Stone Guard Removal and Installation

Overview

This procedure guides you through removing and installing stone guards on your Porsche 944 with the 16v engine. Stone guards are protective films that shield your car’s body from rocks and debris. Replacing them keeps your 944 looking sharp and protects the paint, especially around the wheel wells where damage is common.

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Tools Required

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

Parts Required

• Stone guard behind left front wheel well – 944 559 321 00
• Stone guard behind right front wheel well – 944 559 322 00
• Stone guard behind left rear wheel well – 944 559 323 00
• Stone guard behind right rear wheel well – 944 559 324 00
• Stone guard in front of left rear wheel well – 944 559 325 00
• Stone guard in front of right rear wheel well – 944 559 326 00
• Isopropyl alcohol (for 15% alcohol-water solution)

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Remove the Old Stone Guard

1. Grab your heat gun and warm up one edge of the stone guard. Move the gun back and forth to avoid overheating—just enough so you can lift the edge with your plastic putty knife.
2. Once the edge lifts, hold it with your fingers and gently pull while aiming the heat gun just ahead of where it’s lifting. Keep the heat moving and don’t pull too hard, or you might peel up the paint too.
3. If it sticks in spots, dab some adhesive solvent behind the lifted edge. Keep heating, but be careful—most solvents can catch fire if you overdo it.
4. After the stone guard is off, wipe the area down with adhesive solvent to get rid of any leftover glue.

Step 2: Prepare the Surface

5. Mix a solution of 15% isopropyl alcohol and 85% water in a spray bottle or bowl.
6. Clean the area where the new stone guard will go using this solution. Make sure it’s spotless and the paint is fully dry—new stone guards won’t stick right otherwise.

Step 3: Install the New Stone Guard

7. Spray or wipe the alcohol-water solution onto the cleaned area to help position the stone guard.
8. Peel the backing off the new stone guard (e.g., 944 559 321 00 for the left front wheel well) and carefully place it where it belongs.
9. Use your squeegee to smooth it out, working from the center to the edges to push out all the air bubbles.
10. Let it dry completely before driving—give it a few hours to set properly.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Check that the stone guard is firmly stuck with no loose edges.
• Look for air bubbles—smooth them out with the squeegee if you find any.
• Make sure the area is clean and free of solvent residue.

Sources

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