| Author |
Message |
John A Sanders, PhD (Sandersja)
New member
Username: Sandersja
Post Number: 12
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 6:36 pm: | |
After getting a few rock chips on the front of my car, I also have been considering these types of film. So far I have decided against it. Other net discussions have brought up the point of whether these clear tapes really make much of a difference to a rock striking the front at Ferrari speeds. I have also found that the film is a pain not only to put on, but to take off. Reinstalling tape/film over chips is not very easy to get satisfactory results and the glue is so strong it pulls off any touch-ups when it is removed. When the film costs approach the $400-500 range, I feel that it is better and cost effective just to get the front bumper repainted whenever the chips begin to bug me. On my F355, I get few chips other than on the bumper, which is relatively easy to remove. |
jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member
Username: Atheyg
Post Number: 438
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 10:28 am: | |
I bought a 9 piece kit for my 328 and installed it myself, a few local distributors here either didn't have a pattern for it or wanted $450.00 just for the install for 3 front pieces way too much (Ferrari tax)
I started with the small pieces to learn the method and did the big front pieces last, its not difficult to do , positioning is easy as you can just reapply if its not set right as long as the curing solution under the film has not dried. |
Branko Medenica (Branko)
Junior Member
Username: Branko
Post Number: 128
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 10:00 am: | |
Mike, you are right, I have never noticed the film on your F-car. So, I guess, I need to go and measure the coverage areas on my 308. |
Mike Charness (Mcharness)
Member
Username: Mcharness
Post Number: 964
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 9:48 am: | |
Branko: Sure... but think about this -- you've seen my car several times, and if you didn't notice the 3M film, then that says something about the way it looks (or isn't noticeable).
I'd say that once you have the film cut to size, it takes about 10 minutes per piece to install on the body panels behind the wheels. It probably took me 30 minutes or so to complete the install on the larger and more complex spoiler piece.
Of course, I'd be glad to help you (or even do it for you) the next time you bring your car up to Huntsville.
As far as how long they last, I think that 3M says it's 7 to 10 years. Some manufacturers give a 4 year warrantee, others give lifetime.
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Branko Medenica (Branko)
Junior Member
Username: Branko
Post Number: 126
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 9:17 am: | |
Mike, I think I would like to check out your car and see how they look, how much trouble to install, and how long they last, before I get in over my head. |
Mike Charness (Mcharness)
Member
Username: Mcharness
Post Number: 963
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 8:29 am: | |
Branko, I don't remember exactly, but when I did the small lower panels behind the wheel wells, I just measured to see about how much I would need. I probably bought 3 feet of the 12-inch 8 mil, or maybe it was 2 feet of the 18-inch 8 mil material.
I did the spoiler much later (after I had to have it repaired and repainted anyway) and for that I think I bought a 5- or 6-foot piece of 8-inch material.
The spoiler was certainly more of a challenge to apply than the body panels, which were VERY easy. I think I still have the paper patterns for all five pieces, if you're interested.
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Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 188
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 7:56 am: | |
Well,I suppose that something that may be easy for one,could be harder for others. I really don't think that you need a masters degree in engineering to apply this stuff. But,certainly agree that if you lack the talent and confidence to do it,and like to give money away...leave it to a pro. It really doesn't look tht difficult! |
Branko Medenica (Branko)
Junior Member
Username: Branko
Post Number: 125
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 6:43 am: | |
Mike, which size material did you buy? |
Mike Charness (Mcharness)
Member
Username: Mcharness
Post Number: 961
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 6:15 am: | |
All I wanted was a couple of small pieces, so I didn't want to buy a cut. I only have it on the front spoiler, and the small lower body panel behind each wheel. I just created a template out of butcher paper first for each of the pieces. You can buy the raw material VERY cheaply, and they'll even throw in a free installation training video if you order by phone, from www.xpel.com -- it's not difficult, especially with small pieces... you just have to take your time. I'm very happy with my self-cut, self-installed 3M protection.
Just click on "shop" and then "bulk material".
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Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Member
Username: Kennedy
Post Number: 384
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 2:45 am: | |
Stongard has it cut for your Mondial... I have Stongard on my 360 and am very happy with it. There was nobody in Dallas experienced with installing it at the time, so I flew in a guy from Atlanta who came highly recommended.
Click here for your Mondial: http://www.stongard.com/sgcontent/shop.asp?branch=1186 |
DL (Darth550)
Junior Member
Username: Darth550
Post Number: 223
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 11:36 pm: | |
Adam is right. Make sure that you find someone who REALLY knows what they are doing. There is a lot of margin for error. I had it done at a body shop on my old 355. I put a Speed Lingerie nose appliance on my 550.
DL |
Adam (Fasttalk)
Junior Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 158
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 11:28 pm: | |
Window tinting also "looks" easy, almost impossible to get rid of the bubbles if you are not experienced, I would hire a pro to do the job right, It to so easy to screw it up, and waste your money.
Just my 2c
Adam |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 187
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 10:15 pm: | |
Thers a show on the speedvision channel called,Two Guys Garage. It's usually on Sunday mornings,where I live. Anyway,they did a show ,early this year where they got some from 3-M, and showed how to put it on . They were putting it on a pick up truck, but it can be put on anything. I do recall them measuring,getting it all wet,using a squeegee to get out air bubbles. They might have a website,and maybe you can order a video of that particular show. It did look really easy to put on,though. I was considering also doing it to my 308,and 'vette. |
Dennis (Bighead)
Junior Member
Username: Bighead
Post Number: 212
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 8:58 pm: | |
There are several companies that offer this; they all (or almost all) use the same 3M plastic film. It's a question of how many patterns each provides. I used Autobahnd for my 355. Call you local dealer, find out which company they use.
Alternatively, you can buy the film yourself and cut to fit, but it's a huge pain in the ass and the installation isn't easy (not that it's rocket science).
vty,
--Dennis
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Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
Member
Username: Todd328gts
Post Number: 545
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 8:23 pm: | |
I think there's a product called Stoneguard...I think it looks pretty cool tool...certainly helps the road rash |
Adam (Fasttalk)
Junior Member
Username: Fasttalk
Post Number: 156
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 8:20 pm: | |
Did mine at the local Ferrari dealership. I was not able to find too many people that could do it. It was the best deal I could find.
Adam |
michael dipple (Viking)
Junior Member
Username: Viking
Post Number: 56
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 7:53 pm: | |
Hi , Can some one tell me where to buy the clear film I see on some sports cars around the hood and front fenders, I tried www.armourfend.com but they do not have for a mondial and there prices are way high ,Thankyou Mick |