Protective Film?

[Jim Garry]

Just installed new bodywork. There's an area down low that takes a lot of punishment from rocks, etc. The previous bodywork was protected there by 6 or 7 strips of "helicopter tape". But the tape looked awful after years of abuse. And it was almost impossible to remove.

Does anyone have any ideas on a better way to protect bodywork from stones, etc? Is there a protective film that is easily changed and/or doesn't yellow over time?

Thanks for any ideas.

[Bob Wright]

Helicopter tape works better than anything else I've ever used. Take it off with a heat gun (actually a good way to put it on as well) and loosen the residual glue with either BrakeClean or WD40. It does need to be replaced every once in a while.

[-pru-]

I use black "Leading Edge Tape" for a few things...



Works great and does not yellow...

[Jim Garry]

Thanks Bob. I don't know how long the helicopter tape was on because it was already there. Considering that the previous owner was in his 70s, I figure it was there a long time. It had yellowed badly and was pock marked badly. And neither a heat gun and WD40 could remove it. Didn't try brake clean.

[Jim Garry]

Pru, the leading edge tape is the same thing as was I was calling "helicopter tape". Since there are graphics at the spot I was talking about, I'd be using the clear version.

But I was hoping someone might know of something that is more easily removeable.

Or perhaps I could put some clear tape on the adhesive side of the leading edge tape (adhesive to adhesive) but leave enough adhesive around the edges for adhesion to the fiberglass?

[jcorsico]

I recommend 3M polyurethane protective tape:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/...iveLeading.php

[Steve Demeter]

I also use the black leading edge tape.

Tougher than nails.

A bit hard to get around compound curves without slitting it.

Sticks well to a clean prepared surface.

Can paint it with Krylon Plastic Kote (sp) paints and the paint holds up reasonably well, if you don't like the black.

[mikey]

3M now makes a spray can protective film that dries completely clear. Peel off later without residue. Of course they advertise it for your favorite sports cars against road debris and grime, but maybe an extra coat or two would make it thick enough for race track use.

[turnbaugh]

TracWrap is a temporary protective vinyl. It is inexpensive and easy to work with. It will last about 4 weekends or more. Comes in tape widths or up to 18". Peels off easily when you want to change it.

[Jim Garry]

The tracwrap may be what I've been looking for.

Thanks everyone.

[turnbaugh]

If you use the code MSSW when you check out, you will get a discount.