I have a black 2010 C5 and have noticed some small pit marks on and around the lower part of the wheel wells. Does anybody know what the impact resistance is for the clearcoat layer of the C5? How hard must a small pebble hit the bodywork to cause damage to the paint on the C5? Normally these numbers are qouted in "pound-feet" or on a gravelometer scale of 1 to 10.

Fat finger mistake ..... should read 2010 C6!

Welcome!!!!

Some of those areas are prone to stones... you have to realize that a stone, coming off the tire, it flat out MOVING! And has sharp edges to cut things.

May I suggest some small stone deflectors or clear-tastic, a clear film to protect the paint.

The paint simply won't hold up to that abuse!

Yes, Welcome to the forum.

I'm not a pro painter but,

GM uses a water based paint and I have to wonder about the durability.

The only paint that I've used that holds up well (on the racetrack) is PPG urethane or (even better, Imron).

Any other paint I've used chips easily.

The best clear film protection I've seen is the 3M Clearbra that autobody shops install. I've seen it on a bunch of Corvettes on the wheelwells and mirrors. You have to look pretty close to notice it.

Thanks for the information .... In your estimation ... Does the impact or chip resistance of a Corvette paintjob match that of a conventional automobile body. I would be hardpressed to believe that most Corvette owners would be happy to know that their cars get chips easier than a average car on the road.

Do you know where I could find some specifics regarding this topic?

the bumper covers are no different on a Vette than any other flexible bumper cover.

The thing is modern paint sucks. The water base isn't as strong as it used to be.

Thank the EPA and the desire to lower VOCs.

Now, when they paint the C6 it is electrostatically applied.

To be honest, the best paint work is done by Ferrari. They use a powder coat for the primer and a ceramic infused paint for the final coats.

I still think your best solution would be the cleartastic bra material.

http://store.cleartastic.com/clplfiinburo.html

They don't make it precut for the C6 nose, but I am sure you can find a good shop or even DIY the install.

Welcome aboard