How to Install Side Skirts (Step-by-Step Guide)
Side skirts are one of the cleanest OEM+ exterior upgrades you can add. They visually lower the car, connect the front and rear aero, and give the side profile a more aggressive, finished look. Because they sit low and face constant vibration, water, and debris, the key to a professional result is simple: perfect alignment + secure mounting.
This guide covers the most common installation methods for aftermarket side skirts: hardware (screws/bolts/clips) and optional 3M VHB tape.
What You’ll Need
Tools
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Jack + jack stands or ramps
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Wheel chocks
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Screwdriver or bit set (Torx/Phillips depending on the car)
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Socket set / ratchet (if bolts are used)
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Drill + drill bits (if drilling is required)
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Trim removal tool (plastic pry tool)
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Measuring tape + marker
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Painter’s tape
Materials
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Included hardware (screws/bolts/washers/clips/brackets)
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Optional: medium-strength threadlocker
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Optional: 3M VHB tape + 3M adhesion promoter (only if used)
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Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) + microfiber towels
Safety First
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Park on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks.
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Lift the side of the car using proper jacking points and secure it on jack stands (or use ramps).
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Make sure you can comfortably access the rocker panel / lower side area.
Step 1: Test Fit and Mark Alignment
Before installing anything:
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Hold the skirt against the rocker panel and check:
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Front and rear endpoints match on both sides
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The skirt follows the body line without gaps
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Wheel arch clearance is consistent
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Use painter’s tape to mark reference points:
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Front position
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Rear position
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Optional: a straight “guide line” along the bottom edge
Pro tip: Measure from the ground to the skirt edge at the front and rear on both sides to confirm symmetry.
Step 2: Clean the Mounting Area
A clean surface improves fitment and prevents movement.
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Clean the contact area on the rocker panel with IPA.
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If your kit uses tape:
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Clean again.
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Apply 3M adhesion promoter only where tape will contact.
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Let it flash off for a few minutes.
Step 3: Remove OEM Clips/Screws (If Required)
Some cars have factory clips or screws underneath the rocker/side trim.
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Remove only what’s necessary to access mounting points.
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Keep fasteners organized (front/middle/rear) so reassembly is easy.
Step 4: Mount the Side Skirt (Loose Fit First)
This is the most important technique to keep the skirt straight.
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Position the skirt using your alignment marks.
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Install the center fasteners first, but keep them loose.
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Add fasteners moving outward toward the front and rear.
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Keep the skirt slightly loose until the full length sits evenly.
This prevents the skirt from “locking” in a crooked position.
Step 5: If Drilling Is Required
If your skirt needs new mounting holes:
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With the skirt aligned, mark the drill points through the mounting holes.
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Remove the skirt and drill pilot holes (start small, then size up).
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Lightly deburr the holes so the skirt sits flush.
Important: Check behind the drilling area for wiring, jack points, or factory seams. Do not drill blindly.
Step 6: Tighten in the Correct Order
Once alignment is perfect, tighten in this sequence:
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Center mounting points
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Middle points
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Front and rear ends last
This prevents twisting and keeps gaps consistent.
Optional: Add a small amount of medium threadlocker to bolts that may loosen over time.
Step 7: If Your Side Skirts Use 3M Tape (Optional)
If tape is part of the install:
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Peel a small section of tape liner at each end to create pull tabs.
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Position the skirt precisely using your marks.
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Slowly pull the liners out while pressing the skirt into place.
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Press firmly along taped areas for 60–90 seconds.
Cure time: Avoid washing the car for 24–48 hours. Full bond strength develops over ~72 hours.
Final Checks (Before Driving)
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Push lightly along the skirt: it should feel solid with no movement.
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Confirm both sides sit at the same height (front and rear).
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Ensure no fasteners are missing and nothing rubs the body.
After the first drive, inspect again—new installs can settle slightly.
Aftercare Tips
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Avoid pressure washing directly at the skirt edges for the first week.
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Re-check fasteners after 7–14 days.
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If the skirt gets scraped, inspect mounting points immediately to prevent cracks or stress damage.
