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The early 3M paint protection patterns only came in 18inch and 24 inch patterns. It wasn't until recently within the last 3-4 years that full panel coverage became more common but the size of the rolls required are significantly more expensive and required shops to buy larger plotters/cutters to accommodate. Because the c6 came out during what was pretty much the infancy of clear paint protection, this is why you see a lot of the smaller patterns installed.
I would like to know what brand of protective that is? The edges typically aren't that easy to see
Unfortunately I was not able to talk to the driver, so I have no further information. If he would have taken the film all the way to a natural seam I wouldn't have noticed -- probable that he tried to get away cheap and ended up regretting it.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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I am a big proponent of the film but can't stand that look when the film goes half way up the hood. Either do the whole hood or none of it. I have always done the nose and stopped at the hood line. With Expel Ultra it's virtually undetectable and provides excellent protection, especially on highway road trips.
I wouldn't go half way up the hood. I've seen owners go nuts and clear bra the whole car. He had a C7 Z06 in Admiral Blue and couldn't keep the dust off it at a car show.
Well, I'm one that used the same exact pattern for mine. There is a visible demarcation line but it depends on lighting,angles on just how visible it is...but it is visible.
It may also depend on the material and installer. Mine had the Xpel Ultimate installed....and it wasn't cheap (at least to me).
Seems pretty half assed to not have the wrap reach the top of the hood or the entire fender. Wouldn't have that problem. Didn't even know people did this.
Seems pretty half assed to not have the wrap reach the top of the hood or the entire fender. Wouldn't have that problem. Didn't even know people did this.
Hard to believe some people are really that cheap especially owning a Vette. I mean really what would it cost to do the whole hood instead of a third of it..... $100-$200 dollars more? Is that really going to make a dramatic difference in their life???
The early 3M paint protection patterns only came in 18inch and 24 inch patterns. It wasn't until recently within the last 3-4 years that full panel coverage became more common but the size of the rolls required are significantly more expensive and required shops to buy larger plotters/cutters to accommodate. Because the c6 came out during what was pretty much the infancy of clear paint protection, this is why you see a lot of the smaller patterns installed.
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astaggs (11-05-2018),endus (11-05-2018),h8snow (11-03-2018),Landru (11-06-2018),Porxter (11-06-2018),RGT (11-04-2018) and 1 others liked this post. (Show less...)
That pattern is the way mine is also...cira 2005 install & product date.
Mine clear is on black and not as prevalent as shown on this silver.
Wax residue/ build up may being making the lines/edges from OP photo more prevalent...I'd agree.
Line or no line, when it's time to sell you can peel it off and have a perfect pain job underneath. Sorry OP, but unless you plan to keep the car forever it is a worthwhile investment.
I've seen the protective film become very obvious when the user waxes the car and doesn't thoroughly clean the line. It is noticeable even when new but nothing like the OP post. I bet that is either cheap film or dried wax making it stand out.
If you notice in the pic, the sun is behind the car and at a fairly shallow angle. When direct light hits the edge of the film and the angle includes the clear coat, it acts like a prism, especially when viewed from the same shallow angle. Obviously, any wax buildup will intensify that. Turn the car around or wait 8 hours for the sun to pass by and the line will be nearly non-existent.
Line or no line, when it's time to sell you can peel it off and have a perfect pain job underneath. Sorry OP, but unless you plan to keep the car forever it is a worthwhile investment.
Sorry, but I can't see driving a car with such an eyesore blemish just to save a few bucks on resale. I'd either apply the film so that it didn't show or not at all.
Sorry, but I can't see driving a car with such an eyesore blemish just to save a few bucks on resale. I'd either apply the film so that it didn't show or not at all.
You can't see it when driving the car, so if it's an eyesore to you, the owner doesn't care about it or your opinion. If you have a garage queen for personal enjoyment, that's your choice. Everyone makes their own choices on appearance and performance mods.
It sounds like you'd be disgusted with the appearance of my car, but I bought it for performance and to drive, not to gain visual admiration from anyone or concerns about resale value. It's a 20-20 car. From 20' or passing by at 20 mph, it still looks great. Up close, the crazed headlights, the stone chips, and scratches show evidence that match the 154K mileage and many trips down the 1/4 mi tracks. It's not for everybody, but it makes me smile.
You can't see it when driving the car, so if it's an eyesore to you, the owner doesn't care about it or your opinion. If you have a garage queen for personal enjoyment, that's your choice. Everyone makes their own choices on appearance and performance mods.
It sounds like you'd be disgusted with the appearance of my car, but I bought it for performance and to drive, not to gain visual admiration from anyone or concerns about resale value. It's a 20-20 car. From 20' or passing by at 20 mph, it still looks great. Up close, the crazed headlights, the stone chips, and scratches show evidence that match the 154K mileage and many trips down the 1/4 mi tracks. It's not for everybody, but it makes me smile.
It sounds like you missed the point of the entire conversation. The point was that someone added protective film to preserve the finish of thier car and inadvertantly made it look worse in the process.
In your case the intent is to drive and enjoy the car and not worry about the inevitable stone chips and normal wear and tear. I respect that and it mirrors my attitude.
You can't see it when driving the car, so if it's an eyesore to you, the owner doesn't care about it or your opinion. If you have a garage queen for personal enjoyment, that's your choice. Everyone makes their own choices on appearance and performance mods.
It sounds like you'd be disgusted with the appearance of my car, but I bought it for performance and to drive, not to gain visual admiration from anyone or concerns about resale value. It's a 20-20 car. From 20' or passing by at 20 mph, it still looks great. Up close, the crazed headlights, the stone chips, and scratches show evidence that match the 154K mileage and many trips down the 1/4 mi tracks. It's not for everybody, but it makes me smile.
11-03-2018, 10:26 AM
Why you shouldn"t install protective film
Hard to believe some people are really that cheap especially owning a Vette. I mean really what would it cost to do the whole hood instead of a third of it..... $100-$200 dollars more? Is that really going to make a dramatic difference in their life???
