Mike in CA

I've now noticed some light scuff marks on the vinyl stone guard ahead of one rear wheel. I don't know when or how it happened, and oh well, not a big deal but I'd like to get them out if possible. I know I could have the guard replaced, but it's not that bad and I'd rather not go that route at this point.

From past experience I know you have to be careful to avoid permanently marring the surface of the vinyl. Before I try a few things, does anyone have any suggestions for a product or technique that will do the job?

Out of curiosity, this raises a related question. If your car is wrapped and you get a scuff, what do you do? Or are the wrap products so different from the vinyl stone guards that scuffing isn't an issue? I've never had a wrap or vinyl bra done, so am not familiar with upkeep procedures.

LexVan

Can you post a photo?

Try non abrasive first. Try your favorite wax. See if this removes the scuff.

Do you have a Porter Cable?

SamFromTX

The most stubborn ones I got are rubber pellets from the track leaving scuff marks. I have been using Mother's racing rubber remover with success (looks good, white car). I used it on the wrap as well (Xpel) and it didn't dull it.

On my previous cars, I had scuff marks from hitting a cone that I could not get out manually. I used my rotary buffer with soft compound and it didn't mar or scratch. I will be using it on my current car soon as some rubber scuffs have been very resistant. As you may know, the factory vinyl in that location yellows in no time (only visible on white cars) so I do plan to have them replace it under warranty when it does so (they previously said such yellowing would qualify as a warranty replacement). Wide body attracts road missiles!

997TTMeteor

I’ve had some very bad scuffs on different films that have been buffed out (even deep scratches from an SUV that backed over my bumper once). Sorry I can’t tell you HOW, as I always had it professionally done but I can tell you it usually can be fixed.

aamersa

I would just leave it alone. It's bound to happen again and again and in different areas. Just part of driving a car. Like you said "oh well" and just keep driving.

LexVan

Yes, The Mother's product is very good:

https://rennlist.com/forums/racing-a...clear-bra.html

Mike in CA

Here's a pic. They aren't gouges, but the shiny surface of the vinyl has been dulled. From some angles the marks are invisible, with the right light they are more obvious than in the pic.

The first thing I tried was the Mothers Racing Rubber remover, which as Sam says works great for cone marks, but it's apparently not surface residue. I do have a Porter Cable polisher and was going to try some very mild Mequiars Swirl Remover, but thought I'd ask for opinions first.

LexVan

Tape off an area and see if you can buff out a part of the scuff. If successful, expand your work zone. Use a very-very fine cut like Menzurna's.

Possible they were there at delivery and dealer might replace as warranty/courtesy.

Matt-R20

Plexus works really well on the clear bra to remove fine scratches. I believe the stone guards are a similar material. Abrasive polishes may be too aggressive. Good luck!

SamFromTX

I think (not 100% sure) that a fine polish is less harsh than swirl remover. It worked for some finer marks but the deeper ones required a fine rubbing compound. Neither hurt the vinyl (I used the rotary).

ChrisF

Mike, I have the products Premiere films sells: Crystal wax and TTR (stain remover). Happy to bring them tomorrow if you want to try out.

Mike in CA

Chris, thanks, but I think I've resolved this. I decided to go ahead and use my Meguiars Swirl Remover by hand. It took out 90% of the scuff marks to the point where you can't really see them unless you get down on your hands and knees in just the right light. I may give it a go with the buffer, but OTOH the first time I clip a cone I'll probably have new marks, so what's the point?

Thanks to all for the tips and suggestions.

Macca

Mike. Interesting email. I found the same marks when I washed my GT3 by hand in Italy and France. Ive captures the marks here below on two separate occasions. They look like the same marks as you have. Im 100% certain this is debris thrown up from the front wheels caught by the wide rear arches. Interestingly they wiped straight off the paint with a wash but they remained (in some lights) on the horrible plastic stuff (although much less obvious than yours due to the white). I think this is just a regular part of 991 GT3 ownership - the hazards of pushing on in these cars....

P.S. Sam you are 100% correct. After 30 days driving my factory clear protectors are now a definite different colour than the paint below! I think I will have some solid white ones made up is the only way. As per previous post Ive tried different skins on the 993 over the year from 3M to Xpel and they all get marked and scabby in this area....

stronbl

I think you are pretty much there with your solution, I'd add one additional final step, a good filler glaze. The problem is the stone guards are not like a clear coat so you can't really compound and polish them out. I have had success with a moderate compund and a polishing pad (I use a red one) with my dual action polisher on a low setting (a 3 on the Porter Cable) followed by a good glaze & buff- to fill in any gaps. It does a surprisingly good job. But I have to admit I have not done this in at least a year or more - I reached the "what's the point" level as well.

sechsgang

Wow...that color change happened fast!