ok it's down to two options for me. now need cardinal knowledge.

thanks in advance, marc

 

Run away from the 3M stone guard product... After seeing what it did to my friend's A4, I'd cry if I saw it on an S2K... I think rock chips are a better option than those products...

 

What did it do to your friends car? I ask because I am considering getting it installed on my S2000.
Thanks

 

NOT what he said.

 

My friend's car had a permanent haze when she finally removed it that could not be washed, buffed, or wet-sanded out... Not good for a MY2000 A4... And the only reason she had it was for the Colorado roads during the winter...

The problem is all paints "breathe." When you put a non-porous material ontop of your paint, this prevents chemicals from evaporating, retains heat more so than the untreated parts, etc... you get problems... Talk to any reputable paint shop if you want another opinion, but I'm the most anal f&*k you'll meet when it comes to paint and the condition of my car, but I won't waste my money screwing up my car. When's the last time you saw a beautiful Porsche 911, Ferrari, or Mercedes Benz out there with plastic stuck on the front end ? You haven't for a reason...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ricklobo
[B]Run away from the 3M stone guard product...

 

I've had Stonegard on my S2K since Jan 2000 and I love it. The stuff is virtually invisible (I almost always have to point it out to others) and is very hard to damage. My paint looks perfect. I also have the light kit and have had no problems. The key to being happy with this product appears to be the quality of the installation. Pick your installer carefully (e.g. make sure he has plenty of experience installing the kit). Good luck.

 

Marc, I replied to your other Colgan thread so you might be interested in heading over there...

On pics, as I indicated there too, you might want to check my pic site (see my sig) The Bruised Banana. Although mine is a Spa, the Colgan is amply pic'd for you there...

BTW, another point regarding Stonegard -- would have to agree with CaliS2K -- I've seen a few posts that echo Cali's point about an experienced installer. That point could go a looooong way towards overcoming installs I've seen in the past. Done well, it sounds as though a person wouldn't be happier. Done poorly, and yikes! So keep in mind: Bra's, while perhaps more unsightly, offer protection that is by no means permanent. Stonegard-type products *can* offer nearly invisible protection...if installed professionally...

 

I learned at the SEMA show that there is a class action lawsuit against the makers of the film that affected over 350 vehicles in Colorado, and it did cause a grayish film within a few months, on the cars that could not be removed.

As far as "seeing" a Ferrari or Porsche with "plastic" on them, look closer as both have come from the factory with the 3M material in various places for years. Remember when Porsche used a black rubber mat type of protection in front of the rear fender flares? Take a look in those areas now,as they have been using the transparent film there for close to a decade. Porsche's US headquarters is here in Atlanta, and half of the cars in their parking lot have the 3M material on the front of the car now.

Same with Ferraris. Look at the area where the scoop is just in from of the rear wheels, its protected as well. Notice how the "helicopter tape" installed by the owner has somewhat yellowed vs. the material covering the scoop.
You will find this product on new Vipers to VWs, as well as various pick-up trucks. You just have to look closer, but you will find small pieces around the wheel wells. The reason these cars don't have the material on the front is due to the difficulty in installation, and the small pieces used now are easy enough to install on an assembly line.

The skill of the installer is very important with these types of products. It is still relatively new to the public, so it may be difficult to find someone that is good at it in your area. I have a red Civic that was kicked out of the garage when my S arrived and the StonGard has been exposed to the elements for nearly 2 years with no discoloration, cracking, or peeling. After over 50,000 miles, it has not been chipped, scratched, or stained by bird crap.

Nothing is perfect, and I will be the first to admit that a brand new car sitting on the showroom floor looks better without a transparent film protecting the front. I will also be the first to say that a 1 year old car in the parking lot with the protection looks better than a 1 year old car that hasn't been protected. Even if I didn't sell the stuff, I would still have it on every new car I purchase simply because it works ( and I'm a halfway decent installer ).

 

Speed2000 - I'll give you your point about some high-line cars that come with some version of the product, but I was not referring to the the application to the entire front end (I had a Boxster with the ugly sticker by the rear wheel well). I understand why certain cars have it strategically applied to areas where tar and rock fling inevitably takes place, but I just can't get myself to do it to an entire front end of a car. Even your digital picture clearly shows the lines of the product across your hood. But in my opinion, I didn't like it on my Boxster, and I don't like it now. I appreciate your opinion in that the trade-offs are acceptable to you, but based on the degraded appearance (IMO) and the potential damage to otherwise perfect factory-paint, I'll take my chances on the road. But like everything else in the world, to each his own... Your recommendation to get all the information and finding an experienced professional installer is key.

Either way, we all agree that we have the right kind of car to protect.