Rock chips in the side gills vicinity

[Buckbo]

Originally Posted by guiLT

No chips yet for me. However, this morning I walked out of my house and notice a huge bird SH!T on my windshield!!!

I can relate. I thought Dumbo flew over and took a dump on my car recently.
As for the stone chips, would mudflaps help?

[Edrock]

Did the full Zaino detail for the 1st time this year this past weekend since it was 60+ degrees. I was amazed at the chip damage the gills are taking. I've got 6250 miles on the car and drive the interstate daily for 8 miles both ways to and from work. What is odd is the front bumber looks in great shape. So the chipage in the gill area must be coming from debris thrown up by the front tires since the gill area petrudes slightly. Wonder if the matching mud flaps would solve this issue? The problem with that idea is that I'm not too crazy about the look, i.e., mud flaps take away from the Camaro IMO. Any other suggestions for gill-chip prevention?

[Russell James]

Mud flaps are going to have to hang real low to block most tire rocks. I'm going to try some basinc rubber ones and see how hideous it looks. I'm not too crazy about the OE accessory ones, and the gills seem to still be in the line of fire even with them on.

[wirebender]

Noticed several chips on mine as well! Hate it, but she still runs great! Guess I just gotta chalk it up to "payin to play" cause I sure don't want to keep it locked up in some garage!

[Mustang Killa]

Just curious, would you guys be interested in some protection for the side areas? Similar to clear bra type stuff? I have a post in the vendor section with protection for the gauges, radio, lights and trunk area..if i got the sides designed is there enough interest to to purchase it? The rest of the products have gotten awesome feedback and are pretty popular..let me know, if there is enough interest I will get crackin on it..

here is the stuff i have up already:

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64177

[chef-beavis]

I have 1900 miles and haven't even driven it in the rain. I drive it fairly nice and try to avoid stones, sand, etc. I have a ton of minor chips here and a fairly deep one among them. The paint from GM does seem softer than cars I've owned in the past, unless it really is just the body shape that is prone to having this issue.

I'm curious, tho. How are members cars fairing in this area after a repaint for collision or custom work? In other words, if I sand the area and reclear with some good PPG clear, will this save my IOM color from getting damage requiring a repaint every couple years?

[Blownhotrodder]

This has been a problem with the c6 z06 guys as well. Its the front tires throwing debris into the rear fender area as it sticks out. Cover the area with protective film and it will keep the damage away.

[WVCamaro10]

i really think gm needs to get this taken care of its a major issue on the car im getting the 3m clear bar put on just the gills area for right now and had the chips touched up this past weekend..

[Dboy23]

I've got plenty (11,000 miles) there's no way to keep it perfect without wrapping the WHOLE thing.

[JDBeck23]

Same here, started noticing them when the roads started getting the sand and salt treatment this winter. Whatever the specific kind of aggregate that they're using must be very sharp, as I typically try to avoid those areas of the road. But what little bit I do hit those piles of dirt and sand, I have rock chips on both sides of my car at the gills. Sucks, but what can I do?? Thinking about giving it some time, having it fixed (recleared, or painted and blended) and then 3m clearbra-ing those areas.

[Easy Go]

Originally Posted by WVCamaro10

i really think gm needs to get this taken care of its a major issue on the car

What would you propose GM do?

[Darth_Emma]

I had a 3M clear bra installed and I included the rocker panels and gills. So glad I did!

[Mark H]

Originally Posted by Easy Go

What would you propose GM do?

They could put 3M protection from the factory. If someone doesn't lime it they can take it off

[Darth_Emma]

It would add $700 or more to the price of the car. Also, I believe it's not good for the paint to put a clear bra on before the paint has cured for a couple of months. I'm no expert, but I'm thinking that may be why GM doesn't put it on.