Use 3M aero paint protection or not???????

My trusted body shop guy who paints some Ferraris told me that he is not a fan of 3M paint protection. He said that the layer does not cover about a quarter inch of the leading edges and that when they get chipped you end up needing to repaint the whole panel anyway. He also said that you still get stone chips under the protection and when you peel it off, paint flakes peel off with it. I will not be doing any track driving but do expect some driving on I-95 which is heavily trafficed. It almost sounds to me as if he must see cars that have been tracked to pick up so many chips on a leading edge as to require repaint or to chip the paint through the coating. Any second opinions? Thanks!

 

If you try not to tailgate, avoid dirty roads, don't live in bug infested areas, I'm not sure that the 3M is best. Have been quoted $1300. That would cover 2 resprays!
Besides, the edge IS very noticable, especially on a black car, and the shine is NOT as good on the covered part of the car. It certainly does protect better than the old fashion bras, but it still isn't perfect.

 

If I don't do the whole car, I've been told that 360 spyders get scuffed or scratched where the top closes on the back panel when up. Can anyone verify this? Wouldn't it be desirable to at least do this panel?
Thanks again.

 

I had my 355 bumper only painted and 3Med two weeks ago. It realy isnt at all noticed. So i think it depends on what car its on. So far so good. I got it put on to keep the nose looking good I was sick of having the nose sprayed every winter. This way i have a 4 year guarantee that my bumper looks good, if it chips it gets replaced. So fingers crossed

 

I have 3M and I am very comfortable with it. It only does not cover 1/8" of an inch of the leading edges. The bumper is covered in full, 100%. The hood can be also fully covered. I have mine covered in full. It gives you a peace of mind. 3M have many thinknesses of the paint protection film. It starts at 150 microns and goes upto 360 microns. Half a mm is 500 microns. 3M in Germany recommended the 360 microns to me which is not much more expensive for reasons you brought up. If a stone hits the 360 micron 3M film, it's impact will be greatly reduced by the thickness of the film and it will bounce off as opposed to the 150 micron foil which they do not recommend on vehicles and will not perform as such, thus the damage will be minimized or even eliminated depending on the size of the particle.

 

Had mine done yesterday---the guy told me it is 8/10 of a mil thick. I tryed to rip a left over piece and could not. It is VERY strong stuff...

 

I PMed u back

 

Hi Jeff, I had this done a couple of years ago to my TL. I recommend it for any car in South Florida. My 3M is right up to the edge, may 1/16" gap max. I had it done in Boca, if you need a referral let me know and I will PM you the company who did it.

 

The 3M Aero is excellent stuff and totally worth it on an F-car.(these cars get chips if you look at them) The one thing that I don't like is if it gets scuffed it's hard to get it out. I tried Meguiars polish/wax and it leaves a dull area so I just wash and leave it. Obviously it's too abrasive for the soft Aero finish. The other thing I noticed is if you use a MF towel on it to dry it leaves little fibers behind so it's best to wipe after a wash with a chamois.

 

Did my 99 & 2001 360 in the old generation 3m. Works great!! Had it taken off recently and reapplied. No damage, front end looks great. By the way I have my entire bumper and 1/3 of the hood and fenders done. It takes a good guy to apply it carefully so be careful. FYI, my guy in Toronto charges around $700 ($630USD) for the whole job.
Good luck.

 

I would recommend it. The only negative I have seen is that dirt and grime will gather around the edit of the coating and you'll have to clean this or you'll eventually notice the coating. Otherwise you can't even see it is on the car.

 

USE 3M SGH on the car NOT Aero film it is not designed for automotive use and is not to the same aesthetic controls as the SGH consumer film (Scotchguard). 3M discourage the use of Aero film on Motor vehicles. The SGH will not cost you any more to put on at installer level (unless you are being ripped off)!!



Cheers

Tom