C7 Splash Guard replacements
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 588
Likes: 222
From: Fuquay-Varina
After going through this with my old GS, I had ordered the GM extended guards the week I got my C7. The rears where fine, the the fronts...eh even though it wasn't a wide body the front tires were still kicking up bits that hit the body. I got a set of the ACS fronts. Still not 100% against kick up, but helped way better than the GMs did. Conclusion, the roads in Tallahassee are **** 
Vette life!
Vette life!
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,950
Likes: 12,363
From: NE South Carolina
^^^
Did the same thing with my 2014 Z51. Found same result with GM optional splash guards. Little help. Added side skirts and it stopped all debris from hitting rocker panels. Removed the marked up GM plastic "protection" and when I sold the car 3 years latter the rocker panels looked new!
When I bought my Grand Sport ordered the full length carbon fiber side skirt option and installed ACS front splash guards and GM in the rear (in fact ACS sells the GM for the rear. I installed the one I had on my 2014 Z51.) So far no marks on my rockers, before the rear wheel opening or the lower fender air ducts.
I would not drive a C7 without side skirts in our rural area where there are lots of pebbles on the edge of our roads that do not have shoulders. I also have a gravel road that intersects our paved road near my home. It brings pebbles on to our road. I hear them hit the bottom of my side skirts when I go by. No doubt they would be hitting the lower part of my car if I did not have side skirts. As it is, the carbon fiber unfinished bottom of the side skirts is not harmed!
Did the same thing with my 2014 Z51. Found same result with GM optional splash guards. Little help. Added side skirts and it stopped all debris from hitting rocker panels. Removed the marked up GM plastic "protection" and when I sold the car 3 years latter the rocker panels looked new!
When I bought my Grand Sport ordered the full length carbon fiber side skirt option and installed ACS front splash guards and GM in the rear (in fact ACS sells the GM for the rear. I installed the one I had on my 2014 Z51.) So far no marks on my rockers, before the rear wheel opening or the lower fender air ducts.
I would not drive a C7 without side skirts in our rural area where there are lots of pebbles on the edge of our roads that do not have shoulders. I also have a gravel road that intersects our paved road near my home. It brings pebbles on to our road. I hear them hit the bottom of my side skirts when I go by. No doubt they would be hitting the lower part of my car if I did not have side skirts. As it is, the carbon fiber unfinished bottom of the side skirts is not harmed!
Last edited by JerryU; Nov 14, 2017 at 02:29 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,800
Likes: 2,653
From: Down south in Dixie
Last edited by Rebel Yell; Nov 14, 2017 at 03:14 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 234
From: Colorado
Probably, but it's dependent on where you live/drive and the type of gravel you go over. Here, the tires kick it almost straight back, under the fender lips and it bounces up from the road at odd angles. Do help, yes, but nothing stops Super Sports from grabbing every stone on the road.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,950
Likes: 12,363
From: NE South Carolina
That was one of the first things I did. They do help the immediate areas behind the fender well openings, however errant rocks will still find the front of the rear fender wells (where GM placed the clear protector). I know this from experience. For complete protection look into a set of side skirts if your budget allows.
I see ABS side shirts on ebay for $150! Actually ABS is a strong durable material. More flexible that fiberglass! That is what LEGO's are made from since it is very rugged as some automotive parts. They look like they are contoured, easy to do when molding.
Last edited by JerryU; Nov 15, 2017 at 06:43 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 7,137
Likes: 3,176
From: Kannapolis MA.
You might even find a used set.Yup,Right here in the Parts for Sale Section.I don't know if i would trust this guy?? https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-rockers.html
Last edited by DALE#3; Nov 15, 2017 at 05:56 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,800
Likes: 2,653
From: Down south in Dixie
You're right Jerry, I took a shot and bought a set of ABS side skirts. I'm completely satisfied as they do the job at a much better price. And, if I do something stupid and break one, they're cheap enough to replace.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,668
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From: Rock Hill SC (Charlotte NC Area)
2022 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Brett Foote
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,950
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From: NE South Carolina
Great. Have seen these for a while but no one saying they bought them. Look great, will stop pebbles and ABS is rugged enough that the bottoms will not be harmed.
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Ontario Canada
Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 539
Likes: 86
From: Newington CT
You are absolutely correct! It's a way for GM to charge $150 for $3 worth of made in China parts! And they ARE made in China, I just checked the box. GRRRRR!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2018
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From: Dove Mountain, AZ
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I purchased my GM front and rear flaps from Cultrag on Ebay and they only cost $120 shipped...
2014-2018 C7 Corvette Stingray Genuine GM Front & Rear Splash Guards Mud Flaps
2014-2018 C7 Corvette Stingray Genuine GM Front & Rear Splash Guards Mud Flaps
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,950
Likes: 12,363
From: NE South Carolina
For $75 wholesale price (they don't sell retail) they have to inventory, put in warehouses etc.
I think the reason is the ones that come with it cover the poorly finished inner wheel well and as you say protect it from stones.! Also they do add drag and GM is trying everything to get their Corporate fleet MPG up!
Just my thought.
PS: for the Grand Sport and Z06 the ACS front splash guards are wider and a bit deeper. They are $119 just for the front pair. If you want them painted carbon flash add $80. They sell the GM rear splash guards (as that is all that is needed) for $79 for the pair.
May seam high but I look at price per performance! In one year with my $119 pair I do not have one scratch on my rockers or rear brake duct! I do have full length side skirts that are probably the main reason! I have the GM rear splash guards I removed from my 2014 when I sold it! Hold up well and a little Meguiare's Ultimate Black made them look new!
Appears high but IMO better than spending $1000+ for a fancy plastic wrap!
Last edited by JerryU; Apr 25, 2018 at 03:48 PM.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,950
Likes: 12,363
From: NE South Carolina
Before I bought the Grand Sport my Street Rod laughed when I pulled in with my C7 Z51! Now it only chuckles! The Grand Sport front tires are the same width as a Z51 rear! Heck my wife's' SUV has wider tires than a Base/Z51!
Last edited by JerryU; Apr 25, 2018 at 11:01 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,604
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From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by NoRuls
You are absolutely correct! It's a way for GM to charge $150 for $3 worth of made in China parts! And they ARE made in China, I just checked the box. GRRRRR!