Rock Chips

[trashauler]

I am really disapointed. I only have 1700 miles on my car. It has never seen a gravel road, snow or salt. It sat in the garage all winter waiting for clear roads. I saved a lot of money to call this car mine. Now I know sooner or later a car that is driven is going to get a few rock chips, but my side gills already have about 10 chips on each side. 20 chips in 1700 miles? What is this thing going to look like at 50,000 miles?

I know I have seen a ton of post with others having the same problem. Is clear bra the only answer? Do you think GM will do something about it since it is happening to so many people?

I love my car and would never get rid of it. If this is the worst that happens I can live with it as long I can find a solution to the problem. If clear bra is the only way I will have the areas repainted and the clear bra installed.

Your thoughts please.

[67 Convertible]

I have many chips mainly on the gills, hardly any on the nose, with over 12,000 miles. I put on the molded plastic GM splash guards about a month ago. I does seem to help, I don't see many additional chips. I only wish I had put the splash guards on earlier.

[fitzgerald69]

I've only got 5,500 miles on mine, same sitation, about 15-20 on each side by the gills. I bought splash guards, but that's not helping either. I took it to the dealership and they told me that's not under warranty by GM. Really makes me rethink owning the car and definitely not recommending it because of this problem. I LOVE this car, but I can't afford to repair paint chips every 12 months. I know others that have no chips at all, which makes me wonder if it's only certain paint schemes. My most recent estimate to repaint was $750. These chips are only on the gills.

Further, I asked about clear bra at my dealer, and they've never heard of it. They also said I'm the only one that's reported this problem. How in the world can this be?

[stev15]

gm splash guards, not chip since installed.

[Garrett]

GM is not doing anything about it. The epa has forced them to remove the lead from the paint. That is the problem. I have an ABM 2SS and same problem you have had stored in winter yet everytime I would drive on nice days another chip. The dealer said thats what happens when you drive it. Nice!! I spent $1500 and put ventureshield on full hood, full fenders, full doors, mirrors, gills, rear fenders. only place Ive gotten a chip since is above gills were I have not done yet. You almost have to do the entire car. It really is ridiculous.

[Chevybum2488]

Originally Posted by fitzgerald69

I've only got 5,500 miles on mine, same sitation, about 15-20 on each side by the gills. I bought splash guards, but that's not helping either. I took it to the dealership and they told me that's not under warranty by GM. Really makes me rethink owning the car and definitely not recommending it because of this problem. I LOVE this car, but I can't afford to repair paint chips every 12 months. I know others that have no chips at all, which makes me wonder if it's only certain paint schemes. My most recent estimate to repaint was $750. These chips are only on the gills.

Further, I asked about clear bra at my dealer, and they've never heard of it. They also said I'm the only one that's reported this problem. How in the world can this be?

I have heard that GM has covered repainting some of these under warranty, It kinda depends on the dealer and their relationship with their area managers (shouldn't but it does). call the service manager at the dealership and ask if they would pursue it. Last of all call customer assistance, but try the dealership again first, it should get you farther. As for me, I did install splash gaurds (GM should lower the price on these. overpriced but nice) and I do not seem to have any rock chips. I have about 4500 miles and do drive it almost every day, winter or summer.

[Stex]

Has anyone checked the stang gt and chall forums to see if they have issues with chips? I know the gills are a problem but wonder if the gt or chall have this issue on the nose, hood, rockers etc..

[tradosaurus]

How much would full paint job cost that included more durable paint?

[Bbrock25]

3-5k If I was guessing for a paint job, but IMO you should keep it the same color as what you have now. Painting it a different color is a lot more trouble painting the door jams, under the hood etc. and would cost more to paint and labor if done right.

[htp autoworks]

Originally Posted by Stex

Has anyone checked the stang gt and chall forums to see if they have issues with chips? I know the gills are a problem but wonder if the gt or chall have this issue on the nose, hood, rockers etc..

I average about 12 different car forums a day and I can tell you every single one of them has the same issues. And I am including, the Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche forums...

[Chevybum2488]

Originally Posted by tradosaurus

How much would full paint job cost that included more durable paint?

If you choose to repaint, check into adding flex agent, its used on the bumpers and is more durable.

[BICHN CAMARO]

Originally Posted by tradosaurus

How much would full paint job cost that included more durable paint?

It is not the paint. It is the design and your driving habits that dictate how fast your car will sustain chip damage. Only two ways to solve it. Block the rocks from the front tires before they hit your car with splash guards or cover the areas with a material like Clear Bra or Cleartastic. The faster you get it done the happier your car will be.

[BICHN CAMARO]

Originally Posted by Chevybum2488

If you choose to repaint, check into adding flex agent, its used on the bumpers and is more durable.

This is a good idea when repainting. I just finished a customers car (Range Rover) which was badly chipped on the nose. Hood and front facia. I used plastic flex agent 30% in both the primer and clear plus 15% hardener in the base for a more durable finish. We do this on all front ends that show excessive chipping (tailgater) or hi end cars in general. Our customers love it! It is a bit slower process due to dry times and most shops only use this on bumpers because they flex when hit but it really helps with the chips.