Stone chips

[RubyRed15]

Very dismayed to find that my rear quarters are already covered with tiny little stone chips. I will not be repainting, but what are my options to prevent it from getting any worse? All I have come up with is clear bra, but I really don't like the line.

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[RevvdMedia]

Very dismayed to find that my rear quarters are already covered with tiny little stone chips. I will not be repainting, but what are my options to prevent it from getting any worse? All I have come up with is clear bra, but I really don't like the line.

Would you be able to take some pictures? I wanted to see exactly what areas would be taking the most damage. I added stone guard to my quarters as I expected it to get hit by rocks, but I'm hoping I added enough...

 

[RubyRed15]

The chips would not show up well in a picture; they are very small. They go up to around the top of the wheel arch.

Tell me about your stone guard.

 

[njarmstrong]

@RubyRed15 - go to Xpel.com and input your vehicle, you will get a number of pre cut 'kits' that show up. Any good PPF dealer will be able to cut the rear quarter sections out of any material you want, not just Xpel stuff. Suntek is great IMO - better than Xpel. If you don't want to go that route - either using Langka or Dr. Colourchip is a good way to deal with small chips.

Note: Bigger chips take much longer to fill. Many days, however with enough patience, once can completely touch up and level a chip. The longest one I have done was 13 days - touching up 3 times per day while waiting for cure time. Turned out flawless and much cheaper than a respray, just takes patience.

 

[RubyRed15]

My chips are small and not through the clearcoat, so I don't need a color.

Are "clearbra" films the best remedy for prevention?

 

[njarmstrong]

Yes, a clear bra will be your best bet, however depending the rock, may still not be enough. I have had many cars both with and without PPF, and overall I prefer without for a number of reasons including that I can always correct the paint - you can't fix the PPF (with the exception of higher end self healing films). I found that unless you wrap the whole thing, it isn't worth it. Inevitably you will get a chip just past where the film ends and I hate the line of film that doesn't cover a whole panel.

This is just my opinion - others love PPF and have it on every car they own I am sure.

 

[RubyRed15]

Well that's exactly my hesitance. Even worse than the line is the inevitable yellowing and cracking, and then you're probably looking at airplane stripper and starting over from bare metal.

The only other thing I know of is the old 3M rattle can coating that's all lumpy, and that would look even worse than the PPF line.

I guess this is why most cars don't have "shoulders". :frusty:

 

[njarmstrong]

Don't worry about yellowing/cracking. New PPF - and good quality ones - won't have this problem. The yellowing is the old adhesives which were used, this is not an issue anymore. As for cracking, you likely shouldn't have it on there to the point it will crack. The realistic lifespan of PPF should be about 5 years - expect to replace it. Even though companies like Xpel/Suntek offer warranties much longer than that (so long as installed by a validated shop) the PPF will/should be budgeted to be exchanged every 5 years.

This was a major deciding factor with my GT-R which was fully wrapped, every painted surface. I was looking at 5k every 5 years to replace the PPF. When the time was up for it be removed it stayed off.

You can get front clip kits that will cover all of the bumper/hood/fenders so there is no line - this is the minimum I would go - will run you around $700 or so for those before install. I caution you, that if you go that route - make sure the paint under the PPF is flawless, as whatever is under there is going to be there for a very long time.

 

[RubyRed15]

Yeah, at those prices, it sounds like a respray makes more sense.

 

[sandbagger]

i dont have stone chip issue but i cant even drive mine with out getting dirt and grim
on sides splash guards would be great but can not find any

 

[A Polite Canadian]

Curious. In problem areas prone to chips, has anyone tried clear Plasti Dip? I just saw at the store today and the idea dawned on me.

 

[njarmstrong]

Haven't tried clear plastidip ever, so can't comment on that. It would be easy to test, a can is about $15 or so, easy to put on and remove if it doesn't work. Cheap experiment really.

This is always my problem with clear bra discussions and rock chips. Unless you wrap the entire car, you are always going to be vulnerable to chips, it is a mental block you must get over, and accept that the paint will get chipped. Life will be easier

 

[RubyRed15]

Curious. In problem areas prone to chips, has anyone tried clear Plasti Dip? I just saw at the store today and the idea dawned on me.

I can't imagine it would be clear or smooth enough.

 

[A Polite Canadian]

I can't imagine it would be clear or smooth enough.

Clay bar your plasti dip:lol:

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