Chip guard
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 89
From: East Northport NY
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,661
Likes: 24,663
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Yes, some owners have replaced the clear factory film. Most that I have heard about have used Xpel as the replacement product. I have Xpel on my DD and it has done a great job protecting the paint over the past 10K miles or so.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,886
Likes: 172
From: Scottsdale AZ
St. Jude Donor '11
OP, be prepared for a few "Do a search" comments. Several threads on this over the years, and even the past month. Not bashing you, but you might find a search helpful in finding the right solution.
I went Xpel. It actually covers a larger area, including the rocker panel all the way up to behind the front wheel.
Xpel vs X vs Y also strongly debated. All are better than that little GM piece.
You will also run into "DIY or Professional." One of those threads today. If you just want to do that area, I understand a DIY may not be that difficult. If you decide you want to wrap the entire front end in the same stuff, majority seems to lean towards a professional.
The GM piece is too small, and will yellow over time. Obviously more noticeable on light color cars.
Good luck!
I went Xpel. It actually covers a larger area, including the rocker panel all the way up to behind the front wheel.
Xpel vs X vs Y also strongly debated. All are better than that little GM piece.
You will also run into "DIY or Professional." One of those threads today. If you just want to do that area, I understand a DIY may not be that difficult. If you decide you want to wrap the entire front end in the same stuff, majority seems to lean towards a professional.
The GM piece is too small, and will yellow over time. Obviously more noticeable on light color cars.
Good luck!
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,842
Likes: 12,285
From: NE South Carolina
Here is a PDF with lots of pics: http://netwelding.com/Rocker_Panel_Film.pdf
I tried installing some 3M plastic on two small pieces of interior door panel covers. Even with small flat pieces, using the proper soap-water and alcohol solutions etc it did not work well so gave up! If you want to cover with plastic (I'm not a fan) get it done by a pro. Side skirts have worked fine for me, rocker panels look new after 2 1/2 years and no plastic for over 1 1/2 years.
Last edited by JerryU; Jun 23, 2016 at 06:37 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 314
From: PA
It may be 3 times thicker, but it doesn't work nearly as well. at 1500 miles the factory stuff was all beat up and looked like crap on my black car. I removed it and replaced it with Xpel (actually did the full rockers with it) and have almost 3000 miles on it without so much as a single mark in the film. That stuff the factory puts on is thick, but cheap.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,887
Likes: 1,555
From: Calgary Alberta