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DIY: Side Skirt Removal

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Old 07-25-2006, 10:22 AM
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Anyone2u
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Default DIY: Side Skirt Removal

I did a search for a DIY/"How-To" guide on removing the stock side skirts and didn't find anything with pics, so I decided to make one as I removed mine. As others had mentioned in the threads that my initial search brought up, it's a pretty simple process that should take you about 10 minutes per side.

Tools: You really only need a 10mm socket (deep one if you got it), a small screwdriver and maybe a pair of pliers.

Overview The picture below shows the approximate location of the fasteners that secure the skirts to the car. There are six (6) 10mm bolts and four (4) "Pop Rivets" along the bottom and ends of the skirt.


Step 1. It's probably easiest to remove the "Pop Rivets" first. There are two in the front (location #s 7 & 8 from the above picture) and two in the back (#s 9 & 10). To remove them, stick a screwdriver in one (or more) of the four slots and "pop" the center cap out. Once it's out far enough, you can remove the pop rivet.


Step 1a. For some reason (more than likely just to be a PITA) Nissan decided to use one of the Pop rivets underneath the car at the front of the skirt (#7) so you kind of have to remove that one "blind". The other three (inside the wheel wells) are simple.


Step 2. Removing the remaining 10mm bolts is very simple. If you have a "deep" 10mm socket this will make life a little easier as the handle to the driver will be below the bottom of the skirt. You can also use a phillips screwdriver if you have one the right size.


Step 3. Now that all fasteners are removed, you can start to peel the side skirt away from the car. Just like removing a door panel, you want to get the right angle and slowly pop the clips that hold the top of the skirt to the car. Start at the front of the car and slowly move backwards. The back three clips are a little different than the front ones, but pop out the same way.




That's it, you're done. BTW, here is a final picture of the inside of the skirt that may help you understand how the skirt is clipped and bolted to the car. Hopefully this helped someone.
Old 07-25-2006, 10:53 AM
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2004z
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I'm sure plenty of people will find this useful.
Old 07-25-2006, 12:20 PM
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black_03
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Thanks I will be using this when I install my Nismo sides!
Old 07-25-2006, 12:33 PM
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Mike Wazowski
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Mods please sticky this.
Old 07-25-2006, 07:05 PM
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myehrick09
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Originally Posted by USN HM 350Z
Mods please sticky this.
+1 on the sticky................Very helpful thread!
Old 07-25-2006, 07:06 PM
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Good job with pics!
Old 08-08-2006, 02:44 PM
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FirstZ
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Awesome, just what I was look for, the search does WORK<LOL
Old 08-08-2006, 04:50 PM
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Thanks for the excellent DIY...it will def come in handy when I remove the side skirts soon.
Old 09-01-2006, 08:44 AM
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jazz z1
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Great DIY write-up ANYONE2U ............. Thanks for taking the time to add pictures, that was very helpful and considerate.
Old 10-11-2006, 02:48 AM
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skitoles
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hey Anyone2u.your write ups are great.keep it up.very helpful DIY.
Old 10-15-2006, 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by j*** z1
Great DIY write-up ANYONE2U ............. Thanks for taking the time to add pictures, that was very helpful and considerate.
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Old 11-28-2006, 12:54 PM
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derekinthez
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Default Install

Hey, do you guys happen to have a thread on installing the aftermarket skirts? Like, do you use the factory clips or just 3m the new skirts and drill holes on underside to bolt to factory holes?
Old 12-19-2006, 05:31 PM
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kdogg24
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I will be using this when I install my Nismo kit. Thanks!
Old 12-19-2006, 06:35 PM
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charged
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Originally Posted by Anyone2u
I did a search for a DIY/"How-To" guide on removing the stock side skirts and didn't find anything with pics, so I decided to make one as I removed mine. As others had mentioned in the threads that my initial search brought up, it's a pretty simple process that should take you about 10 minutes per side.

Tools: You really only need a 10mm socket (deep one if you got it), a small screwdriver and maybe a pair of pliers.

Overview The picture below shows the approximate location of the fasteners that secure the skirts to the car. There are six (6) 10mm bolts and four (4) "Pop Rivets" along the bottom and ends of the skirt.


Step 1. It's probably easiest to remove the "Pop Rivets" first. There are two in the front (location #s 7 & 8 from the above picture) and two in the back (#s 9 & 10). To remove them, stick a screwdriver in one (or more) of the four slots and "pop" the center cap out. Once it's out far enough, you can remove the pop rivet.


Step 1a. For some reason (more than likely just to be a PITA) Nissan decided to use one of the Pop rivets underneath the car at the front of the skirt (#7) so you kind of have to remove that one "blind". The other three (inside the wheel wells) are simple.


Step 2. Removing the remaining 10mm bolts is very simple. If you have a "deep" 10mm socket this will make life a little easier as the handle to the driver will be below the bottom of the skirt. You can also use a phillips screwdriver if you have one the right size.


Step 3. Now that all fasteners are removed, you can start to peel the side skirt away from the car. Just like removing a door panel, you want to get the right angle and slowly pop the clips that hold the top of the skirt to the car. Start at the front of the car and slowly move backwards. The back three clips are a little different than the front ones, but pop out the same way.




That's it, you're done. BTW, here is a final picture of the inside of the skirt that may help you understand how the skirt is clipped and bolted to the car. Hopefully this helped someone.
Ya thanks, it helped me. I just posted a few days ago asking how to do this.
Old 01-05-2007, 02:56 PM
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Bob Martin
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So taking these sides off doesnt look all that hard..but how hard would it be to put nismo sides on?? Thanks to anyone who could help me out eith this question.
Old 01-07-2007, 07:25 PM
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Bob Martin
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anybody? I got nismo sides at my house waiting to get put on but cant decide if I should give it ago myself or pay someone to install them.
Old 01-08-2007, 02:44 AM
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I got NISMO sides at home too, but I still need them to get prepped and painted -- I'm waiting for my NISMO V2 front bumper to get them all painted at the same time. I was going to have a go at both before paying a bodyshop -- installs look pretty straight forward for both. What are your reservations? PM me.
Old 01-08-2007, 09:51 PM
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Good job on the write up.

You forgot to warn us about the debris and road kill parts that get caught in the side skirt....
Old 03-04-2007, 05:10 PM
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awesome! helped me out tonight! haha
Old 03-04-2007, 06:27 PM
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Very useful DIY. I bet this will help anyone who ever needs to load up the Z onto a UHAUL trailer, not to mention install aftermarket skirts.


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