I've got 600 miles on my Z51 and I just noticed a significant number of scratches just behind the wheels, front and rear. I've only driven on paved roads and parking lots. Do the wider wheels of the Z51 makes this more of an issue for Z51 owners? I was shocked at how much damage was done in such a short amount of time. Clearly I need to get some mud flaps, but the ones I see from GM don't seem to flare out that much. I'd like to find all black- not carbon fiber and I'd like them to flare out enough to insure the car is protected. Any advice is much appreciated.
Mud flaps REQUIRED. Z51 paint scratches
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The Z51 tires are so sticky that it picks up on so many pebbles and rocks. Highly recommend getting mud flaps. I ended up getting the GM ones.
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Are you happy with the protection you get from the GM ones?
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1,197 Posts
I did Xpel on the car, and I dont see damage at all (1348 miles of highway, blacktop, and some gravel parking areas). However, I am an Xpel fanboy so take it with a grain of salt (I don't have any financial interest in Xpel, but I kind of wish I did). I did purchase some custom painted (body color) GM style splash guards, just for extra protection, but I just got them and don't have them installed yet. I got them from RPI (a Forum Vendor). I ordered them before the fire and they delivered. I am very impressed with their dedication to customer service. IMHO, they are a great group of people.
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I just logged 1000 miles since picking car up at NCM, still on road. The GM splashguards I installed immediately after picking up car are doing a great job, not a single nick, and I have turned around on plenty of pebbly turnouts. They are barely visible and look great on the car. My opinion, but I don't think spending extra to get color coded ones is worth it, at least for me. I got mine from GM parts direct, best overall cost for me. Doc, I will be getting Expel when I get home. For now, keeping a good distance behind traffic.
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533 Posts
would like to know from someone if the Splash Guards would work with the Side Skirts or Not???
For anyone else reading here, don't buy the custom painted GM guards for the price anyone wants if you have a garage. You CANT screw up this paint job, it's easy for those of you that have never painted. Perfect matched spray paint is $30...PM me if you want help....
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I believe it is clearly a Z51 concern and would encourage putting on the GM mud guards on at least the front wheel wells. No disadvantage to putting them on non-Z51s for the added safety but don't think they are necessary on them. Having seen a number of Z51s with various mileage on them and non-Z51s, I have seen damage on a number of the Z51s (all occurring prior to their adding front mud guards) and no damage on the base (non-Z51s). RedHot has over 5k miles including a lot at high speeds, a fair amount on less than ideal road conditions, etc. and she has no damage to her rear flanks (and no mud guards).
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1,166 Posts
Agreed they come out very easily. I did not use any tools to get the factory parts off when I did it. They just gently pull away.
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Buckeye
Get the GM mud flaps, I put xpel on my Z51 on the 3rd day of taking delivery, had 50 miles on it when xpel was installed, purchased the OEM GM mudguards 2 weeks later just for added protection, have 1000 miles on my car and no problems, also it is so easy to install those mudguards that my 4 year old dogs could do it if I asked them. lol
Get the GM mud flaps, I put xpel on my Z51 on the 3rd day of taking delivery, had 50 miles on it when xpel was installed, purchased the OEM GM mudguards 2 weeks later just for added protection, have 1000 miles on my car and no problems, also it is so easy to install those mudguards that my 4 year old dogs could do it if I asked them. lol
Jeff - I don't think it's the z51 size that causes the problems, as much as the size and stickyness of the rubber that throws it back.. I have Z51 sized tires, but not the run flats, It's an all season tire (Nitto Invo) and went about 2000 miles without the GM guards, with no dings at all...it's the tire formulation that does it..IMO...I believe it is clearly a Z51 concern and would encourage putting on the GM mud guards on at least the front wheel wells. No disadvantage to putting them on non-Z51s for the added safety but don't think they are necessary on them. Having seen a number of Z51s with various mileage on them and non-Z51s, I have seen damage on a number of the Z51s (all occurring prior to their adding front mud guards) and no damage on the base (non-Z51s). RedHot has over 5k miles including a lot at high speeds, a fair amount on less than ideal road conditions, etc. and she has no damage to her rear flanks (and no mud guards).
Buckeye,
Do you mean "splash guards", or are these different?
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Good point. Sounds pretty logical to me Glen. I did not see anyone with the Z51s wheels locally on a non-Z51 so I had no comparision.
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I brought a pry tool to Museum to put them on, hardly necessary. I was able to release most clips with my fingertips. Just worked along from narrow pointy end of guard (top) on down. Tossed the factory 'guards' in the garbage can at the museum. The new ones have the metal clips on them already. I studied a pictorial how-to the night before delivery and was ready to go when time to do the deed. Small ratchet with a 7mm socket, piece of cake. Make sure you have something to kneel on, I was thankful for that since I was wearing shorts. I really don't know why GM just didn't make them wider to begin with. They are nearly identical to the factory ones, just a wee bit wider on outboard edge.
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