rock chip guard/deflector??

MorWal · November 26, 2011

Recently purchases a 2008 GMC Sierra 4x4. On the rear "wheel/fender flare" (stock), on one side there is what appears to be a "deflector" or "guard" attached to the front side of the fender to deflect rocks from the front tires.

There is one on the one side, but not on the other side. On the side with, it appears to have saved most of the front side of the "flare" from chips. Chips are very prominent on the side where it is "missing".

Been trying to search for whatever this piece is all over the internet, but unable to locate what it is, or where to get it.

Anyone have a clue what I'm talking about and if so, where to purchase one to place on the side where it is "missing"?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Mo

PS The one on the truck is custom color matched to the truck (silver birch metallic).

cracked_up · November 26, 2011

Is it not a clear piece of 3M protector?

MorWal · November 26, 2011

It's not clear, I found the 3M protection film online and that is not it. It's actually the same color as the truck.

Lemme see if I can post a pic.

MorWal · November 26, 2011

Well I'll be darned, went to take a photo and looked closer and it is the 3M clear protective film.

Was so well done that it sure looked to match the truck.

I know what it is now. Anybody know if you can get that stuff that is color matched. Really don't have the expertise to touch up the chips and/or the funds to have it done.

Thanks!

waumo1 · November 26, 2011

You might be able to order the precut piece at the dealer. I would just trace the remaining side, cut out a pattern and then flip it over and cut a piece of 3M bulk film and install it. You can touch up the existing chips with a Dr Color Chip kit, then install the film. Good opportunity to increase your skills with no chance of doing any damage.

jdnoble18 · November 29, 2011

Anyone have any clue why the factory doesn't put these on both sides? I've noticed the same thing on my truck but I figured it was from where it was wrecked in the past and the bodyshop didnt put it back on. I'm relieved to hear that I'm not the only one with this issue.

FWIW mine is the silver birch metallic as well.

waumo1 · November 29, 2011

Anyone have any clue why the factory doesn't put these on both sides? I've noticed the same thing on my truck but I figured it was from where it was wrecked in the past and the bodyshop didnt put it back on. I'm relieved to hear that I'm not the only one with this issue.

FWIW mine is the silver birch metallic as well.

Ok you made me go look. Mine has the film on both sides from the factory.

MorWal · November 30, 2011

Gonna try my hand at it. Ordered the Dr. Colorchip road rash kit and a roll of protective tape (thanks waumo1). We'll see how it goes.

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randas · November 30, 2011

Your truck has probably seen a body shop. They are deff shipped on both sides. They are clear and available at the dealer if you bend over. I paid $60+ for one

waumo1 · November 30, 2011

Your truck has probably seen a body shop. They are deff shipped on both sides. They are clear and available at the dealer if you bend over. I paid $60+ for one

Wow - I know everybody has to make a profit but that is robbery. Should I need to replace mine, I will definitely make my own. The fact that they are needed at all is bad design.

waumo1 · November 30, 2011

Gonna try my hand at it. Ordered the Dr. Colorchip road rash kit and a roll of protective tape (thanks waumo1). We'll see how it goes.

Sent from my GT-I9000T using Tapatalk

Here is my experience on the touch up - use a very strong light and if you have it a magnifier headset (they are cheap and handy). when you do the wipe off step, You will be able to see exactly when you have removed the extra paint smear and then STOP. Let the new paint cure a day or so and polish the area with some clear coat polish or your normal polish. You may have to take a couple of tries at the smear and wipe off steps to get the technique down. If the chips are larger, I have wrapped the cloth on a credit card or such and then flexed the card to give myself a flatter surface to use the wipe off solvent on and not "dig into" the touch paint in the chip. Good luck.