New C7 clear protective sheet

[Gene M.]

The clear protective sheet in front of the rear tire has become marked up beyond acceptable. Is it removable without harm to the paint so one can replace it?

[Rick A.]

Re: New C7 clear protective sheet

Gene that is a good question! Know there are kits available from CLEARTASTIC to protect areas behind both front and rear wheels, so maybe send them an email / call them

[Phillip M.]

Re: New C7 clear protective sheet

The clear protective sheet in front of the rear tire has become marked up beyond acceptable. Is it removable without harm to the paint so one can replace it?

Gene, Hobby Lobby sells .010" thick clear vinyl for about $7/sq.yd. I used this to make protectors for the bottom rear quarter panels, and also deck lid protector (where conv. top w'strip rubs), for my '67 conv. As with the other protectors, make sure paint is smooth (clay the surface), and spray with water and squeegee film on. You can hardly notice it when applied.

[Eugene Z.]

Re: New C7 clear protective sheet

Gene, Yes it can be removed, I had mine taken off and replaced the whole area with clear film.

[Gene M.]

Re: New C7 clear protective sheet

Gene, Yes it can be removed, I had mine taken off and replaced the whole area with clear film.

Is there a sticky back on it or does it just cling in the absence of air?
Do you need to heat the vinyl or and special way to remove it?
I plan on doing the job myself.

[Gene M.]

Re: New C7 clear protective sheet

Gene, Hobby Lobby sells .010" thick clear vinyl for about $7/sq.yd. I used this to make protectors for the bottom rear quarter panels, and also deck lid protector (where conv. top w'strip rubs), for my '67 conv. As with the other protectors, make sure paint is smooth (clay the surface), and spray with water and squeegee film on. You can hardly notice it when applied.

Phil, is hobby lobby vinyl a sticky back or adhere in a absense of air?

[Eugene Z.]

Re: New C7 clear protective sheet

Gene, It has a sticky back that you need to heat to remove.A heat gun or hair dryer will work. Just warm it up and it will come off easy. There will be glue left to clean off.

[Stewart L.]

Re: New C7 clear protective sheet

I am in the same situation with my C7. 11K miles and the protector is in bad shape. There are extensive posts over on the C7 Forum about the different types of aftermarket wraps, from a limited area to the whole car. I think the pro wraps like Xpel or 3M are the way to go. I think Im going to do the whole rocker and lower part of the door on mine. The shops that do the wraps have a computer program and machine that cuts the wrap to size.
Stewart

[Rick A.]

Re: New C7 clear protective sheet

As Stewart mentions there any number of shops that can do the "kick-up" areas and the rockers, along with the leading edges of the mirrors, the nose and the rear diffuser area - which is what I have done on all my C6 / C7 cars

[Phillip M.]

Re: New C7 clear protective sheet

Phil, is hobby lobby vinyl a sticky back or adhere in a absense of air?

I would say it is almost exactly like the "Cleartastic" material sold by the major Corvette suppliers. So, no adhesive on the back, adheres by surface tension alone. Clean surface, mist on distilled water, apply film & squeegee out air bubbles. As far as durability, I applied the vinyl behind the rear wheels of the lower quarter panel about 8 years ago and it is still intact! Some minor (about 1/8 inch), lifting on the leading edge in one spot and that's about it. The piece on the deck lid I would remove for car shows and replace it when I got home, so it saw many removals.
How big a piece do you need? I have some scraps left over & can send to you if you want to give it a try before buying.

[Gene M.]

Re: New C7 clear protective sheet

Guys, thank you for the responses. I’m going to remove the old original piece and replace it with a 3M piece so it covers the whole lower panel unlike the original just in the center. Extending down the rocker molding too. Knowing the original will remove without harming the paint was my major concern. Should be an easy task with the Corvette on the lift.