Stone Guard Removal and Installation- 2.5L NA

Overview

This procedure outlines the steps to remove and install stone guards on all Porsche 944 variants with am 8-valve engine, covering model years 1983–1985.5 and 1986–1988. Stone guards protect the vehicle’s paint from road debris, particularly around the wheel wells. Replacing worn or damaged stone guards maintains the car’s appearance and prevents paint damage. This guide assumes the use of Porsche OEM stone guards or aftermarket equivalents, such as 3M urethane material (Scotchcal).

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Tools Required

• Heat gun
• Adhesive solvent (e.g., 3M Woodgrain Adhesive Remover)
• Plastic putty knife
• Squeegee

Parts Required

• Behind left front wheel well: 944 559 321 00
• Behind right front wheel well: 944 559 322 00
• Behind left rear wheel well: 944 559 323 00
• Behind right rear wheel well: 944 559 324 00
• In front of left rear wheel well: 944 559 325 00
• In front of right rear wheel well: 944 559 326 00
• Optional: 3M Scotchcal urethane material (8 mil or 12 mil, minimum 12 inches (305 mm) wide)

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Remove the Old Stone Guard

1. Use a heat gun to warm one edge of the stone guard until it softens enough to lift with a plastic putty knife. Move the heat gun back and forth to avoid overheating, which could damage the paint.
2. Once an edge is lifted, gently grasp the stone guard and pull it slowly while applying heat just ahead of the lifted edge. Keep the heat gun moving and avoid excessive force to prevent lifting the paint.
3. If the stone guard resists removal, apply adhesive solvent (e.g., 3M Woodgrain Adhesive Remover) behind the lifted edge. Continue heating carefully, as most adhesive solvents are flammable.
4. After fully removing the stone guard, clean the area with adhesive solvent to remove any remaining adhesive residue.

Step 2: Prepare the Surface for New Stone Guard

5. Ensure the paint in the application area is completely dry and cured. Do not apply stone guards to fresh or uncured paint.
6. Mix a solution of 15% isopropyl alcohol and 85% water.
7. Thoroughly clean the area where the new stone guard will be applied using the alcohol-water solution to remove any dirt or residue.

Step 3: Install the New Stone Guard

8. Apply the alcohol-water solution to the cleaned area to help position the stone guard.
9. Align and apply the new stone guard to the wet surface, adjusting as needed to ensure proper placement.
10. Use a squeegee to smooth out the stone guard, working from the center outward to remove air bubbles and excess solution.
11. Allow the stone guard to dry completely before driving the vehicle to ensure proper adhesion.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Inspect the stone guard for air bubbles or misalignment; re-squeegee if necessary.
• Confirm the stone guard is fully adhered with no lifting edges.
• Check that the area is clean and free of adhesive residue.
• Verify the vehicle’s paint is undamaged around the stone guard application area.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• YouTube