I noticed cleaning the truck today that the back splash guards are rubbing the paint were they wrap out of the wheel well a bit.

Is there some kind of clear durable paint safe tape I could put under there to stop it from getting worse?

Thanks.

 

Check out 3M ScotchCal. It is the stuff often installed on the leading edges of hoods and other front facia to protect the paint from rock chips. You also see it on some vehicles behind rear wheelwells and on the leading edges of our RAM's rear bumpers. I had my installer put pieces under the splash guards when he did all the work on the front of my truck when it was new.

Rob

 

Search posts, many warn of this and recommend fixes

 

Thanks, I just ordered a small roll from a local auto supply shop. Should be here next Wednesday.

This stuff is the "wet and set" install stuff correct? Spray it will water and smooth it out with a credit card kinda thing?

Also, I have some touch up paint, should I fill in the roughed up spots that are already there? Or just put this over them to prevent from getting worse?

 

I would go ahead and touch up the spots before taping. It will help seal them and will help hide the blemish.

 

My installer sprays a mixture of alcohol and water on the product before applying to allow him to work it around. He squeegees it smooth with a hard rubber/soft plastic tool. While you'd think it would be pretty easy to apply, it does take some skill and experience to get it on nicely. Compound curves and tight bends can be tricky, as can cutting the outline.

Use the alcohol/water mix to clean the paint of any waxes or other contaminants before starting to apply.

Rob

 

Yes, not easy to do, and you will want to wrap it around the wheel well, which makes it harder.

Do you have a ziebart near you? They will do it.

 

Well, I got some this week, and had time to give it a try. I took the splash guards off, touched up the paint in the really bad areas. Then it was time to try and apply it.

I took a few small strips and installed them in the bottom of the door, just to get a feel for it.

I tried to wrap around the inside of the fender, but I just couldn't get it to work, so I gave up and just installed a 1-1.5" strip over the line that get the worst rubbing. There was no evidence of rubbing in the corner, so I wasn't too worried about that. All things considered I think it is a decent fix, that should last a while, and really doesn't look to bad (or is even noticeable) unless you get up close. I have only done the rear, as they were the ones rubbing. Should I do the fronts too, even though there is no signs of rub through yet?

Here is a few pics of my effort, go easy. LOL

 

Looks like another reason to go with the heavy duty flaps

 

Looks fine to me. I would go ahead and do the front just to be safe.