Installing side skirts on your Toyota Camry is more than just a cosmetic upgrade—it can lower the vehicle's visual center of gravity, improve airflow along the side panels, and reduce tire spray. Whether you're aiming for a sleeker daily driver or preparing for a custom show build, proper installation is essential for a secure fit and professional appearance. This detailed guide walks you through every step, from selecting the right skirts to curing the adhesive, helping you avoid common pitfalls and achieve long-lasting results.

Tools and Materials Needed

Having the right tools on hand before you start saves time and prevents frustration. Below is a comprehensive list of what you'll need, along with recommendations for specific products where applicable.

  • Side skirts compatible with Toyota Camry – Ensure they are designed for your model year (e.g., 2018–2023 XV70, 2024+ XV80). Aftermarket options from brands like Bayson R, Duraflex, or OEM Toyota accessories are common.
  • Jack and jack stands – A floor jack and two sturdy jack stands rated for at least 2 tons. Hydraulic jacks provide smoother lifting.
  • Socket wrench set – Typically 8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm sockets. A ratcheting wrench can speed up removal of factory trim.
  • Screwdriver set – Phillips and flat-head for prying clips or loosening screws.
  • Double-sided automotive tape – 3M™ VHB™ tape (5952 or 4950 series) is industry standard for exterior trim. Avoid household tapes.
  • Adhesion promoter or primer – 3M™ Tape Primer 94 or a similar wipe-on promoter greatly improves bond strength, especially on painted surfaces.
  • Cleaning supplies – Isopropyl alcohol wipes (70% or higher), microfiber cloths, and a mild degreaser (e.g., Goo Gone Automotive).
  • Measuring tape – At least 60 inches (150 cm). A soft tape gives flexibility for curved areas.
  • Masking tape – Blue painter's tape, 1–2 inches wide, for marking positions and temporarily holding skirts.
  • Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol – In a spray bottle with a clean rag for final prep.
  • Dremel or rotary tool (optional) – For trimming side skirts slightly if they rub against wheel wells or pinch welds.
  • Torque wrench (optional) – If using bolts, ensures fastener tension is uniform.
  • Protective gloves – Nitrile gloves keep adhesive off your hands and prevent skin oils from contaminating surfaces.
  • Heat gun or hair dryer (optional) – Softens tape for easier removal or helps reposition skirts after initial placement.

Choosing high-quality adhesive is critical. Many amateur installations fail because low-temperature tape or cheap double-sided foam strips lose grip in heat or moisture. Spend extra on 3M VHB and use the matching primer for the best long-term hold.

Preparation Steps

Thorough preparation determines 80% of the installation quality. Follow these steps carefully to ensure the side skirts adhere properly and sit straight.

1. Park Safely and Raise the Vehicle

Park your Toyota Camry on a level, dry concrete or asphalt surface. Engage the parking brake firmly. Use a floor jack to lift one side of the car at a time, placing jack stands under reinforced lift points (refer to your owner’s manual). Never rely solely on the jack. Leaving the vehicle at a comfortable working height—usually high enough to slide under to reach lower bolt holes—makes alignment easier.

2. Clean the Mounting Surface

Side panels and rocker panels accumulate road grime, wax, and dirt. Wash the area with car soap and water first if heavily soiled. Then degrease using alcohol wipes or a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Wipe from top to bottom to avoid dragging contaminants onto clean areas. If the panels have old wax, remove it with a dedicated wax remover or isopropyl alcohol. A single fingerprint can reduce tape adhesion by over 50%.

For best results, apply 3M Tape Primer to the area where the side skirt will contact the body. Let it dry for 30–60 seconds until it becomes tacky. This step is especially important in cold climates or on patched paint.

3. Measure and Mark Placement

Lay the side skirt along the rocker panel without removing the backing paper (if using tape) or before placing screws. Use a measuring tape to ensure the gap between the front wheel well and the side skirt is equal on both sides. For most Camry models, the side skirt sits about 1–2 cm below the door opening line. Mark the top edge with masking tape. Also mark the front and rear positions relative to the wheel arches. A slight forward or backward shift will be visible, so use the factory body lines as references.

If your side skirts come with pre‑drilled holes, temporarily hold them up and check that holes align with factory points or the brackets you've installed. If not aligned, note where you need to drill new holes (more on that in the installation section).

4. Test Fit Without Adhesive

Before committing to tape or screws, do a dry fit. Hold the side skirt in place and check for:

  • Contact with doors – They should open freely without rubbing.
  • Even gap along the length – No bowing or warping.
  • Fit around wheel well liners – The ends may need trimming if they overlap.

Make adjustments now rather than after adhesive is applied. If the skirt is too long, mark the excess and cut with a fine‑tooth hacksaw or Dremel. Sand the cut edge smooth.

Installation Process

The installation method depends on your side skirt's design: some use existing bolts, others require drilling, and the most common aftermarket skirts rely on a combination of tape and screws/clips. We cover both main approaches.

Option A: Installation with Pre‑Drilled Holes Using Existing Mounting Points

Some side skirts, especially OEM or high‑quality aftermarket versions, are designed to bolt directly into factory holes under the rocker panel or into threaded locations. Follow these steps:

  1. Locate factory mounting holes – Under the Camry's rocker panel, you may find 4–6 plastic trim clips. Remove them with a trim removal tool or pry carefully with a flat‑head screwdriver.
  2. Align the side skirt – Slide the side skirt into position so its pre‑drilled holes line up with the exposed holes.
  3. Install fasteners – Use the supplied bolts or screws. For plastic rivets, push them in until they click. Tighten snugly; do not overtighten plastic rivets as they can deform.
  4. Add optional tape – Even with bolts, adding 3M VHB tape along the top edge prevents the skirt from vibrating or lifting at highway speeds.

Option B: Installation with Adhesive Tape (No Drilling)

This is the most common method for universal or budget side skirts. It requires careful prep and patience.

  1. Apply the 3M VHB tape – Cut strips to the length of each side skirt edge. Peel one side of the backing and press firmly along the inside of the skirt, following the contact surface. Use a roller or the handle of a screwdriver to burnish the tape onto the skirt.
  2. Activate the adhesive – If using a primer, apply it to both the skirt surface and the body panel. Let it become tacky.
  3. Position the skirt – Hold the skirt an inch above its final position, remove the remaining backing paper, and carefully lower it onto the marked line. Press from the center outward to expel air bubbles. Use firm pressure for 30–60 seconds.
  4. Temporarily secure with masking tape – Run strips of painter's tape across the skirt, pulling the skirt against the body. This holds it in place while the adhesive cures.
  5. Apply additional mechanical fasteners (optional but recommended) – For extra security, drill pilot holes every 12–18 inches along the lower edge and insert self‑tapping screws or stainless steel rivets. Use a dab of silicone sealant on the screw heads to prevent rust.

Option C: Drilling New Mounting Points

If your side skirts lack pre‑drilled locations or your Camry doesn't have factory holes, you can drill into the rocker panel's inner lip. This is permanent and should be done with care.

  1. Mark hole positions on the side skirt using the car's body lines as reference.
  2. Transfer those marks to the rocker panel's lower lip (behind any plastic trim).
  3. Drill pilot holes using a 1/8” bit, then enlarge to the screw diameter.
  4. Insert automotive push‑pins or stainless steel screws with rubber washers.
  5. Apply anti‑seize compound to prevent galvanic corrosion between steel and aluminum if applicable.

Warning: Avoid drilling into the pinch weld or into visible body panels from the outside. Stick to the lower rocker area often covered by the skirt.

Final Checks and Tips

Once both side skirts are attached, lower the vehicle from the jack stands. Before driving, conduct these final checks.

Alignment Verification

Stand a few feet back and check both sides from the front and rear angles. The side skirts should follow the rocker line symmetrically. Use a level or a long straightedge to make sure they aren't sagging in the center. If one side seems off, you can gently reposition it within 15 minutes of installation (while the tape hasn't fully cured). After that, you may need to remove and replace the tape.

Tighten All Fasteners

Re‑torque any bolt or screw after the car is on the ground, as the weight of the vehicle changes clearances. Check clips and push pins to ensure they are fully seated.

Curing Time

3M VHB tape reaches 70–80% of its full strength after 1 hour, but full cure takes 24–72 hours depending on temperature and humidity. Do not wash the car, drive at highway speeds, or subject the skirts to extreme weather during this curing window. Park the car indoors if possible. A simple rule: if you can still peel the tape, wait another day.

Post‑Installation Care

After the cure period, inspect the skirts weekly for the first month. Over time, check for any lifting at the ends or at areas where old tape may have failed. If you notice a gap, clean the area, apply fresh tape, and clamp it overnight.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Poor surface prep – The #1 reason side skirts fall off. Always degrease and use primer.
  • Skipping the test fit – What looks straight on the ground can be crooked on the car. Dry fit first.
  • Overtightening screws – This can crack the side skirt material, especially if it's fiberglass or polyurethane. Use the supplied torque values.
  • Ignoring wheel well clearance – If the side skirt extends into the wheel opening, it can rub against the tire during turns. Trim it.
  • Not heating the tape in cold weather – Below 50°F (10°C), tape adhesion drops sharply. Use a heat gun to warm the panel and tape before pressing.
  • Driving too soon – Even with bolts, wind forces can shift the skirt if the tape hasn't bonded.

Choosing the Right Side Skirts for Your Camry

Not all side skirts are created equal. Consider these factors when purchasing.

Material

  • ABS plastic – Lightweight, paintable, and flexible. Most common for daily drivers.
  • Polyurethane – More flexible than ABS, resists cracking from bumps. Slightly heavier.
  • Fiberglass – Rigid and lightweight, but can shatter if impacted. Best for show cars.
  • Carbon fiber – Lightest and strongest, but expensive. Pairs well with a sporty Camry build.

Fitment

Only buy skirts advertised for your exact generation of Camry. Universal skirts require significant modification and may never look factory. Check forums like CamryForums.com for user reviews on fitment.

Finish

Some skirts come primed (need painting), others glossy black, or color‑matched. Factor painting costs into your budget—often $100–300 at a body shop. If you're handy, you can use spray cans (e.g., Dupli‑Color Perfect Match) for a DIY color match.

Final Thoughts

Installing side skirts on your Toyota Camry is a rewarding DIY project that elevates the car's appearance and aerodynamic efficiency. With proper planning, quality materials, and attention to detail, you can achieve a factory‑grade finish that lasts for years. Take your time with each step, especially surface preparation and test fitting. Once installed, you'll enjoy a sleeker, more aggressive profile that turns heads wherever you drive. Remember to inspect your work after several hundred miles and re‑tighten any fasteners that may have loosened from vibration. Happy modding!