Splash Guards or not ?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
Likes: 1
From: Schwenksville PA
Splash Guards or not ?
When I purchased my 92, it already had splash guards on it. So until today, I hadn't given them much thought. Well today, let me just say that I ruined one, so I either have to remove them all or replace them all.
My car is not a show car or garage queen. I drive it selectively about 6K miles per year. It just turned 66K miles and overall the paint is in good shape but it has its share of imperfections.
I will start checking every C4 that I see, but I would guess that those with splash guards are a minority . or are they ? For those without splash guards does your car show additional signs of being hit by rocks and road debris ? another option that I saw was Cleartastic protective film. does this stuff work ? when you wash the car do you just wash over it ? what about waxing, do you have to remove it every time you wax.
thanks for your thoughts
My car is not a show car or garage queen. I drive it selectively about 6K miles per year. It just turned 66K miles and overall the paint is in good shape but it has its share of imperfections.
I will start checking every C4 that I see, but I would guess that those with splash guards are a minority . or are they ? For those without splash guards does your car show additional signs of being hit by rocks and road debris ? another option that I saw was Cleartastic protective film. does this stuff work ? when you wash the car do you just wash over it ? what about waxing, do you have to remove it every time you wax.
thanks for your thoughts
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,118
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From: Salt Lake City Utah
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I love mine, I think they help break up the straight lines of the car and keep my rocker panels free of chips:
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 696
Likes: 18
From: Jenkintown PA
Although my guards were already installed on my ride when purchased, I kept them. I don't think anyone could argue that they protect the paint although there are some other options available. It's comes down to appearance and personal taste. There's a lot of work involved to keep your ride clean, etc. and guards seem to be effective. Frankly, I would rather spend as much of my time "drivin' my ride"!
As a friend said to me once: "all I know is I've used up more summers than I have left"....So drive them if you got them and enjoy every minute!!!!
SAVE THE WAVE
As a friend said to me once: "all I know is I've used up more summers than I have left"....So drive them if you got them and enjoy every minute!!!!
SAVE THE WAVE
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
Mine came with them also. I don't mind the look as long as they are painted the color of the car. That way they blend in more and appear stock. The only thing I've wondered about is how much drag they may add.
The only reason I kept them though is because they work. After a day at the track I pressure wash a ton of rubber off the tire side of the guard. I'm glad I don't have to scrub that off the body every time. On any car the body panels behind the tires are always the dirtiest and require the most scrubing when washing. This isnt the case with the splash guards installed.
The only reason I kept them though is because they work. After a day at the track I pressure wash a ton of rubber off the tire side of the guard. I'm glad I don't have to scrub that off the body every time. On any car the body panels behind the tires are always the dirtiest and require the most scrubing when washing. This isnt the case with the splash guards installed.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Woodstock Georgia
I switched to the wider 315/35/17 tires and after the first day at the track I had to spend hours getting all of the rubber crude off. I put on a set of altec molded splashguards and it totally solved the problem. I would rather not have them, but they sure saved my rocker panels and fenders from getting beat up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Monroe Twp, NJ
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I installed them on my CE and I think it makes the Vette looks lower and "meaner".
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 570
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From: Huntsville AL
I had the same dilemma after I purchased my 87 a few years ago - it came with the cheapie, straight mud flaps on it and I left them on while I debated even having them. The flaps had obviously worked since the paint on the rockers and behind the rear wheels looked great. Then, last summer, I put on the molded Altecs. I really like the Altecs and kept them black on my med. blue car. Keeps the road stuff off (most of it) and I think they actually compliment the lines of the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,867
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From: Phoenix Arizona
I had splash guards on my last two Corvettes and they made the cars look like crap, but kept the sides pristine.
When it was all said and done, all I did was junk up my car so the next guy wouldn't have any rock chips.
A note to the future buyer of my present car: Sorry for the minor road rash.
When it was all said and done, all I did was junk up my car so the next guy wouldn't have any rock chips.
A note to the future buyer of my present car: Sorry for the minor road rash.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 610
Likes: 2
Are you contemplating about driving in the rain or just a daily commute. They look good on trucks and SUV's but not sports cars. Just my opinion. I don't drive mine in the rain and would never drive it down a dirt or gravel road. Can't see that much damage coming from 6,000 miles of highway driving. I agree go with a 3m clear to protect this area.
