Temporary PPF

[Accumulator]

Similar to the threads about "how do I take this roadtrip without getting stonechips?", I need a way to protect a vehicle from potential cone-scuffs at an autocross. Eh, if I can`t come up with something I`ll just pass (unless the older Crown Vic is back from the shop, unlikely) but if there`s something that`s both effective and (my version of) feasible I`ll consider it.



Yeah, I know..."just don`t hit any cones!" :chuckle:



NO, I`m not gonna put masking tape all over the car or otherwise make it look like a freakshow :grinno:



Any such product would have to be safe over repainted panels (the front bumper cover) and come off cleanly without requiring a re-LSPing.



Griot`s used to sell a version of this, but they no longer list it.



Anybody got a source? Anybody have any experience with protecting against cone-scuffs?



I`ve been planning to use such a product when taking the vehicles in for service anyhow, but this autocross thing has ramped up my interest.

[C. Charles Hahn]

If the rockers and lower fascias are your main concern (which I`m guessing is the case) you could use something like this chafe tape Eastwood sells:



final assembly/chafe tape



There are also a couple other companies that sell film like you`re looking for:



Specialized clear bras and paint protection film for speedways, auto cross, road trips...TRACWRAP protective film



Protective Film : New Car Paint Protection : Paint Protector : Automobile Paint Protection : BuyRoadWrap.com

[Garry Dean]

The second link Charlie posted would be my recommendation. I believe I heard somewhere that that is the same stuff fruits used to offer...

[Brad B]

Since AX is a relatively low speed event (compared to road courses) you can use clear `static cling` film. Just like the stuff used for stickers. it`s available at art stores and elsewhere in sheet form. It won`t stop a dent but does scoff at scuffs!

[pwaug]

How about Wolf`s Mask---http://www.detailersdomain.com/Wolfs...ask_p_663.html

[Nth Degree]

Plasti-Dip is another option that was suggested in a similar post several weeks ago.

[togwt]

+1 tracwrap - is for short term trips and events like auto cross, road trips, high speed driving, and cross country travel. It has a specially formulated adhesive meant to remove easy and last temporarily. Using tracwrap means you still get to show off your vehicle. Cross country road trips and exotic car owners are equally happy with the transparent, clear look and protection provided



Plasti-Dip - is an industrial grade, high solids material formulated to provide a semi-permanent, smooth, thick coating. It is flammable, similar in appearance to flexible vinyl, and is resistant to abrasion, cutting, and marring (FWIW- I don`t have first-hand experience with this type of use, but the product has worked well for other applications).

[Accumulator]

Thanks for the tips, folks! Gotta look into the Tracwrap and static cling films.



The plasticoat is intriguing (I`ve seen people do all sorts of stuff with it), but I`m not gonna go that route. Similarly, with the Wolf`s Mask, I fear I`d have to do a proper paint cleaning and then redo the LSP.



This whole thing came up out of the blue...I have all my (not-in-the-shop) vehicles *DONE* and there`s no way I`m gonna risk having to redo anything over an afternoon`s fun :grinno: Sheesh, just figures that the car that`s intended for such nonsense is stuck up in MI waiting for parts

[audicoupej]

Thanks for the tips, folks! Gotta look into the Tracwrap and static cling films.

I used tracwrap twice for a 5+ hour car ride to a car show. The first year I ended up with a huge chip (about 10-15mm) in my repainted bumper. Would it have been larger without the tracwrap? Maybe. Was it the painters fault? Maybe. It was nice to peel it off and not have bugs stuck all over the front end. Made the ONR wash much easier.



The second time I used it I had to drive in some rain and I stopped about halfway into my trip and removed it since many areas were flapping in the wind (they became loose while driving, mostly from the rain). The PPF became sandpaper since it picked up little pieces of debris in the rain and it marred my hood up pretty badly.



It is very difficult to apply, at least it was for me but I also did it alone, in a rush and DRY. I would apply wet if I did it again.



That being said, I think for the purpose you are planning on using it. It should work great. Especially if you have plenty of time for the install. FYI, it`s not very cheap.



I have used this on a motorcycle tank and it worked well, even on the track. The Tankslapper Flim, The Tankslapper



Plus it would be reusable.

[Accumulator]

audicoupej- Thanks for that info! Good to know about the effect of rain, I`ll have to think about that one. Maybe I`ll just do without it if rain`s in the forcast :think:



I`m prepared for the install to be a PIA, don`t really care how it looks (or what it costs) as long as it provides the needed protection. Based on your post, I`d better install it wet!

[Kean]

Duplicolor Shield may be another solution to investigate. I`ve never used it myself but it does look interesting. I doubt it would do much against impact damage but it might be enough to prevent abrasions/transfer in your scenario. ....just thought I would throw it out there as another alternative:



Dupli-Color :: Shield

Dupli-Color® Shieldâ„¢ provides temporary spray-on protection for your vehicle where bugs and road grime can do damage. Ideal for the front end, rear quarter panels, and rocker panels, use Shield as a temporary bra for long road trips, quick mud flaps, or as a bug guard. Shield sprays on easily, dries in less than a minute, and stays on until you wash it off with soap and water or a power washer.

[audicoupej]

audicoupej- Thanks for that info! Good to know about the effect of rain, I`ll have to think about that one. Maybe I`ll just do without it if rain`s in the forcast :think:



I`m prepared for the install to be a PIA, don`t really care how it looks (or what it costs) as long as it provides the needed protection. Based on your post, I`d better install it wet!

I think if it`s installed well (I probably had user fail) the rain shouldn`t affect it. Just don`t try to wrap edges. It`s not intended for that and allows it to come loose and debris to get stuck to it.

[Accumulator]

Kean- Heh heh, that Duplicolor stuff is exactly what I *won`t* be using! But thanks for posting about it anyhow, it might be just right for somebody else`s situation (or for a different situation of *mine* in the future).



FWIW on the subject of cone-hits, my past experiences with them on my car involved quite minor, very low-speed impacts (from practicing reverse slaloms using only the sideview mirrors...try it sometime ), and the Ford paint seemed to really suffer, actual scuff marks that required abrasive correction. And that was with my cones, which were nice and clean; I bet the ones at this AutoX will be crusty and extra-abrasive.



audicoupej- Thanks for that additional info! Glad to hear the rain might not be a deal-breaker. If any more info comes to you, please post it up!

[audicoupej]

audicoupej- Thanks for that additional info! Glad to hear the rain might not be a deal-breaker. If any more info comes to you, please post it up!

I think if you install it wet and squeegee it out nice and smooth then you wont have bubbled up areas for water to get in and for wind to tent up and pull the PPF up higher allowing a chain reaction. I definitely rushed my install thinking that it would be good enough and I learn a lesson from that. If I decide to use it again (the price seems to have gone up a lot from the last time I purchased it a few years ago) I will take my time and install it wet. I have done a PPF install with my friend on his new Golf TDI and it was not too bad at all.



Whatever you decide, enjoy the AutoX.

[Accumulator]

audicoupj- Thanks, I`ll enjoy it a lot more if I`m not worrying about my paintjob



It sounds like I should be OK as long as I don`t try to rush the install.