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Author Topic: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia  (Read 5938 times)

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Offline GregGXP

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Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« on: February 14, 2009, 08:08:37 PM »
Okay Folks,  I am doing this install this weekend and getting close to completed. I have taken a bunch of pics which I will try to get posted here by tomorrow evening. In the meantime a few notes that I thought I would pass on. First, if you are changing out the exhaust this is a great time to get the DDMWorks Backbone Brace. Also there is a clip on each side of the rear facia that holds the facia onto the lower fender. Norm's rear facia has three tabs on each side and I strongly recommend getting some extra clips ahead of time (2 for each side) so that you can anchor and hold the facia tight against the fender by clipping each tab. I just ran to the autoparts store and picked up a box of those U type speed nuts that should do the trick. Anyway, more tomorrow with pics.

Greg

2008 GXP, Mean
Solo RCD: Norms Diffuser: JPM Shifter:
DDM Backbone:
Westers Tune - To Be Installed
NAK3D is like a box of chocolates

Offline Sly Bob

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2009, 09:18:11 PM »
Looking forward to it. I am getting the same setup when the weather gets better.
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline GregGXP

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #2 on: February 15, 2009, 08:11:26 PM »
Okay All,

  Just about done. The only thing left is to clamp everything up. Had a small glitch with the clamps but Jeff at SOLO is taking care of that first thing tomorrow. SOLO and Jeff really do know the meaning of customer service.

  Overall thoughts...  Not a bad job at all. Did everything with the car up on race ramps and roll ons (love these things although they are expensive) in the garage. I have installed quite a few exhausts and the SOLO exhaust is not only a beautiful piece of work but everything always lines up perfectly. I take my time plus I had to make several trips to the store for clips, nuts and washers, and files. This is definitely a one day job and that's with taking your time.

  Taking off the exhaust pretty basic and easy. Just make sure you soap up the hangers really well and they will pop off pretty easy. Taking off the valence isn't bad either. It's pretty well documented elsewhere but it's basically one clip on the inside of the lower valence holding it to the rear fender on each side. Then the plastic push plugs along the bottom. Finally pulling the top line of the valence out of the slots using a putty knife. Lastly you remove the black brace that was behind the valence. It is held in by 4 bolts. These bolts are used with Norm's valence so save them and the two clips. You will need to go out and by some 8mm washers and 8mm nuts for these bolts.

  Per a tip from Joe, I installed the exhaust first. Again with SOLO this is a no brainer. Everything goes in very easily and lines up perfectly. I would again suggest thinking about the DDMWorks Backbone Brace as this would definitely be the time to install it.

  After installing the exhaust it was time to tackle Norm's center outlet diffuser valence. There are the tabs at the top. Once those are pushed in and seated I aligned the 3 tabs on each side with the 3 slots in the fenders. Once they were in the slots, although not fully seated, I installed a bolt, washer, and nut on each side at the bottom of the valence up into the bottom of the fender. A push plug had originally been used here. Next start working on the tabs going into the fender slots. This can take a little effort. Some of the tabs may be a little too thick but a file makes quick work to thin it down a bit. Next push on the outside of the valence around one of the tabs while pushing the same area of the fender from the inside so that it fits tight. Next slip the clip over the tab to hold it tight in place. You will need an additional 4 clips. I picked up some of the automotive U speed nuts that worked well. I will probably order some of those clips though and replace them. Once both sides are flush and secured you are ready to install the supporting brackets that come with the valence. One is used on each side. These basically help keep the valence off and away from the muffler supporting hangers. I did have to file a little of the lower valence around one of the hanger bars. It wasn't much and again the file did a quick nice job on it.
  Once the valence is in it's time to adjust the exhaust if needed (mine was perfect) and then tighten up all the clamps.

  Here are some pics from the install. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Greg

The exhaust out and the valence off.




Exhaust front pipe connected to down pipe.




Solo extra front hanger installed. (Notice the new DDMworks Backbone Brace)




Y Pipe installed.




Muffler Installed and lining up with Y pipe.




Exhaust installed, on to the valence.




Valence with tabs and slots showing.




Bottom of valence to bottom of fender. Use one of the 8mm bolts you took off of the original back brace.




Three side tabs on valence that go into slots on fender.




Mount bolt. Use another of the 8mm bolts from back brace here with a couple washers and nut that you need to purchase.




Support bracket supplied by Norm. One on each side.




The famous clip. You have one on each side of your stock valence. You need to purchase four more for the new valence.


2008 GXP, Mean
Solo RCD: Norms Diffuser: JPM Shifter:
DDM Backbone:
Westers Tune - To Be Installed
NAK3D is like a box of chocolates

Offline Critterman

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #3 on: February 15, 2009, 08:21:27 PM »
Where is the final finished picture?  That is my favority of all of norm's valances.
GONE: (but not forgotten) 2006 Cool named BIXABEL (BISH-AH-BEL) Mayan for "Good Roads"

DDM
StageIII intercooled Supercharger, Wisco ceramic coated pistons, Carrillo rods, superTech valves and Springs
Ported and polished head
Exedy Stage II Clutch
big brake kit, slotted/drilled Rotors w/Porterfield pads & blue juice
Backbone, Probeam, Cross Strut Brace
Underhood, trunk, & door Lights
ZOK suspension

JPM
Center console, door inserts, & dash
Seat bolster & lumbar support

Focuztech Tri-Y Header & hi-flow cat
Solo Performance SQR-2
Norm's Rear facia
Heated Seats
Black Cat inserts

Offline GregGXP

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2009, 08:26:39 PM »
Where is the final finished picture?  That is my favority of all of norm's valances.

I can't take a finished picture until the clamps are in and on and it's off the ramps. Hopefully Tuesday.

2008 GXP, Mean
Solo RCD: Norms Diffuser: JPM Shifter:
DDM Backbone:
Westers Tune - To Be Installed
NAK3D is like a box of chocolates

Offline DeepBlueGXP

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2009, 08:54:24 PM »
Nice job so far and great shots...

Offline Critterman

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2009, 01:53:42 PM »
Okay, I will show my butt then   :lol:  Just paint it yellow
GONE: (but not forgotten) 2006 Cool named BIXABEL (BISH-AH-BEL) Mayan for "Good Roads"

DDM
StageIII intercooled Supercharger, Wisco ceramic coated pistons, Carrillo rods, superTech valves and Springs
Ported and polished head
Exedy Stage II Clutch
big brake kit, slotted/drilled Rotors w/Porterfield pads & blue juice
Backbone, Probeam, Cross Strut Brace
Underhood, trunk, & door Lights
ZOK suspension

JPM
Center console, door inserts, & dash
Seat bolster & lumbar support

Focuztech Tri-Y Header & hi-flow cat
Solo Performance SQR-2
Norm's Rear facia
Heated Seats
Black Cat inserts

Offline Sly Bob

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2009, 02:07:27 PM »
Those are beautiful rear ends GregGXP and Critterman. I can't wait for Solstice driving weather so I can see Jeff to get mine put on.

I've got the car up on stands right now to get the old tunnel brace off. Tomorrow it's off to get some aluminum.
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline Cheers

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #8 on: February 16, 2009, 05:36:41 PM »
Great coverage!

Offline GregGXP

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #9 on: February 22, 2009, 06:14:24 PM »
Okay, here is the finished product. Really happy with how it turned out.










2008 GXP, Mean
Solo RCD: Norms Diffuser: JPM Shifter:
DDM Backbone:
Westers Tune - To Be Installed
NAK3D is like a box of chocolates

Offline spicy3480

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #10 on: February 22, 2009, 06:37:20 PM »
Wow that looks great!  There is something about the yellow that really makes that setup pop.  Great job and congrats.
Steve Mariano
Solo Performance
516-655-9002 (7 days a week, until midnight EST)
goingsolo2@hotmail.com


2007 Mysterious Solstice GXP
INTRUDER

Offline KWhale

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #11 on: February 22, 2009, 06:39:34 PM »
Nice job!  It fits perfectly and really accents your exhaust tips.  Looks like a very high quality product.
« Last Edit: February 23, 2009, 02:05:51 AM by KWhale »
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Offline GXPinKC

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #12 on: February 22, 2009, 07:43:27 PM »
GregGXP, awesome job and superb job of explaining the steps along the way.  Finished product is spectacular.  You will get loads of looks and many  :thumbs:

Enjoy the ride!
GXPinKC
Ron
« Last Edit: February 22, 2009, 07:47:40 PM by GXPinKC »
Code 1100, Order#KCPDVV 04-28-2006, Delivery: 12-27-2006 

2007 Aggressive GXP, 5-speed, Ebony Leather seats w red accent stitching, Chrome Wheels, Air, 6-Disc, Monsoon, Sport Metallic Pedals & Premium Headliner.

MSRP $30,300 less $1,000 GMMC credit.  Deal: $28,180. ($2,120 under MSRP).


DDM Race Backbone, Probeam, & Red Cross Bay Brace
JPM Leather Center Console
Windrestrictor
MRZ Performance Billet Caps
Beach Party FBC
Solo Mach Exhaust

Offline DeepBlueGXP

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #13 on: February 22, 2009, 07:47:24 PM »
Great job Greg, looks fantastic

Offline Critterman

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #14 on: February 22, 2009, 08:09:50 PM »
Looks really good, glad you like it
GONE: (but not forgotten) 2006 Cool named BIXABEL (BISH-AH-BEL) Mayan for "Good Roads"

DDM
StageIII intercooled Supercharger, Wisco ceramic coated pistons, Carrillo rods, superTech valves and Springs
Ported and polished head
Exedy Stage II Clutch
big brake kit, slotted/drilled Rotors w/Porterfield pads & blue juice
Backbone, Probeam, Cross Strut Brace
Underhood, trunk, & door Lights
ZOK suspension

JPM
Center console, door inserts, & dash
Seat bolster & lumbar support

Focuztech Tri-Y Header & hi-flow cat
Solo Performance SQR-2
Norm's Rear facia
Heated Seats
Black Cat inserts

Offline PubliusE

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #15 on: February 22, 2009, 10:52:37 PM »
Okay, I will show my butt then   :lol:  Just paint it yellow

Hey, got a couple of questions for you:
Who painted your valance?  Norm or a Body Shop?
Your car is "Cool"  how well did the painted valence match the rest of the car color?
all you touch and all you see is all your life will ever be

Offline spicy3480

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #16 on: February 22, 2009, 10:55:53 PM »
Most of the valence come painted by Norm...he is really good at matching the tough colors, such as the yellow (mean).
Steve Mariano
Solo Performance
516-655-9002 (7 days a week, until midnight EST)
goingsolo2@hotmail.com


2007 Mysterious Solstice GXP
INTRUDER

Offline GregGXP

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #17 on: February 23, 2009, 06:54:07 AM »
Hey, got a couple of questions for you:
Who painted your valance?  Norm or a Body Shop?
Your car is "Cool"  how well did the painted valence match the rest of the car color?

Norm did the paint work. It looks like it came from the factory...  He really did a nice job with it.

2008 GXP, Mean
Solo RCD: Norms Diffuser: JPM Shifter:
DDM Backbone:
Westers Tune - To Be Installed
NAK3D is like a box of chocolates

Offline GregGXP

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #18 on: February 23, 2009, 06:57:26 AM »
Thanks for the compliments all.

2008 GXP, Mean
Solo RCD: Norms Diffuser: JPM Shifter:
DDM Backbone:
Westers Tune - To Be Installed
NAK3D is like a box of chocolates

Offline Critterman

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #19 on: February 23, 2009, 09:46:25 AM »
Hey, got a couple of questions for you:
Who painted your valance?  Norm or a Body Shop?
Your car is "Cool"  how well did the painted valence match the rest of the car color?

I had Norm paint it before he shipped it.  It is a great match.
GONE: (but not forgotten) 2006 Cool named BIXABEL (BISH-AH-BEL) Mayan for "Good Roads"

DDM
StageIII intercooled Supercharger, Wisco ceramic coated pistons, Carrillo rods, superTech valves and Springs
Ported and polished head
Exedy Stage II Clutch
big brake kit, slotted/drilled Rotors w/Porterfield pads & blue juice
Backbone, Probeam, Cross Strut Brace
Underhood, trunk, & door Lights
ZOK suspension

JPM
Center console, door inserts, & dash
Seat bolster & lumbar support

Focuztech Tri-Y Header & hi-flow cat
Solo Performance SQR-2
Norm's Rear facia
Heated Seats
Black Cat inserts

Offline GregGXP

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #20 on: February 23, 2009, 02:26:13 PM »
FYI concerning the clips. It seems you can't get those as a separate item. They only come with the rear facia. Norm is sending me out a couple extra. Just wanted to pass this on.

2008 GXP, Mean
Solo RCD: Norms Diffuser: JPM Shifter:
DDM Backbone:
Westers Tune - To Be Installed
NAK3D is like a box of chocolates

Offline spicy3480

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Re: Installing a Solo RCD and Norm's Rear Facia
« Reply #21 on: February 23, 2009, 06:35:32 PM »
Just an FYI...if you order a SOLO Performance exhaust and want a fascia also from Norm, Jeff can order both as a package for you.
Steve Mariano
Solo Performance
516-655-9002 (7 days a week, until midnight EST)
goingsolo2@hotmail.com


2007 Mysterious Solstice GXP
INTRUDER

 

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