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I see a lot of members talking about getting their cars covered with Xpel or some similar coating to prevent chips.
But I was wondering how many folks have installed mud flaps, such as are available from American Car Craft. The body of the car curves in just enough to allow about 1" or so of tire to kick back stones, etc. along the side of the car. And the panels in back of the rear tires are in a perfect position to collect everything that is kicked back.
The GM version looks OEM'ish and actually offers some protection on the Stingray, however, they're essentially useless on the wide bodies.
For the base Stingray is it better to get the OEM GM flaps or the ACS guards? The ACS don't look as good because of the extra girth, but that obviously will translate to better protection. Like the look of the GM guards better so are ACS guards really needed on the Stingray.
For the base Stingray is it better to get the OEM GM flaps or the ACS guards? The ACS don't look as good because of the extra girth, but that obviously will translate to better protection. Like the look of the GM guards better so are ACS guards really needed on the Stingray.
Yes, the wider ACS guards will offer better protection as they are nearly an inch wider; if I remember correctly. Are they necessary for the Stingray? IDK, some on here are happy with the GM guards, and others like to maximize protection. The GM guards may be considered a happy medium...
I bought the GM guards as I figured they were better than nothing. And, they are a bit better than nothing. I just installed some side skirt to get it right. While the GM guards did help keep crap off the lower door, small rocks were still able to get to the rear quarter.
I bought the GM guards as I figured they were better than nothing. And, they are a bit better than nothing. I just installed some side skirt to get it right. While the GM guards did help keep crap off the lower door, small rocks were still able to get to the rear quarter.
I've got the GM guards on our 2017 Z51, it still gets a little muddy water thrown onto the lower door when driving on wet roads. Not sure how it would be without the guards, I put them on immediately.
We also put XPel on the front, doors below the crease line, and rear quarters up to the seam behind the door. I'm hoping that will take care of whatever small stones the guards let go past.
OEM splash gaurds were the first and only thing I've put on my 16 Z51 for protection. 9300 miles later, I'm still happy with the results. Your mileage may vary.
My driveway:
I added the GM slash guards to all my C7's and they make a difference. They are hardly noticeable. For good measure, we also installed side skirts on the two Stingrays. The GS came with them. You'd be surprised how much added protection the side skirts offer from stone chips.
went with the Apsis on my Z06. may stick out a bit but they seem to work. I can't see the GM guards being of much use on a wide body. I have Suntek front end and up to the doors.
Adding splash guards has been essential to reducing the sandblast effect from stones and gravel kicked up by the sticky tires on my C7. Several forum members have used an aftermarket, generic guard manufactured by CRE in a 12"x24" size and adjusted its position to provide a bit more extension beyond the fenders and thus more protection than the factory guards or fitted aftermarket guards. I'll trade the protection provided for the comments that they resemble elephant ears.
I put GM guards on my 14. Had no chips etc before and haven't noticed any after. I drive my SUV in rain/wet weather so can't speak to reduction of thrown water, etc.
I have no mud flaps on mine, or running boards. 40,000 miles on the car with no chips or blemishes except the factory plastic in front of the rear wheels. That area has several pocks, but they don,t go through to the paint, and you really don't notice it unless you are down close. Just chiding on "running boards". The skirts remind me of them.
Between lake Havasu and Oatman there are roads with gravel that I drive over at high speed and not a problem. I here the gravel spraying, but must be peppering just the underneath the car. Based on my experience I would consider those items a waste of money.
The GM splash guards w/ XPEL Ultimate on the rockers have kept my Z51 pristine. I also live in the country on a tar and chip private road w/ a long gravel driveway.
But I was wondering how many folks have installed mud flaps, such as are available from American Car Craft. The body of the car curves in just enough to allow about 1" or so of tire to kick back stones, etc. along the side of the car. And the panels in back of the rear tires are in a perfect position to collect everything that is kicked back.
Would just like to hear some pros and cons.
Thank you.
Had contoured painted splash guards on my C6. Worked fine.
For my 2014 Z51 added GM splash guards. Rear worked, front about useless. However added full length LG Motorsports CF side skirts and they stopped all rocker panel marking. Was able to remove GM plastic. When I sold the car a few months ago the rocker panels looked new!
For my Grand Sport used ACS front splash guards and GM rear. However from experience with my 2014 ordered full length GM Stage 2 aero package that has full length side skirts. IMO needed for C7.
C6 contoured painted splash guards worked fine.
For Grand Sport have ACS front and GM rear splash guards, PLUS full length carbon fiber side skirts. From 2014 Z51 experience, full length side skirts are needed with Coke Bottle C7 shape, IMO.
Mud Flaps - Yes/No?
