Before...

...and after.

This is a step-by-step guide on fitting Nova GTE or GSi side skirts (both are identical) onto a 3-door Nova. Any model can have these fitted, with a bit of time and patience. The side skirts come in four pieces, two rear quarters and two side skirts. The skirts snap onto white clips which are positioned on the sill of the car. These are in turn attached by posts which are pop rivets. There are two posts per white clip. These were only fitted to GTE or GSi Nova's as standard, hence they already have the posts in place in the sill. So for other models, these posts will have to be put into place, before the side skirts can go on.

These side skirts in the guide were fitted onto a Nova GTE, but as the car had new panels and rear arches put on before the respray, some of these posts were removed. So new posts had to be put back in place, but using self tapers instead, which are a good alternative. Lining up where the posts should go is the difficult bit. As there is very little room for error as the posts only snap onto the side skirt in particular places. They can not slide to one side. The easiest method was to paint the back of the white clips, then press the side skirt onto the car. That way, you knew where the white clips are to be.

Some drilling is required to screw in the self tapers. Any fresh cuts must be painted with rust stopper. This prevents the metal oxidising and rust from appearing too soon. The sills are very vulnerable to the elements of the weather, so they can rust very easily if not protected.

• Side skirts come in four pieces, the GM part number is 90316897, 90316898, 90316899 and 90316900. The original items from the dealer should come with fitting instructions.
• GM part number for rivet bolts 90196277.
• GM part number for Plastic Push Buttons, 90173432.
• GM part number for White Clip stone guards, 90196277.
• If in doubt, just ask the parts department of what items you need, they (should) be able to figure it out via their database.

General Notes:

Just before you start, make sure you note the following:

• Second hand side skirts may not be in the best condition. In this guide, it shows you how to respray them. Use the colour of your choice (i.e. colour code them).
• When spraying plastic, use plastic primer paint. This bonds onto the surface better. When preparing the surface, you need to 'key' it. Use 200 grit paper to roughen the surface. Then spray thin layers of primer on. On each spray, allow to dry and lightly rub down with 400 grit (but don't take the primmer off). Once enough layers are on (about 5 will do), spray the final coat. Do about 5 light coats. With each application, rub down with 600 grit. Again don't go through the paint. Use water to make the task easier with the paper (NOTE on paper grades: 100 = rough, 1000 = smooth).
• When finding the correct locations for the white clips to be put into place, any wet paint or ink can be used. Just make sure it can be easily removed and doesn't mark the paint work. Tip-Ex was used in this example, as it can easily be wiped off (with White Sprit).
• The original side skirts used metal turrets which were pop rivets. Small self tapers are a good alternative. Screw these in, but slightly proud so that the white clips can slide on and snap into position.
• When marking out the hole positions, use a centre punch and a hammer to make an small impression in the sill. This makes it easier for the drill bit to stay in the correct position. Otherwise it can drift off when drilling, which can mark the paintwork.
• Small plastic push buttons are used underneath the seal (not shown in the guide), these secure the side skirts on better. These are not essential but ideal to stop them flapping up from the bottom. But small button shaped rivets are required, it is not know if all Nova's have these in place as standard.
• The bottom of the door should 'just' clear the side skirt when opened.
• When ever a fresh cut or drilled hole is made, it should be painted with 'rust stopper' to stop it oxidising and hence inhibits rusting.

OK, got all the above? Then follow the steps below (remember to click on the pics for a bigger view):