Gutter Guard install question...

[InspectorGAGT]

I'm about to install some GG mesh inserts on my car, but I've got couple questions...

Why do most of you use the clips that some with the stuff? They seem like they might allow the mesh to move around, so why not just use the adhesive to do the whole thing?

Also, I assume that it is necessary to put the car up on ramps to do this, yeah? Thanks guys :)

[Wilkyman]

actually the clips hold really well, i think its just easier and pretty much makes the gutter guard flush with the front chin... i just used the clips and the used some goop on the corners and also i used some goop on the clips, that way you can't see the glue if your llooking at the front.. hehe if that makes any sense... i didn't have to use a jack to put the stuff in and i slid uder the front end pretty easily.. good luck!

[Jagey]

I used clips on mine because

A) it was easier to work with
B) it can be easily detached for repainting purposes
C) I can get rid of it without damaging anything if i want to sell it


The clips actually stay extremely well. I have gone 160km/h down the highway. Driven through 80 km/h winds. And done 100km/h in a downpour. It doesn't move an inch.

[IanGT99]

I just used the clips and secured them on the lower part of the grill. Then I used black zip ties on the upper part and silicone adhesive on the sides. It's been on the car for over 4000 miles now, sometimes at over 100 mph and it hasn't moved. That's just my two cents...

[InspectorGAGT]

The install on the lower air dam seems easy enough, but I'm having a hell of a time getting the retainer pins out of the silver trim rings in the ram air nostrils...anyone have a trick as to how to get these out easily?

[MaceDew]

Cut them out....!
I just used scissors and that worked fine.
Goto the local automotive store and buy some for under 3 bucks...!

[Not2OLD]

I didn't use the clips at all. I left the GG "au natural" so I don't need to remove them for paint.

I used outdoor goop on the bottom and sides and zip ties for the top.

I also cut the pins out of the nostrils. I gooped the GG to the trim ring, and you guessed it, zip ties where the pins were.

[InspectorGAGT]

The adhesive I'm using is the Seal All in the yellow tube...will that work alright, or should I go get a tube of household Goop?

[IanGT99]

The Seal All stuff works wonderfully. It's the same stuff I used. I just had one minor problem where one of the sides of the front air dam piece came a little loose, but I just went over it again and it hasn't come loose in a long while now. For $1.97, the Seal All is the best stuff for the cheapest price.

[Phantom Phoenix]

will you have trouble getting it off if you decide to sell or something

[Jagey]

Originally posted by Phantom Phoenix
will you have trouble getting it off if you decide to sell or something

Most likely you will, but you can always pretend the car came like that.

[Phantom Phoenix]

you're also gonna have to repaint them eventually

[IanGT99]

The way I look at it is that where you're glueing is in a hidden place where no potential buyer is going to look. It is a bit difficult to get it off, and it might take some paint off in the process. In the long run, you can always just do a quick touch-up-paint job if need be and go with it.

[InspectorGAGT]

Now that I'm getting around to doing the project, I think I'm just going to use all glue on the front air dam...is this ok? Also,. I have 4 inch zip ties to replace the retainer pins that I'm going to snip...are these long enough or do I need to get something like 8 inch ones? Once I snip the pins, they should fall right out, yeah? I want to make sure that I won't have any leftover plastic above where I snip, I bet that'd be a major bear to get out. Thanks.

[DJCobol]

If you cut the pins holding the ram air nostrils in there will be a little bit left up in the fascia. If you pull hard enough the pins do come out so you dont have to cut them. I took a screwdriver wrapped in a rag and pried the pins down enough for me to slide my fingers in there. Then it was just a matter of pulling. The pieces are flexable, so dont worry too much about breaking anything. Honestly I think it would be harder to use zip ties than the pins. Trying to curve them out of the top of the fascia would **** me off to no end. Stick with the pins man.

[IanGT99]

I would agree...you can go to any auto parts store and pick up new pins (which come in packs of 3...who the hell uses 3 pins? You'd think some smart@$$ would think to put 4 in a pack rather than just 3). Anyways, they're only like $1.30. You'd get a better hold for the nostrils with the retaining pins rather than zip ties. As for the bottom part, I would highly suggest NOT using just glue. You don't want to be crusing down the highway at 75 mph and have a piece of metal fly off of your car. Use the metal clips that came with the gutter guard for the bottom, secure the top with zip ties, and then glue down the sides. I've had my car up to about 120-125 mph once before and the GG didn't budge.

[InspectorGAGT]

When you attach the GG piece to the top of the lower air dam, where are you zip-tying it to?

What kind of extra pins did you guys buy? Is it a generic part or something GM-specific? Also, say you cut the ram air retainer pins out, how could you even get the new ones in there if there is still some plastic left in the fascia?

[IanGT99]

Originally posted by InspectorGAGT
When you attach the GG piece to the top of the lower air dam, where are you zip-tying it to?

What kind of extra pins did you guys buy? Is it a generic part or something GM-specific? Also, say you cut the ram air retainer pins out, how could you even get the new ones in there if there is still some plastic left in the fascia?


1. On the top of the lower air dam, there are two holes on either side of the middle piece. It looks like these are used for more retaining pins to keep the front bumper more secure. Mine just happened to be not connected. So, I just wraped three, black zip ties through that hole and through the GG. Works nicely.
2. The pins are just a generic part. Take one that you've clipped with you into any auto parts store and you can match them up, or just somehow find out the part number from GM or somewhere else.
3. When you snip the end off of the pin, get a small flathead screwdriver wrapped in a thin cloth. Push up on the remaining piece of the pin. It should pop right up out of there. You can get to it to discard it.
4. Good luck! Get us some pics of the final product!

[InspectorGAGT]

I certainly will get pics of the final product for ya, but I'm waitin' on two things: my ref. white overlays from Ryan should be in tomorrow (I'm planning on doing everything all at once), and for this weather to clear up! It's supposed to be rainy until the weekend in this part of the country, so hopefully I'll be able to tackle this project soon. Thanks for all your help Ian, and everybody else. :thumbs:

[IanGT99]

Anytime, bud. It's been rainy here off and on, too. We're supposed to get one more round tomorrow, so it should be heading your way. Hopefully you can get it all in over the weekend. Maybe think about doing it in a garage or covered area...I know what it's like to wanna get everything done all at once. It's just more efficient...lol. Later

[Houston99]

I used the clips when I did mine, and it worked great..