Stone chips

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Jun 16, 2019 | 03:21 PM

Richard Jinderlee

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Stone chips

I live on a gravel road where I must drive one mile to a paved road. I drive it at no more than 12 mph yet all three of my corvettes are experiencing stone chipping on the front bumper and hood. It is not being caused by on-coming traffic. I am trying to figure out how the gravel is becoming air born and striking the front of the car. Obviously the tires are behind the front of the car and I never see stones being flung up onto the windshield. Could it be the chips are being caused by driving on the paved road and not the gravel road? Other than not driving the cars, what might I do to prevent the chipping?

Jun 19, 2019 | 06:51 PM

Gold Dragon

Burning Brakes

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From: The Buckle of the Bible Belt. Joplin Mo

The late model Corvettes use a clear film applied to the areas where the cars are prone to chipping.

Last edited by Gold Dragon; Jun 19, 2019 at 06:52 PM.

Jun 19, 2019 | 07:58 PM

Fine05

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From: Beautiful Florida

I am thinking the hood/windshield and probably front bumper chips are from the highway. The wheel areas could be from your gravel road. How many miles are on your car?

Jun 20, 2019 | 01:02 AM

NONN37

Melting Slicks

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From: Southern CALIFORNIA

Its probably gravel that makes its way to the main road. like on the intersections loose gravel from tires will come loose. and when you go thru those intersections of gravel roads you/others pick up and kick up rocks at high speeds.

Aug 15, 2019 | 11:36 AM

Red86Z51

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From: Indianapolis IN

Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Jinderlee

I live on a gravel road.... what might I do to prevent the chipping?

The obvious answer: Move to a place without gravel roads!

But if that's not an option, 3M clear protective film is your answer - OR - learn to love the chips and keep a good stock of touch-up paint.

Aug 15, 2019 | 09:37 PM

Richard Jinderlee

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Is this 3M clear protective film something I could apply myself? Also, is it difficult to remove?

Aug 16, 2019 | 05:45 AM

Red86Z51

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From: Indianapolis IN

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3M recommends having an installer apply the PPF (Paint Protective Film) product. It basically installs the same as window tint...it's a wet installation. I would imagine you could install it yourself dependent on your skill and comfort level. Removal is not that easy. You need to use a steamer or heat gun, adhesive remover, and a lot of patience. Keep in mind, it is not a "permanent" fix either. The PPF will show it's age with time, and as it ages can start to crack and peel.

Read about it here: 3M Paint Protective Film

Professional installation won't be cheap, but if you feel comfortable installing it yourself, you can buy it buy the foot. You will have to google sellers to find the best fit for you.