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Design Element or Patch?

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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 02:23 PM
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Default Design Element or Patch?

Is this on all C7's and if so, what is it and why? I just noticed these "patches" (don't know what else to call them) on both sides of my car. They are behind each door and go down to the rocker panels and then forward about half the door length and are "glued" to the car. I do not see a reason for them and it seems that it is asking for future problems to expose seams of any sort to the road and weather elements that they will face over time.
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 02:25 PM
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Prevents rock chips. Installed at the factory.
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 02:27 PM
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I believe those are clear vinyl sections added to protect your paintwork from pebbles.
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 02:28 PM
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Check around, but I believe you want to keep the film on your Vette. It is a good thing.
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 02:28 PM
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You should be making more of an issue about the apparent crappy fit and panel alignment (at least what I'm seeing in your pics)

As for those GM applied clear bra, first step on mine when I receive it is to rip them off and have a quality clear bra installed.
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by KenHorse
You should be making more of an issue about the apparent crappy fit and panel alignment (at least what I'm seeing in your pics)

As for those GM applied clear bra, first step on mine when I receive it is to rip them off and have a quality clear bra installed.
You saw it too huh?
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 02:36 PM
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I opted to not replace the GM film when I had a clear bra applied. Maybe it's the color, but they don't stand out as much on my Lime Rock Green as what's depicted in your photos.

Rat
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by sam90lx
You saw it too huh?
Hard not to!
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 02:45 PM
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It is a factory installed clear bra application to deal with the areas that are prone to rock chips from driving.
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 02:52 PM
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Thanks for clearing that up! They are not very noticeable and if they do prevent chips then it is a good idea. Also the doors do not fit bad, it is just that the angle the photos were taken at seems to exaggerate the join lines.

Last edited by Bisha; Nov 5, 2013 at 02:57 PM. Reason: forgot to answer one of the comments
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Bisha
Thanks for clearing that up! They are not very noticeable and if they do prevent chips then it is a good idea. Also the doors do not fit bad, it is just that the angle the photos were taken at seems to exaggerate the join lines.
I agree... I don't see any panel fitment issues... just some people that have a need to take any excuse to make a comment

I'm not suggesting some cars don't have a few issues (we know they do) but I'm not seeing anything to note on yours. Some people see the world through a different set of lenses
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 03:09 PM
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The orange peel stuck out to me in those pics.
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by jagamajajaran
The orange peel stuck out to me in those pics.
Yes it does... I see that but not the panel fit problem some suggest.
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 03:17 PM
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Originally Posted by gthal
Yes it does... I see that but not the panel fit problem some suggest.
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 03:26 PM
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you guys don't see the top pic, the panels at top to the right of door opening line?? the panels are shifted...


Last edited by MRREDDOG; Nov 5, 2013 at 03:30 PM.
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 03:43 PM
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Originally Posted by MRREDDOG
you guys don't see the top pic, the panels at top to the right of door opening line?? the panels are shifted...

Oh the horror!
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by talon90
Oh the horror!
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 03:49 PM
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Originally Posted by talon90
Oh the horror!
Quite honestly, I attended several presentations by one of the "insiders" on the C7 and one highlighted feature was how a much stiffer frame and new composite materials used in the body panels allowed for much closer inter-panel spacing and tighter tolerances (as I remember, the figure was 3 mm as opposed to the previous 7 or 8).

I'm not ragging about this but I would expect superior fitment than that pic shows, based solely on GM provided information.

Just sayin'......
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by MRREDDOG
you guys don't see the top pic, the panels at top to the right of door opening line?? the panels are shifted...

with todays technology... that should be perfect. i dont believe some people dont understand the meaning of FIT and FINISH
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by MRREDDOG
you guys don't see the top pic, the panels at top to the right of door opening line?? the panels are shifted...

It's called Blinders!
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