Paint/Bodywork protection

[Martynq]

Folks

I'm new to the Porsche scene having just acquired a 5 yo 4S coupe and am thinking it would be a good idea to get at least a basic paint protection kit installed as I travel on motorways a lot.

My dealer reckons they're not worth it as you can pay to get the front resprayed after a few years of use, vs. the cost of having the kit fitted.

I'm interested on feedback (pros and cons) and advice on best company to use, if I want to go ahead, in the South East (I'm based in Dorking, Surrey).

Thanks for your help.

 

[ralphmusic]

My previous Porsche got well spattered with stones and I now have all my cars fitted with film front end and bonnet. Funnily enough no marks on current Porsche despite roads not improving - cost was £450. Respraying at Porsche body shop probably similar cost or less but how often do you want to have it done?

It is entirely a peace of mind thing which some do and some don't...

Another related matter is whether to fit mesh grills over the front air intakes to protect the radiators, another personal preference and you will find discussion on how to and whether to on the forum.

 

[Lancerlot]

ORIGINAL: ralphmusic
Another related matter is whether to fit mesh grills over the front air intakes to protect the radiators, another personal preference and you will find discussion on how to and whether to on the forum.

But you will need to register in order to gain access to the 997 Register "Members Only" section.

Regards,

Clive.

 

[SteveJC]

Hi I had the same thought, use the car then when ready to sell have it painted, then I realised I wanted the car to look prestine in my ownership when I was out in it hence I had the whole front of mine filmed ie bumper, bonnet,front wings and mirrors, it looks good and you polish the same as the paint.
The good thing is most people can't tell.
Steve

 

[snarf]

I looked at having paint protection fitted before taking delivery of mine. At the time the max size of protection sheet film was too small to cover the bonnet which meant that the edge of the film was visible, the cost of covering back to the A frame was also prohibitive. In the end I opted to have just the front bumper covered and over the last six years it has worked quite well although it does show evidence of a few stone impacts and one-or-two tiny black marks have appeared under the film.

Would I have it fitted again? On a new car with clear paintwork I might, but then again on a limited budget the alternative of increasing the option spec could be more tempting. On a used car with less than perfect paint, definitely not.

 

[andrew_churcher]

Call Paintshield at Peterborough. I did the front half of my car after I had it resprayed as stone chips would have annoyed me. 18mths later the front end is spotless. It is a great product. About £1k to do front half of car. You cant even notice it unless someone points it out.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

IMO you can spot paint protection easily, especially if there's a white polish build up at the leading edge, it never looks any good.
Better off using Langka or other touch up solutions until you need a full respray.

 

[Clewsey]

I had my black C2S for 4 years and it was peppered with stone-chips. If I'd have kept mine a respray on the front end would have cost circa £900. I tend to agree with Andrew that as far as paint protection film goes, Paintshield tends to have a great reputation for quality and hardiness and it would have been my choice.

One thing that I would highly recommend is a good sealant (Gtechniq) which I have had applied to my wife's black BMW from new. It doesn't protect from chips (but is a very hard biond) but does make it easy to clean, gives a deep shine and nothing sticks to it (alloys/windows/bodywork/interior! Worth every penny and 5-6 months in, it's still amazing. Cost £400 for the job done directly with them.

Simon

ORIGINAL: andrew_churcher

Call Paintshield at Peterborough. I did the front half of my car after I had it resprayed as stone chips would have annoyed me. 18mths later the front end is spotless. It is a great product. About £1k to do front half of car. You cant even notice it unless someone points it out.

 

[geoff lane]

I can also confirm the quality of the film fitted by Paintshield of Peterborough its very good and is difficult to tell its fitted and as Steve says you just polish the car as normal, the company are easy to deal with and when a stone punctured the film on the bonnet of my car, Paintshield replaced the film and there was no argument.
They are a very good company to deal with and the Peterborough premises are first class, I would have it done again, my car was 6 months old when it was done.

Geoff

 

[garyw]

Just looking to this myself, whilst I can understand the front end protection argument, I've noticed that without the rear arch protection our cars would be peppered.. and that would then possibly need a full body respray!!

Just going to get some costs and discuss the yellowing that I've read about... I've read the other manufacturer does a thinner material that is less noticeable?

garyw

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: geoff lane
when a stone punctured the film on the bonnet of my car, Paintshield replaced the film and there was no argument.

Geoff, was that part of the guarantee or just a one off?

 

[garyw]

[&:] crikey!! £2.5K [&:]

 

[hamishmoon]

Gary
what is the crikey , for 2.5 k a respray or this protective film
what ever it is , its a lot of Vodka's