3M Di-Noc Carbon Fiber Wrapped Mirrors
07-23-2010, 01:41 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
3M Di-Noc Carbon Fiber Wrapped Mirrors
After seeing what this 3M Di-Noc Carbon vinyl could do in CoolArrow's interior and all over the web, I decided to give it a shot on the mirrors. I knew it was going to be tough, like wrapping a basketball with cardboard, but I do the clear bra paint protection for a living so I figured I would have an advantage over most people. Even though this film is completely different than clear bra material it still helped to know how flat film is going to act when placed on a round surface.
Well after a few hours, 4 hands, and a lot of heat and convincing one side is done. Now just waiting on more film for the drivers side. Here are a few pics.
The main mirror was completed with only 1 piece which is seamed underneath on the bottom side and cannot be noticeably seen.
It is only possible to do it this way by using a lot of heat, even more stretching and an extra set of hands.
Well after a few hours, 4 hands, and a lot of heat and convincing one side is done. Now just waiting on more film for the drivers side. Here are a few pics.
The main mirror was completed with only 1 piece which is seamed underneath on the bottom side and cannot be noticeably seen.
It is only possible to do it this way by using a lot of heat, even more stretching and an extra set of hands.
07-23-2010, 02:26 PM
#4
Racer
Thread Starter
http://www.muthco.com/epapers/21001070.pdf
page 5
I used these directions as a guide. I was not able to stick a screwdriver or anything else in the top to pry it off so I just used my fingers near the outer top edge and pried it off the pins very slowly and carefully.
page 5
I used these directions as a guide. I was not able to stick a screwdriver or anything else in the top to pry it off so I just used my fingers near the outer top edge and pried it off the pins very slowly and carefully.
They look sweet.
07-23-2010, 05:38 PM
#8
Racer
Thread Starter
07-23-2010, 06:07 PM
#11
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I like it. Two things, 1. 4 hours per side is to long and too expensive.
2. Someone needs to come up with a easier to use product.
I quess this stuff will stay on over time ,right??
2. Someone needs to come up with a easier to use product.
I quess this stuff will stay on over time ,right??
07-23-2010, 06:43 PM
#13
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Looks like you did a great job!
07-23-2010, 07:19 PM
#14
Racer
Thread Starter
1) Dont attempt to do a full mirror as your practice piece. I have experience with other similar products but not with this Di-Noc vinyl stuff so of course there will be a learning curve.
2) Dont do it in 1 peice. If you where to use 2 or 3 pieces and try to seem them up as best as you could, that would take down the stretching and heating which would reduce your install time.
3) Do it your self and your only out the cost of film, which for this mirror was about $20 and would of been closer to $10 if I would not of overstretched the first attempt and had to scrap that piece.
4) You have to remember that you are wrapping a 3 Dimensional object with a 2 Dimensional piece of paper. How much easier can it really be?
This should last for some time. Warranty is 4 years outside and 12 years inside. If you prep the edges with 3M primer 94 then they should stay in place no problem and not lift.
That was in the original plans but I am kind of liking the raw carbon look so I might leave it for a bit and see. There are a couple of videos and comparisons of the film cleared and uncleared. Because of the texture of the vinyl if you wanted it smooth and more like real carbon/resin then it would take a ton of clear coat to get it that way.
07-24-2010, 10:42 AM
#20
Drifting
That was in the original plans but I am kind of liking the raw carbon look so I might leave it for a bit and see. There are a couple of videos and comparisons of the film cleared and uncleared. Because of the texture of the vinyl if you wanted it smooth and more like real carbon/resin then it would take a ton of clear coat to get it that way.[/QUOTE]
I wouldn't recommend that. I 'cleared' my 3M wrapped ACI front splitter and it is starting to peel away from the curves
I wouldn't recommend that. I 'cleared' my 3M wrapped ACI front splitter and it is starting to peel away from the curves