snarf

I'm thinking of having a UK company fit a full kit (A frame forward, this includes wings front face of mirrors, complete hood and bumper) of 3m's film to my new GT silver, C2S, when it arrives in a few weeks time.

Trying to work-out the best way to get the car from the dealer to the film installer's facility, whether to transport, leave factory fitted PVC protection in place or just drive it there after the PDI. Any comments/advice gratefully received, also is it okay to use Zaino on film?

SilverSteel

Really? I've been claying the film on my cars for years with what I thought was great results. Before I clay, I can feel contaminants with my hand. After, they're gone. For safety sake, I'll check with the installers, though. Thanks for the tip.

GT Silver, nice, really nice. As far as applying the full job, I'd do it before it ever hit the road. I've read where some Rennlisters ship their cars directly to the installer so there's no chance of a chip. How far do you have to drive and can you get there safely? Maybe leaving really early in the morning prior to traffic. And leaving the film on after delivery, I'd do it. Let the installers of your new armor remove it. My thoughts... Congrats on that new beast!

snarf

Thanks for feedback, installer is less than 70 miles but most of the journey is on busy roads so the idea of a very early start with the delivery PVC still in place makes a lot of sense if I do decide to drive there. Zaino OKay?

Deanski

I had my film done at the Porsche dealership prior to delivery. Most installers are willing to go to a dealership and do the install. All they need is a clean bay and plenty of light with access to water.

The Armorglove was done with Dupont film. Very clear. They wrap the hood edges as well as any edge. However, I only did about 1/4 full length of the hood so it ends at the same area as the fender wing covers. I also had door cups done, side mirrors and dog legs on the rear and front wheelwells.

It's best to make sure the paint is free from any waxes. The installer will do a full alcohol wipe anyway to remove any wax/glaze. After it's on, let it cure for a week then you can use Plexus on it. Zaino Z2 is fine, just no wax as wax mostly being yellow caranuba will yellow the film on the surface. There's really no need to "wax" the film, just keep it clean and it's self maintaining. Be very careful when cleaning, use soft MF towels.

The film did protect my lower lip when I hit it on a curb. POnce I removed the film off the lip, I only had a slight mark on the lip which could be polished out. It's very alarming on how well the film protects panels.

It's the best option for your Porsche when it comes to care for the finish!

Deanski

snarf

Deanski, thanks for your comments, information on wax is especially valuable. The UK installer will not fit anything more complex than bumper protection at the dealers, he says the level of cleanliness required for a full kit installation cannot be achieved outside of a specialized clean-room, so I will have to get the car to them.

SilverSteel

Zaino is fine, but I would refrain from the areas they'll be installng your bra on. If you do the whole car be sure and tell the installers so they are aware there's a sealer on the car. They always strip the car of all waxes and selers prior to the install anyway, giving the film the best adhesion conditions. 70 miles? That's a drive. I would probably make the drive to get it done, others would ship it over there. I would NOT let them come out as you pointed out--best to do it there where they can control the conditions. Let us know what you decide.

snarf

Thanks again for feedback, I'll probably take the risk of the drive but I'll let you know what I finally decide to do - and of course provide some before and after pictures once the big day arrives.

SilverSteel

What did they quote you? Also, I'm looking forward to the pics after it's done. I'll post mine as well.

Deanski

"Clean room"? Oh that's a new one! I'll bet your dealers shop is cleaner than most other facilities to start.

All that is needed is a clean bay, free of insects and dirt. That's all. It can also be done in a down-draft spray booth if need be. But never seen it done in the booth.

Once done, look close for any insects or other debris that may have landed. Doing larger film jobs tend to land these things.

Regards,
Deanski

snarf

The full kit is working out at circa £1,400 plus tax but it may be possible to negotiate a discount.

Deanski, to be fair the installer didn't use the words clean room that was my interpretation but he did say that there was too much sh_t at the dealer's to make fitting the larger sheets viable.

Deanski

Well then, trust what he says at this point. To be honest, a full sheet job does take careful work and craftsmanship. Obviously he's better of in his own shop as all tools and materials are at hand. Even though they will strip any wax, just inform him of any types of waxes etc.

You'll love the film! Best investment for keeping that paint as new as possible.

If you were here, I'd show you what the film DID protect when my lower lip of the Aerokit struck a curb on the passenger side, ripping it out of the mounts. After snapping the lip back in and looking at it, I thought it's a loss. But, I removed the film and now it shows only minor scratches or a very light road rash.

Cheers!

Deanski

Premier

One note. For those looking to have custom work performed on the car, this would require cutting and trimming on the vehicle. At least once a week, we would get a car in here for a redo from other companies and there are deep razor blade marks. This is not visible until the film is pulled up to reveal the cut....but it is a very real problem in the industry. Installers not skilled to perform custom work would try...as a matter of fact, we currently have a Murcielago Roadster and Gallardo Spider at our facility that has deep cuts on the bumper and hood............And it's precut. Just be careful out there guys when choosing to go w/ custom work.

cvazquez

Great point!

snarf

UK installer states no cutting on vehicle is necessary for the full kit so I'm not too concerned but I do need to flex the budget to cover the increase over the basic bumper protection that I originally had in mind. Matters are not helped by the fact that the differences in the audio packages became apparent during PDE earlier this week to the extent that I have now modified my order to add BOSE, fortunately I was able to resist the temptation of PSE.

dstrimbu

No, Snarf! You gotta have PSE!!!!!!!!! <g>