I noticed today that, as the temperatures started to rise enough such that the snow would melt and allow me to wash my car, that the rocker panels (I believe that's the name for the panels below the doors, lowest to the ground) showing signs of wear on one side, and beginning to rust through on the other. So I was curious: Is there any form of physical guard I could install to act as an additional physical barrier between the horribly salty roads and my car? Perhaps some form of plastic cladding or adhesive vinyl cover? I'd love to have this car last for ages, but my worry is, being resident of Rochester NY, rust will get to it first.

My main thoughts so far were:
1) the above mentioned vinyl or other plastic adhesive material, something removable so that if I needed to, I could just remove it and be gone with the bugger
2) semi-permanent cladding install. Have it rivitted or bolted in, and seal it with silicone or something to contain it.
3) over-panels similar in install to ground effects, but with none of the flair. Pure functionality.

Cheers,
Andrew
--
Proud owner of a 1993 850 GLT