pettrix

The GM A-Body cars have the fenders, doors and quarters that turn inward. This design causes A LOT of rock chips as the inward panels are completely exposed to all the rocks that get thrown off the wheels. Modern cars no longer roll the body panels inwards, they typically just run flat/parallel to the wheel wells. This is a better design as it keeps rocks from flinging off the tires onto the panels.

Besides mudflaps, any other way to reduce rock chips on these A-body cars or is it inevitable due to the design of these inward rolled panels?

Schurkey

Just be glad you don't have an early-60's Corvette with the bigass front wheel coves.

Install rubberized paint. Used to be common--I guess the body shop would put some magic ingredient in the paint before spraying it. You'd get a heavy, "wrinkle finish" in the same color as the rest of the paint.

Install plastic sheeting on the lower 12 inches of the body.

pettrix

I am wondering if that 3M clear film protection would work?

Of course it would have to be custom cut and installed but it's a clear film that adheres and provides paint protection. They put in on some new car hoods and bumpers. It's 8 mil thick.

Allan R

You can do that, but after awhile if you have rock chips they'll still show on the film. How much driving over rocks do you do? I put flaps on my car, and they're very sturdy with Oldsmobile lettering on them. I really hate the idea of putting rock guard or film on the car especially since it's not a daily driver.

Schurkey

That's the stuff I had in mind.

pettrix

The film is pretty easy to install or remove if needed.

What do you mean the rock chips will still show on the film?

oddball

3M PPF, replace it once it starts getting worn. It'll show nicks and scratches and whatnot. I put pieces on the fenders behind the wheels and on the quarters behind the wheels. Pretty easy to line up with the body lines so it's less noticeable.

Allan R

I have that stuff (factory application too) on my Sonata in front of the rear wheels. In spite of the design being like you stated with wheels, there is a slight flare on the lower section, and it's protected by that 3M film. I've had to replace it 3 years ago as it had numerous impacts from small rocks over the winters. The paint underneath was pristine, but the protective 3M looked like crap.

I was a bit concerned about the chipping occurring on my 72 Cutlass, but since it only gets driven in the summer on good roads there's no chance I'll run into a need for the 3M protection on the bottom.

Bfg

I would stay off the rocky roads and drive on black top. Better for the suspension too!

pettrix

Easier said than done when you live in the desert southwest