Model S Exterior: Paint Armor

[DaveVa]

D

I'm fairly impressed with the areas of coverage, although I will add coverage for the headlamps as well; maybe have the whole hood wrapped.

The 3M FAQ that was posted/linked earlier in the thread had a note that the film does not meet US specs for clarity for headlight use. That is why it is not part of the factory coverage.

 

[spatterso911]

Surprising to hear that. I have had 3M film on my current car for 6 years, still clear and impossible to tell there is film on the headlamps. No opaquing/yellowing either. Many aftermarket kits include headlamps as well.

 

[FalconNinetyD]

For those that have paint armor on another vehicle. What kind of polishing or waxing is required, if any? If it's not necessary, this could save 10-20 hours a year in exterior maintenance, which helps justify the cost a little bit...

 

[DaveVa]

Surprising to hear that. I have had 3M film on my current car for 6 years, still clear and impossible to tell there is film on the headlamps. No opaquing/yellowing either. Many aftermarket kits include headlamps as well.

I was surprised as well. The specific language in the FAQ is as follows:

Q) Can Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film be used on headlights, foglights or windshields?

A) In the United States, Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film does not meet the Department of Transportation's standards for optical clarity. Other countries may have different legislation. Please contact your local 3M Representative to help answer this question in your country.

It's interesting that they don't say it's a bad idea, just that they can't in the United States.

 

[spatterso911]

regular waxing just like any other car, so it will save you paint, not time.

 

[Robert.Boston]

Paint armor gets dirty just like paint. On my BMW, I treat it essentially the same as the non-armored surfaces. Detailing is a little different, so if you do your own detailing, paint armor adds a bit of work.

 

[AnOutsider]

Interesting. I've got some stuff called VentureTape on mine, and they covered the headlights

 

[Man_Utd]

Wow, I thought paint protection covered the whole frunk. Very disappointing.

 

[strider]

D

The 3M FAQ that was posted/linked earlier in the thread had a note that the film does not meet US specs for clarity for headlight use. That is why it is not part of the factory coverage.

Odd. The factory Roadster armor covers the headlights and the aftermarket installs I've had done on my Corvette and Jeep included headlights too.

 

[Jkam]

I"ve never had armor on my car. By the looks of it, armor doesn't appear to guard against dings from other cars opening their doors. Is that correct?

 

[jerry33]

I"ve never had armor on my car. By the looks of it, armor doesn't appear to guard against dings from other cars opening their doors. Is that correct?

Correct. Armour is mostly for stone chips. There are other products that protect against car doors and shopping carts.

 

[1young1]

Wow, I thought paint protection covered the whole frunk. Very disappointing.

I believe the paint protection does cover the whole front of hood (or frunk) based on the schematics that I saw. Did you hear something different?

 

[AnOutsider]

I believe the paint protection does cover the whole front of hood (or frunk) based on the schematics that I saw. Did you hear something different?

It does,t It comes up what looks like 8-10 inches. Nigel also posted pics of it on a car

 

[jerry33]

It doesn't cover the entire hood, only a portion of it. This makes for an ugly line in the center of the hood.

 

[spatterso911]

It's very difficult to see. If you don't carefully wax, it becomes an ugly line. Paint armor can defray the likelihood of a ding from a shopping cart, and will prevent paint scratches as well. Paint damage from bugs and tree sap too.

 

[jerry33]

I don't think I've ever waxed a car. I was hoping that paint armour meant 100% coverage.

 

[spatterso911]

You can do that if you want. Your whole car can be wrapped to any color you like.

Waxing the car is a chore unless you know what you are doing. There are great websites that will give you a pro edge, but if you don't care to know, a yearly detailing is fine, although pros recommend a seasonal waxing.

 

[joefee]

Has any one had a protective film removed after 5 or so years? Any effect on the paint at the seams after that time?

 

[Jkam]

There are other products that protect against car doors and shopping carts.

What would those products be? I'm more concerned about receiving door dings than anything else.

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

What would those products be? I'm more concerned about receiving door dings than anything else.

Something like this: http://www.trim-gard.com/view_category.asp?categoryID=2

But, color matching such "Body Side Moldings" to Tesla's paint options would be a pain (unless Tesla provides these at some point).