Side skirt removal?

juld0zer

i will post some pics up when i get back to a computer but i just removed my existing side skirt to replace with another OEM one (original was scratched down to the black plastic by previous owner).

i used the Nismo side skirt instructions on the Z1 site and the replacement skirt as a guide to help me pinpoint the locations of the clips.

the only tool i used was a medium length screwdriver (~20cm) wrapped in electrical tape. in hindsight, duct tape would've been a better choice but the electrical tape held up fine. The tape on the tip just needed frequent replacement due to piercing.
By wrapping the shaft, it shields your paint from scratches and as long as you're not too brutal and take your time, removal can be damage-free. I broke no clips during removal but two grommets were already half destroyed at the factory it seemed. No visible paint loss was suffered and no indentations were made to the skirt that was removed.
A longer screwdriver would've been handy for half the clips but be sure the shaft is fairly rigid as the clips require a surprising amount of leverage to pop.

Another tip is to ensure you place some foam under the skirt as you work. Once you free the last clip, it just falls off.
The clip nearest to the door hinge is the most annoying without a long screwdriver but i managed with a bit of persistence.

There is a strip of double sided foam tape in the corner once you free the first few clips. Simply pull the skirt outwards to stretch the foam and use the screwdriver tip to slowly cut the foam. Peel the rest off afterwards & use appropriate prep prior to application of new tape.

While you've got the skirt off, clean the dirt and debris out of the trough in front of the rear tyre (rear end of the side skirt).

Final tip is to be patient and careful - do not pull too far or you will risk ripping the blocks which hold the clips. They seem very flimsy.