Not even close. Surprisingly, I have a very hard time seeing them. When I wax the car, I have to make sure I don't get build up at the edge of the material. Otherwise, they really are invisible. Micah
Crazy Larry - that's an opinion, not a fact. Perhaps you should go back to the library and re-do your homework.
Again, thanks for all the opinions. So, I'm thinking the clear film covers might be a good idea for the downstream fender area vs mud flaps. Are you using the 3-M product "3M™ Scotchgard Paint Protection Film Pro Series", or something similar? Otherwise, as an alternative, I really like the idea of mud flaps attached by binder clips!
SCS, Yes, 3M. I suggest doing as much of the car as you can. Not much more money to add places like the front valance and rocker panels. The best time to do it is now, when your paint is clean and undamaged. Micah
A couple more pictures. Note these are the style that have a flexible radius side that compresses to the outline of the back-side of the wheel opening. Again, I don't think that they would look good on the front. The first photo is taken way under the car.
What is the bar between the traction bars? I have never seen that. I would think it would break if you went over an uneven surface.
Regarding the bar: It's an an old "Lakewood" traction bar. The bar isn't solid across - it's actually two different size bars that slip into each other at mid-point. Good observation! I bought at a "garage sale" for $30. I couldn't locate any sales or data sheet, though I contacted Lakewood, but they no longer had any information. I had to make a larger "L" bracket on the back-end. The "orange" colored brackets; I fashioned out of some metal I bought at the local scrap yard. I think that they were part of the lumber racks you see at Home Depot. Ha ha
I have a set of Ford racing on my car but that so I don't have to clean off as much tire from my burn outs. My friends call them by WV air brakes but that's OK I understand.
You would not be disappointed with the 3m film. I had someone install some on my new bike. I would not do yourself. I called 3m directly and asked who he recommended in my area that is a certified installer. ( they have to take a course on how to install this stuff) I was really impressed but it's not cheap but cheaper then a repaint
To finish this thread, I got the 3M film installed below the side stripes instead of mud flaps (except for the doors). It is difficult to notice and I am happy with it. If you look hard, you can see the lines where the film stops, just below the side decals, but it is barely noticeable. It cost me $240. The only thing I wish was different is that he would have wrapped the edges around the panels and under the doors, but maybe that is not possible. DRIVE AWAY, I am finally done!!!!!!!!
