TommyV44

I was talking to the guy next door...a big car guy...and he said let me try a few things to clean that stone guard...I think it came out great! Good enough not to risk the clear coat with a change...change it out but what do the masters think?

Thanks.

Tom

BillB128

Tom,

To me it looks fine, but a new set of clear guards should practically be invisible. If it were me, I'd bite the bullet and have them replaced, since you have that gorgeous PTS blue.
The current guards look in pretty good shape, meaning they're not cracking/crazing, which very well could happen if you leave them on long enough.
At that point, removal becomes more difficult. I'm betting your Porsche tech, if he's good and takes his time, won't have a problem with removal.

Like I had said previously, my guards took about 5 minutes a side to remove with steam and good technique and they were probably in the same condition as yours (just yellowing a bit)

Hope this helps,
Bill

Ironman88

I'm certainly no master, but -

Tom, I'd replace them. They are a distraction from an otherwise fabulous looking, special car.

groovzilla

Photos??

TommyV44

Robert...what if the clearcoat comes up...then I'm stuck with the black...or re-painting the quarter panel or panels,,,I'd probably go black at that point.

TommyV44

Thanks Bill...I think I'll do that!

Ironman88

Tom - if that clear coat paint under the existing stone guards is original, it should not lift with the stone guard removal. I've read accounts where steam was used and that seemed to work out well.

MoeMistry

If original paint, in a 997, probability of paint lifting is low

find a professional installer near you and gauge their confidence

make sure to apply an 11-mil material once original is removed

Petza914

I don't see much difference between the two photos and would replace them, or cover them with black, but that's just me.

TommyV44

I apologize...both pics I posted are of the guard after it's been cleaned...here's what it looks like before the cleaning so it's greatly improved! It seems everyone thinks I should still remove and replace them and if the CC comes off do the black.

Ironman88

Tom - in the 2% chance that the clear coat does lift, you can always have a good bodyshop feather in some new clear coat. It won't be detectable.

TommyV44

OK....I'm gonna try replacing them.. If it f's up I'll just do the black...thanks all!

Tom

TommyV44

That's what I'll do!! Thanks Robert!

MoeMistry

just mentally prepare for a repaint…because if you leave it on longer, you’re almost guaranteed one based on the look of the stone guards prior to cleaning them

as preventative maintenance, these should be removed every 5-7 years based on use

a few hundred $$ for peace of mind vs thousands on repaint and not original paint

the key is to find an ppf installer with years of experience in removing Porsche stone guards on older cars

start with CQuartz Finest Reserve installer…this group of people have some vetting involved as it’s the most selective group of professionals that go through extensive training and business development annually…once again, doesn’t mean they’re the best, but it’s a great starting point

https://cqfinest.com/services/cquartz-finest-reserve/

cross reference with xpel dealer locator, doesn’t mean they’re the best, just give you a pool of people to choose from in your area

https://www.xpel.com/clearbra-installers

hope this helps

groovzilla

IMO whether you replace them or not you should keep the stone guards Clear - Not Black.
The black chops up the nice design of the flared rear fender.
My opinion.