Model S Exterior: Paint Armor

[AnOutsider]

[mod note: copied part of this post from It's Time to Build Your Model S thread to provide context for paint armor discussion. b.]

Just did my configuration call.

• The $950 option for the paint armor is SO worth it. See the below picture of everything they cover. No need to go aftermarket when you can get this much coverage from the factory!

Attachment 6447

Waiting on my paperwork now... I already did the math in my head... sheesh.

*edit* sig red, black/red interior with lacewood, pano roof, carbon 21" wheels, kept the spoiler and no child seats.

[jerry33]

It looks like it only covers part of the hood. Won't there be a dirt line there?

[AnOutsider]

It looks like it only covers part of the hood. Won't there be a dirt line there?

goes about halfway up from what I can see (the nose cone gets completely covered). It's about typical for these installations. I've only ever had one car go the whole length of the hood and fenders, but if it's done well, you shouldn't notice the line.

I do wonder if maybe you can option the whole hood done though. I'll ask.

Odd that the charge port door is covered, didn't think that was painted? Though i guess with how much use it will get, it could get scratched/scuffed

*edit* she came back fairly quickly and said that what's on the diagram is all they offer, so if you want to go full hood/fender you'll need to go aftermarket. I'm going to go with what's there and if the coverage is insufficient, I'll just have the hood redone.

[crzyskl]

If anyone is willing that has armor on a car, I have never seen (not to my knowledge anyway) a car that has it, could you post some pictures, so I can see how noticeable it is, if at all? Thanks in advance.

[AnOutsider]

If anyone is willing that has armor on a car, I have never seen (not to my knowledge anyway) a car that has it, could you post some pictures, so I can see how noticeable it is, if at all? Thanks in advance.

Not a close up, but the silver car here has partial hood done:

*edit* never mind, I just checked and I actually have full-hood coverage on this car

[strider]

If anyone is willing that has armor on a car, I have never seen (not to my knowledge anyway) a car that has it, could you post some pictures, so I can see how noticeable it is, if at all? Thanks in advance.

Here's a high-res pic of my Roadster. If you follow the line of the headlight over the fender towards the front wheel you can see a faint line where the paint armor ends. Also there's a strip on the rear edge of the door. The area below the door is covered as well as the entire area around the charge port and the mirrors.


Now I've never seen a "dirt line" and I've had PPF on several of my cars. What does end up happening is wax builds up there leaving a white line. I'm just too lazy to keep it clean. You can see it in this pic if you follow that same line from the rear of the headlight over the fender towards the wheel:

[vfx]

Armor is nearly invisible at first. After time dirt gathers along the edge. Wax buildup may also be an issue if not attended to while polishing.

Bottom line is that it shows if it is not kept clean. If properly maintained you can't see it while standing in front of the car.

Would never have a car without again.

[DaveVa]

Just recieved the following from Tesla on the Paint Armor - seems pretty comprehensive....

[NigelM]

@Bonnie: "Paint Armor" already posted here with some discussion.

[Man_Utd]

I wouldn't get the paint armor. It's pretty extensive for what you get. Plus it doesn't cover the headlights or rear bummer.
Probably get a more comprehensive package for less money through an aftermarket.