Author Topic: Paint Protection for Rear Wheel Flares  (Read 1174 times)

Gene-73

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 459
Paint Protection for Rear Wheel Flares
« on: April 22, 2021, 04:04:39 PM »
Anyone used a clear vinyl wrap like Expel for their rear wheel flares?
https://www.xpel.com/shop/paint-protection-film

Considering how this area typically gets a lot of rock chips, I'm thinking it's a good way to protect the paint.
My Corvette has a small clear piece of vinyl in this area so I thought it might make sense for the Firebird.

If you've done this, what brand vinyl did you use? Expel seems to be the best but not sure if that's just marketing.
Did you cover the whole flare or just the front?
Apply under the welting or up to it?
Gene


JJ 109

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 380
Re: Paint Protection for Rear Wheel Flares
« Reply #1 on: April 22, 2021, 04:34:13 PM »
Funny my brand new paint has chips on the rear flares. I literally just touched them up.

I am about to do something like this. Probably cut my own.
JJ
76 pro tour project
Twin Turbo LS1
Detroit

Wallington

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2154
Re: Paint Protection for Rear Wheel Flares
« Reply #2 on: April 22, 2021, 07:03:38 PM »
It goes without saying that even the smallest mudflaps are going to do something, and it's the front wheels that throw stones up when cornering on the back flares. Rear mudflaps are mainly for other vehicles. I've collected several sets of flaps over the years from original GM that are quite large and obvious, to small removable types that are like a thin abs deflector sheet. No flares but had a couple of chips in door lower section from front wheels.

JJ 109

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 380
Re: Paint Protection for Rear Wheel Flares
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2021, 06:50:14 AM »
True.

I just can’t stomach the look of them.

Although, chips aren’t fun to look at either lol.
JJ
76 pro tour project
Twin Turbo LS1
Detroit


Re: Paint Protection for Rear Wheel Flares
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2021, 02:41:04 PM »

Gene-73

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 459
Re: Paint Protection for Rear Wheel Flares
« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2021, 12:27:11 PM »
I ended up buying the XPEL brand film. I had seen a demo by someone local who took a wire brush to a sample panel covered with XPEL, then applied a heat gun to it (to simulate sitting in the sun) and the scratches completely healed up. It was pretty neat.

I discovered that you can buy it directly from XPEL by the foot in various widths. I purchased a roll 9 inches wide by 3 feet long for $25 but only used about 2 feet of it.
Here is the pattern I came up with. It only covers the front surface. I would include a photo of the wheel flare but the vinyl is virtually invisible. Very easy to install.
Gene


JJ 109

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 380
Re: Paint Protection for Rear Wheel Flares
« Reply #6 on: May 24, 2021, 07:50:22 PM »
I bought the 3M from Amazon above have t installed it yet
JJ
76 pro tour project
Twin Turbo LS1
Detroit

d_hache

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 157
Re: Paint Protection for Rear Wheel Flares
« Reply #7 on: May 26, 2021, 06:08:45 AM »
That is a great idea!  I will be painting my car at some point in the near future so i might do the same thing.
Keep me posted on the install.
Thanks

81Blackbird

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1345
Re: Paint Protection for Rear Wheel Flares
« Reply #8 on: May 26, 2021, 06:11:54 AM »
I would also post a picture with the 3M but as Gene mentioned, you can't see it.
Be sure you wait until the paint is fully cured.  Hate to hear the paint came off with the vinyl in the future.
« Last Edit: May 26, 2021, 06:17:26 AM by 81Blackbird »

Re: Paint Protection for Rear Wheel Flares
« Reply #8 on: May 26, 2021, 06:11:54 AM »
You can help support TAC!

 

You can help support TAC!