Just did a quick clean up of the car and noticed some typical chips on the rocker panels. Has anyone either used protection film or had their rockers painted with the chip guard . If so how are your results . I am not talking about large chips but something like the size of a pin head.

 

I've had great luck with the 'clear bra' material. Although it could be a DIY project, I've always had it professionally installed. I have it on my wife's Lexus, on my Jag and on my NSX. It's cost effective, works great, virtually invisible and can be easily removed if desired. It was a good product when it was first introduced (by 3M, I think) and has been improved over the years. It protects to the point where the increase in your car's resale value will be so much more than the cost of having it installed that it's a no-brainer ... just my opinion. There are other manufacturers to consider, so Google 'clear bra for cars' and you should get a wealth of info to help you make your decision.

 

Snide I was more curious on application on the rocker panels. I don't seem to have any problems with the nose but some of these back country roads lends itself to loose gravel which work on the rockers. Thanks for the feedback.

 

The rocker panels should be a much easier DIY project than the nose, mirrors, etc.

The install is the same as applying solar tint film to the inside of residential windows (I did all my house windows myself - very easy).

Clean the rocker panels with a tar remover or WD-40.

Then wipe them off good with a cloth and isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.

Mix up a drop or two of Dawn in a spray bottle half full of water. Shake well.

Cut a piece of clear bra to the dimensions of the rocker panel.

Generously spray the soapy solution onto one of the rocker panels.

Peel off the clear bra backing and spray the sticky side of the clear bra as well.

Since both surfaces are now slippery with the soapy water, place the clear bra piece on the rocker panel and easily move it around so it's positioned perfectly.

Now spray the outside of the clear bra with the soapy water and using a credit card (or better yet, buy the inexpensive little tool designed for the purpose) gently squeegee the soap solution out from behind the clear bra.

It will dry underneath 100% in an hour or so.

 

I clay bar and wax the clear bra areas of my (which like almost half the car...)

 

Great idea to clay bar the rocker panels! I'd still wipe them off with alcohol after clay barring and before applying the clear bra material just to ensure the best possible film adhesion.

 

You "should" also wipe down with alcohol after clay when waxing or sealing the car... I just wash the car again after claying, before sealing/waxing.

I saw a couple of cars that were 100% covered in the film at Porsche day last summer. Cost was like 7K!

 

I guess my next logical question is , how well does the film protect from stone chips.

 

Research Xpel Paint Protection film. This material can be purchased off eBay in small amounts.

Easy to apply and cost under $70.00 for enough material to complete the rocker panels on both sides.

Xpel Ultimate PPF Paint Protection Film Bulk Clear Bra 12" x 10 Feet | eBay

Xpel Ultimate PPF Paint Protection Film Bulk Clear Bra 12" x 5 Feet | eBay

Best material on the market for your application.

 

I used the clear bra film on the lower portion of the doors, rockers, splash and trunk lip. I applied the material myself, it was not difficult and I have been very pleased with the protection in that area. It does take a little more elbow grease to clean the tar off the film, but it seems worth it to me.