Topic: Splash Guards

[Rarebird]

 I have noticed in members pics of thier T/A that some opt to install splash guards. I see pros and cons to installing them. They reduce wear on paint near the wheel opening, add a touch of customization to the car. BUT most require drilling for installation, create a point that dirt and water build up causing a potential rust area...

  I have purchased several sets over the years plus have some given to me as gifts... they range from the flashy chrome units ( which are really small and dont see how they protect the panel) to the Custom T/A (bird emblem), generic black plastic.

 Curious to see other members thoughts on these little add ons.

[Rick]

What?  No vote for the one with the naked girls cutout of chromed metal on them?

[Rarebird]

What?  No vote for the one with the naked girls cutout of chromed metal on them?

LOL... how stupid of me not to include that one... edited it in as OTHER...

[Mark C.]

rarebird,

I've heard of guys making gaurds from clear plastic (for lack of a better word), and attaching them with those "purse clips" you can but at Staples. The back is easy, but not sure how they attach them to the front.

[Tinman5]

Virgil--

Of the three second generation Trans Ams I own, two (the '76 and the '79) have splash guards installed on them.    Both cars had the guards installed by previous owners and I never bothered to take them off...I originally was not crazy about them, but I am now a firm believer in having them after what happened to me in the '73 a few years ago.

I was leaving a car show and, go figure, my right foot was feeling a little heavy that day for some reason.  I was on a surface street and got on it only to run over a piece of baling wire with the right front tire which kicked it up onto the right rear fender flare and scored the paint down to the primer.  I'm convined if I'd had the spash guards on the car, it wouldn't have happened.

Okay, so maybe I deserved it...but what's the fun in having a 455 ci under the hood if you don't get on it once in a while?  Besides, I'm addicted to the sound of the Quadrajet at WOT trying to suck the windshield down the throat of the open hood scoop.

Regarding trapping dirt/moisture and causing rust issues, we don't seem to have that problem too much in Dallas.

Here's a photo of the '76:



Tinman5

[1980MNT/A]

Virgil,

Mine has GM black ones with "Pontiac" in chrome on the bottoms.  The original owner had them installed at the dealer before he brought it home.  Over the years the chrome has worn off, but they have done a great job protecting the paint and I don't have any rust or corrosion on the car at all.  I can take some pictures of them when I get home if you want to see them?  Just let me know.  I'm in Texas right now and don't have any pictures on me.

Bill

[ta collector]

i have the black ones with Trans Am in white lettering on them,they seem to help alot as far as perventing rock chips.

[grenggli]

I have the original GM ones with Trans am in white lettering.  I like the looks of them.  I have not driven the car much yet since I just installed them after painting the vehicle just before winter hit, but I would say that the benefits outweigh the potential issues.  If you are worried about dirt and water getting into a drilled hole, there are products that you could use to seal around the screw to keep that from happening.  Try a good 3M black slilicone product.

Greg

[Helter80]

Virgil, when i first got my T/A repainted, i did not have the splash guards on it for about 4 years. then last year i decided to put them on to prevent the dirt that gets onto the lower part of the fender, etc. i did that and it make a dramatic difference. i was hesitant to put them on the car at first, but i actually like it both ways. with AND without.
Here's some pics for before and after. I have the black guards with Pontiac written in silver chrome. i bought them off of Brett last winter.
-Rob

[rkellerjr]

Virgil,
while I currently do not have them on my car, I want to get a set with TRANS AM on them (ya, hard to find if not impossible).  I think they are great looking and certainly help protect the paint from debris chips.

[blue81ta]

What?  No vote for the one with the naked girls cutout of chromed metal on them?

How about a naked Erin Gray on the splash guard.

The splash guards I have on my T/A are chrome with a 3 inch piece of rubber on the bottom. They were the only one's I could find back in the day that provided metal clips so not drilling was needed. I took me a year or so to find them, so I do have a few chips in the paint. Since then...no chips. IMHO, it's worth installing splash guards.

[Jonnyscotti]

I really like splash guards, kinda balances the look of the wheel flairs.

[Hitman]

I have them on my car to protect the paint and such from rubber and road debris.  I think they are worth it.  The screws come with a rubber protective coating on them so when you screw them in it helps to protect against the rust issues you are concerned about.  I have the black flaps with "Pontiac" on the back and the black flaps with the Firebird logo on the front.



I also sell them in my website store here:

Firebird Logos: http://www.78ta.com/store/product.php?productid=16269&cat=258&page=1

"Pontiac" Name: http://www.78ta.com/store/product.php?productid=16268&cat=258&page=1

[Hitman]

Virgil,
while I currently do not have them on my car, I want to get a set with TRANS AM on them (ya, hard to find if not impossible).  I think they are great looking and certainly help protect the paint from debris chips.

I think I have a set for you.  I will take photos.

[gregsblue78t/a]

i always thought that they were a factory opp