Front Guards - can you get behind them without removing?

[hks_kansei]

simple question really, I need to get in behind my front guards (to about the indicator area) and was thinking I might be able to just remove the wheel arch splash shield and get my arm in there.

is it as simple as that? or am I going to go through the effort of taking out the splash guard only to find the inside of the guard is inaccessible.

thanks.

it's an NB8A, but I presume it would be much the same on NA as well.

[StanTheMan]

once the splash guard is removed, you can get your arm behind there.

[bensale]

If its just to swap over indicators you don't need to get in behind the guard. Otherwise STM is correct, just take the splash guard off.

[hks_kansei]

ah, sweet.

Ben, they just clip in normally, but one of Cheyne's old ones has a broken clip. So I'm going to get a little creative and use something else to hold it in (if I cant rebuild the clip), a hose clamp or something may do the trick.

[Guran]

You might use this as an opportunity to check the area between the guard and the chassis for accumulated dirt. In the NA at least, this spot tends to collect a lot of muck. I recently cleaned out a couple handfuls of dirt and an ant nest from mine!

[hks_kansei]

hmm, I'll check that too.

when I bought the car the rear drains were pretty caked in with rotted leaves and dirt so chances are the guards have probably collected some sh*t too.

[JBT]

Once you remove the splash guards, you can undo the bottom bolts/screws that attach the lower part of the guard. Then pull it away from where it meets the inner body work to clean the area out and access the normally concealed part of the indicator repeater.

[hks_kansei]

sweet.

sounds like I'm all set then for both and install, and a cleanout.


thank god I dont have to remove the panel, it's always an absolute arse to get them aligned again afterwards.

[hks_kansei]

ok, installed the indicators.

for reference:

splash panel comes out really easily, literally a 5min job.
a skinny person can get their arm in behind the panel without needing to undo the lower bolts.

and for future reference, the stock indicators (and unbroken aftermarket ones) can be removed without the need to pry or use tools (which means no risk of scratching the car), all you need to do is push them towards the rear of the car and then pry the front edge with your fingers.