it looks like...  Here's what it looks like when installed. These masks are a great way to preserve your paint, give the car some extra nose protection, as well a more aggressive, no-nonsense look. |
Project 4 - Hood Struts Replacement
Applicable Years: C5
Skill Level: 1 Wrench
Tools required: Flat-blade screwdriver
Time required: 1/2 hour
Parts source: Mid America Motorworks
When the hood of your C5 won't stay in the up position or gradually loses altitude when in the open position, that's an indication of hood struts that need replacement. Or, if you just want to add a little extra underhood sparkle, replacing the stock black struts with bright stainless units is easy to do as well. Either way, here's all it takes to replace those C5 hood struts, and the only tool you'll need is a flat-blade screwdriver.
 The hydraulic hood struts...  The hydraulic hood struts on the C5 eventually need replacement. Whether you go with stock black units or shiny stainless struts, it's a simple procedure that doesn't take long to do. |  By simply prying them with...  By simply prying them with a flat-blade screwdriver, the struts simply pop off their retainers at both ends. Installing the new ones is also just a matter of popping them onto the retainers by giving them a shot with the heel of your hand. |  The stainless replacement...  The stainless replacement struts give you the same functionality as the stock units along with a little extra underhood eye candy to boot. |