Adding painted Fuel Rail Covers (FRC's) by removing the fuel line.. [Archive] - SmokinVette.com Forums

: Adding painted Fuel Rail Covers (FRC's) by removing the fuel line..


BLACK 08
09-30-2009, 02:40 PM
Here is a "how to" on adding FRC's by removing the fuel line. Let me preface this by saying it may not be the best method but the one I prefer. I know some do the tape and bend method but I tried that and still ended up scratching my freshly painted FRC's. Obviously mine are already installed.

Also, this isn't a very difficult thing to do but please understand that some people don't want to start pulling things off and removing parts from their Vette without knowing what they are getting in to.

IMPORTANT: Let the engine cool completely before removing the fuel line. A little gas may spill out and you don't want it dripping on to a hot engine.

This is the removal tool you will need. I bought it at Autozone but I'm sure you can find it or similar at any auto parts store. You need a 3/8" size.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval013.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval014.jpg
Let's start with the easy (passenger) side just to see how they go on and off.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval026.jpg
First remove the oil fill cap then simply pull up on the edges of the FRC.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval028.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval027.jpg
This is what it looks like under there.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval029.jpg
The FRC's just snap right on with the clips and posts. Both sides snap on the same way but the fuel line is in the way on the driver's side.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval032.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval021-1.jpg

Now on to the driver's side (and fuel line removal).
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval002.jpg
The fuel line actually connects in two places (under the FRC or at the firewall). You can remove it in either location but I prefer disconnecting it under the FRC.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval005.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval003.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval004.jpg
Pull the FRC off from the top carefully to access the fuel line. (I removed it for the purpose of taking pictures so you can see what is going on. Just follow the steps while the FRC is still on.) It's a little tight under there but just be careful.
Before you remove the fuel line put a towel or rag under it to catch any fuel that leaks out.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval009.jpg
There is a locking clip that needs to come off first.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval010.jpg
Pull it up on this end then it slides right out.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval011.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval012.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval015.jpg
Next, take the tool with the 3/8" side and place it on the fuel line.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval016.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval017.jpg
Then you need to push it in to the coupling (arrow shows direction). It takes a little force but as you push it in you just pull the connection apart.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval017-1.jpg
Here it is apart.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval018.jpg
Now just slide the stock FRC off and put the painted one on, carefully feeding the fuel line through the hole. (You can use a little blue painter's tape around the hole/slit in the FRC to be extra careful)

BLACK 08
09-30-2009, 02:41 PM
Now reinstall the fuel line by pushing it back together (arrow shows direction) and you will hear and feel a "click" as it goes back on. Then place the locking clip back by sliding it on and clipping it back down.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval019-1.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval012.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval011.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval010.jpg
Snap the FRC back on and you're finished. Now step back and enjoy !!
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval008.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval036.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval037.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval039.jpg

BLACK 08
09-30-2009, 02:41 PM
Here is my assistant..
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval025.jpg
Here he is checking my work..
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/BKVETTE/FRCfuellineremoval040.jpg