Stone chip prevention solutions?

alanmc

Hi all,

I've recently had my 350Z resprayed. Had a really professional job done and it looks brand spanking. However, due to the Jimmy Hill chin style bumper that pretty much defines the Z's front end, it is very prone to stone chips. The bumper is plastic, so this manifests as mini dents. The bonnet takes a bit of a hammering as well which leaves it peppered with small white chips. Before I had it resprayed, it looked like it had been shot with a shotgun.

So, what are my options for stone chip prevention? Can I get some sort of clear contact/vinyl for the front end? Would one of those vinyl wrap companies be the place to go?

Any and all suggestions welcome,
Al.

readytosnap

You could get a wrap the same colour as the car but the wrap is not the thickest option for protection purposes, try searching out a bonnet bra,
Yes I did say bonnet bra, they are usually made of leather!!

http://www.jkautospares.co.uk/sys/products/a=search&c1=exterior_styling&c2=bonnet_bras&o=price&d=ASC&pg=1&sw=20&vma=Nissan

Pkiernan

readytosnap wrote: »

You could get a wrap the same colour as the car but the wrap is not the thickest option for protection purposes, try searching out a bonnet bra,
Yes I did say bonnet bra, they are usually made of leather!!

http://www.jkautospares.co.uk/sys/products/a=search&c1=exterior_styling&c2=bonnet_bras&o=price&d=ASC&pg=1&sw=20&vma=Nissan

The only thing with those is that after years in the sun, the paint underneath hasn't faded like the rest of the car - but in Ireland that is probably not an issue.

You can get clear ones - http://www.invisiblemask.com/?gclid=CN-S-fKV97ICFYaDQgodpggAgw

but it's hard to know how much protection they would provide

alanmc

readytosnap wrote: »

You could get a wrap the same colour as the car but the wrap is not the thickest option for protection purposes, try searching out a bonnet bra,
Yes I did say bonnet bra, they are usually made of leather!!

http://www.jkautospares.co.uk/sys/products/a=search&c1=exterior_styling&c2=bonnet_bras&o=price&d=ASC&pg=1&sw=20&vma=Nissan

No offence, but this is definitely not what I want. I went to the trouble of making my car look the best it can be, so I want it to be seen. I was thinking something along the lines of a clear vinyl. Something that will protect the panels from the worst of the stones, but won't affect the look of the car.

There is a vinyl wrap company near me in Mullingar (Revolution I think they're called). I might drop in to them and see what they say.

readytosnap

Pkiernan wrote: »

The only thing with those is that after years in the sun, the paint underneath hasn't faded like the rest of the car - but in Ireland that is probably not an issue.

You can get clear ones - http://www.invisiblemask.com/?gclid=CN-S-fKV97ICFYaDQgodpggAgw

but it's hard to know how much protection they would provide

Sun? What's that?

FacebookLAD

don't drive it

ARGINITE

I would do this

FacebookLAD wrote: »

don't drive it

before ever considering using one of these

readytosnap wrote: »

bonnet bra

As far as I am aware there are clear costs that are available to stop stone chips, 3M do one: Linky.

But for the love of god don't get a bonnet bra.

jozi

Not being a smart arse but keep distance from the car in front should help in getting less stone chips.

I'd speak with your painter before putting on a clear wrap, just to make sure the paint has fully cured and hardened before putting it on.

I'm going to have the same problem with the E30 when she's finished, I reckon respraying it once a year or so will have to do.

mik_da_man

Paint Shield is your man

http://www.paintshield.co.uk/

Heard some great stories about this stuff

alanmc

mik_da_man wrote: »

Paint Shield is your man

http://www.paintshield.co.uk/

Heard some great stories about this stuff

Cheers. I'll take a look at this.

_Kaiser_

jozi wrote: »

Not being a smart arse but keep distance from the car in front should help in getting less stone chips.

That doesn't work when the car/van/truck/idiot in the oncoming lane/lane beside you tears past throwing chippings up everywhere though.