Managerman's 2015 Corvette Stingray 2LT Z51 A8 Build Thread

Thanks John and Glen!!!

Already more to add! Not specifically mods or acc for the car, but....

25.) Live Webcam to always keep an eye on her... (DONE)

26.) Garage Heater! (DONE)

Does a good job of raising the temp enough to take the chill off!

27.) California Duster!! (DONE)

Stay Tuned!!

-M

Today I was able to do three modifications!!

19&20.) Install Sound Deadening FatMat (Glen-E method). This mod went exactly as planned! Thanks Glen! I ordered the FatMat material direct from Amazon.

25 Sq yd FatMat from Amazon

Used almost 4 of the 5 sheets. I did not remove the rear cargo base carpet...I did not want to mess with removing the wheel well covers and the subwoofer. I just installed underneath my new Lloyds Cargo mat!!

The FatMat kit comes with basic instructions, a small utility knife to cut the material, and a roller (did not need the roller)

First step was to remove the carpet behind the seats. This is very easy as the carpet is not stuck down, just tucked in to plastic molding.

The next step was to use rubbing alcohol to wipe down the metal so the FatMat has no adhesion problems. (50/50 Alcohol, water mixture)

Next step was to grab my wife's hair dryer. It was 25 degrees outside and 45 in my garage, but still too cold, so I used the hair dryer to heat up the body metal and the FatMat pieces before I stuck them down.

Next step was to measure, cut and stick down. Took about an hour to do this...(I went pretty slow and methodical.) Once the area behind the seats was complete, I replaced the carpet (Which was a PITA!!, I think because of the cold, the carpet was less flexible) I was able to wrangle it back into position though!

Next step was to do the rear cargo area...very simple, I cut the FatMat to match the outline of the cargo mat and then just laid it on the base cargo area carpet. I cut out small holes for the metal cargo net rings to pop through.

Last step was to install my new Lloyds cargo mat on top of the FatMat. DONE!!!

28.) Install Z51 decals. I saw these decals from Sean at VetteFX ([email protected] $15) and I thought they really looked like they could have come from the factory! Took about 10 minutes to apply. Used hairdryer to heat up decals and area where decals were applied.

Last simple one for today was finishing the LED bulb replacment. Did the cargo lights last week and did the License plate lights today..Very simple. The users manual shows how to replace the light.

I had a busy weekend modding!! This is so much fun!!

What I did:

1.) Painted my new Z06 Stage 1 Splitter Carbon Flash!

Still WIP....

After seeing the Z06 Stage 1 splitter, I decided that it was the best looking splitter for my Arctic White C7. My car has all the carbon flash badges and carbon flash mirror and spoiler so I thought that the stock grey/black plastic would look a little out of place on the car, so I began reading the forums and learning how to paint it carbon flash. Thanks again to Glen_E!! his basic painting tutorial gave me a great foundation to start from.

My biggest concern was how to paint the plastic and make sure the paint did not start coming off after a couple months. I photo documented the process so anyone else thinking of trying this can learn from my successes and failures.

After educating myself as much as possible, it was time to order paint supplies from Automotivetouchup.com. They have all the painting supplies you will need.

1.) 1 Can of Carbon flash paint (501Q)
2.) 1 Can of high build grey primer
3.) 1 can of Adhesion promoter (since I was painting plastic)
4.) 1 can of High gloss clear coat
5.) Various sandpaper for wetsanding (400, 600, 1000, 1500, 3000)

Ordered from Amazon

1.) Meguiar's M105 Mirror Glaze Ultra-Cut Compound
2.) Meguiar's M205 Mirror Glaze Ultra Finishing Polish

Other Misc stuff

1.) Rubbing alcohol
2.) Soapy water with Dawn

Here is the splitter before any painting began:






First step was to wet sand the splitter to scuff it up, sand down the small bumps on the surface and to take the sheen off the plastic.




Once done with the initial wet sanding, clean the splitter with soapy water and then rub down with rubbing alcohol.




Next up was to spray 2 light coats of adhesion promoter. Waiting 15 min between coats.










After an hour, the next step was 3 light coats of primer. Waiting 15 min between coats







After another hour, 3 light coats of Carbon flash (501Q) paint, waiting 15 min between coats













After a 2 hour wait, I sprayed 2 light and 3 wet coats of clear coat. Waiting 15 min between coats.













This is where I stand today. I am letting the clear coat dry for 48 hours and then I will begin wet sanding with 1500. then 3000 sandpaper, removing all the shine. I will then use the Meguiar's 105 300-500 strokes to bring the gloss back and then use the Meguir's 205 to polish to a nice gloss. I will then seal with Blackfire Crystal seal.

A quick note. I only will be finishing the parts of the splitter that will be visible.

I will update this thread with my progress over the next week..hopefully culminating with the install this weekend.


2.) Painted and installed NPP exhaust filler panel - got a great deal for the brushed aluminum version and painted it Carbon Flash!

I used a similar procedure as above, except I used an self-etching primer, since I was painting aluminum. I also wanted a semi-gloss not High gloss finish, so I did not highly polish the clear coat.

Here are some images of the process:

3.) Install Z06 Grille (Wow...what an adventure!)

Thank goodness so many other people have installed this grille...it sure helped...I found that loosening the bolt near the headlights was the key to getting the bumper cover off for sure. but I used this to easily reach those bolts. much easier than a double extended ratchet.

The install worked out great...I took my time. took about 3 hours total...I really like the look...

-M

Here is an update on this past weekends' mods..

Finished up the Painting and installation of the Stage 1 Z06 splitter. I think it turned out pretty good for my first real car painting project.

Here is the 3000 Grit sandpaper I used for the wet sand. I wet sanded until the gloss from the clear coat was gone.







Then I started polishing with the Meguiar's 105 cutting polish!




To finish up I then I polished with Meguiar's 205 polish and then a Blackfire Polish and seal, and finally Blackfire Crystal Seal.


Almost ready to be installed!!




Color match almost perfect with all other Carbon Flash trim on the car! Yay!!



And here is the final result:

I don't have my jack yet so I used this contraption to drill the holes for the scrivets. Worked great. Easily got under the car.



Simple install.




Turned out pretty good! The combo of Z06 grille and stage 1 splitter really makes the front end look great :woohoo:












I started working on the Curb Alert install...I did not like the install method described by the video I saw on their website. So I decided to make a little bit cleaner install. I am not done yet. Still trying to work out the best location for the sensor in the Z06 grille. I may have to fabricate a custom bracket....

Here is where I stand today with the install:

I decided to mount the control unit near the firewall. It is out of the way of any vital engine part. This mounting location also makes it close to the 12V contact point and the area where the speaker wiring enters the near the passenger side door. I temporarily taped the control box while I determined how long the 12V and negative wires would need to be.

The next thing I did was add a ring terminal to the end of the included inline fuse (which is not talked about at all in any instructions written or video) and installed the nut provided to attach to the 12v terminal. Quick tip: Add a little piece of tape inside the socket to keep the nut from falling out of the socket...It will save you major headaches trying to find the nut when it flies away in your engine bay....

I then measured the red wire coming from the control box and figured out the best hidden path and cut the wire. I then crimped it to the inline fuse holder.

I then figured out the path for the black negative wire and attached it to the neg terminal near the alternator.

Next I loosened the trim piece and the rubber gasket near the passenger door where the speaker wire will enter the cabin.

Next up I will try to figure out the best place for the sensor...going to take my time and do it right. Stay tuned.

Hmmmm.....??

-M