From my years of owning Protégés, the bottom side of the rockers is a prime location for the Rust Bunnies to make a home. While they were winter driven, my RX-8 has never seen a snowflake in 7 years of ownership. The PO, however, told me he ventured out in winter occasionally when the roads were dry. Problem is that there is still a fine powder of salt remnants present. I see a few small paint blisters on the bottom as a result.

Gonna clean these up but need to know how to remove the 4+ foot long Rocker Stone Guard pieces that cover them. Looks like they might just slide off of some retainers. Any thoughts?

 

Correct they just slide on.