Topic: Paint Protection (Read 8554 times)

Widows Son · « **on:** December 04, 2009, 06:51:38 PM »

Hope you find this useful. This was a VentureShield paint protection installation I had done today By AutoArmor in Bakersfield, CA. Here’s the link to the product and the folks who did the install in my garage. Overall I’m very pleased with the service which include a lifetime guarantee and took about 4 hours. I’ve attached a photo story below which covers the fairing, front fender, saddle bag, and gas tank. I also had the headlight, cowbells and headlight nacelle but ran out of battery power – sorry.

“The king has no clothes!” or so the story goes since the challenge of a photo story on paint protection is you can’t see anything – or that’s the hope and goal at the end. Before and after pictures are indistinguishable. The film protection can only be seen upfront and personal. The best I can tell you on what it looks like is that film protection under the stock seat and the top of the side panels just below the edge of the seat.
Some quick notes:
-   The installer/dealer pre-ordered the kit in advance but the kit is an SG and not SESG so you custom cutting of film is required during installation.
-   The kit comes with 3 pieces for the fairing: top, lower left and lower right. It also has 2 options for these lowers (must be for various fairing designs).
-   Kit also comes with saddle bag side top and front face. Since the SESG has longer bags, installation was improvised to cover the lower portion of the bags
-   Not sure if the kit came with the front fender protection, but he installed one never-the less. It may be that the kit comes with a rectangular piece to customize – which he had to do.
-   The gas tank does not come as a kit and I had him protect 1/3 of the tank from the seat forward on both sides. He had to improvise and cut this on the fly.
-   The Kit comes with a headlight and 2 passing lamp film. I don’t have passing lamps and the headlight film was too small. The dealer improvised by cutting a custom one however.
-   The dealer noted that since the cowbells and nacelle is painted, he cut some film to protect them as well.
-   All in, his finesse with a razor blade and installation was great.
-   There are a few bubbles, but due to a solution mix, it will evaporate and eliminate the bubbles.
-   Hard to tell if the film is on since it is crystal clear and can only see the edges if the light catches the edge just so.
http://www.invisiblepatterns.com/
http://www.autoarmorusa.com/

Widows Son · « **Reply #1 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:52:25 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #2 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:53:32 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #3 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:54:19 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #4 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:54:45 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #5 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:55:11 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #6 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:55:32 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #7 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:55:54 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #8 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:56:18 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #9 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:56:42 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #10 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:57:22 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #11 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:57:50 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #12 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:58:23 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #13 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:58:47 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #14 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:59:09 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #15 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:59:32 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #16 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:59:53 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #17 on:** December 04, 2009, 07:00:15 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #18 on:** December 04, 2009, 07:00:35 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #19 on:** December 04, 2009, 07:01:09 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #20 on:** December 04, 2009, 07:01:33 PM »

Widows Son · « **Reply #21 on:** December 04, 2009, 07:02:36 PM »

Last pic. He cuts the lateral line to match the gold leaf border paint.

Widows Son · « **Reply #22 on:** December 04, 2009, 07:16:16 PM »

By the way, my guidance is the TS paint is the only scheme worth protecting since its so darn nice. Protecting the Spice and Concord is a waste.

Just kidding guys, I couldn't resist the rub.

DICKW · « **Reply #23 on:** December 04, 2009, 07:36:27 PM »

Quote from: Widows Son on December 04, 2009, 07:16:16 PM

By the way, my guidance is the TS paint is the only scheme worth protecting since its so darn nice. Protecting the Spice and Concord is a waste.

Just kidding guys, I couldn't resist the rub.

See, I heard that the Concord and the Spice go soooo fast nothing has a chance to stick to them.....

daleleo · « **Reply #24 on:** December 04, 2009, 07:51:23 PM »

Timely post and it looks like you got a very professional install. I was investigating this topic today. Based on what I have read / heard this firm is excellent in No Cal.

http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/index.shtml

They were recommended by the Bentley dealer here and I also saw this post in my research. It mentions the company and also some good dialogue on the plusses and minuses of the various films

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/tech-how/104401-advice-clear-bra-3m-venture-shield.html

While I haven't had mine done yet I have spoken with Greg at the company and I will have him do my work. I will report back on the results

WestCoastRuss · « **Reply #25 on:** December 04, 2009, 08:39:56 PM »

Very nice job on the info and the pictures.......seems very worthwhile to me.

mjb765 · « **Reply #26 on:** December 04, 2009, 08:47:15 PM »

Quote from: DICKW on December 04, 2009, 07:36:27 PM

See, I heard that the Concord and the Spice go soooo fast nothing has a chance to stick to them.....

rlavigna · « **Reply #27 on:** December 04, 2009, 09:03:15 PM »

Quote from: DICKW on December 04, 2009, 07:36:27 PM

See, I heard that the Concord and the Spice go soooo fast nothing has a chance to stick to them.....

It's true!

CVOTequila · « **Reply #28 on:** December 05, 2009, 09:09:58 PM »

Dang Widows Son, you had your whole bike done with this film......what did it set you back if you don't mind?

Widows Son · « **Reply #29 on:** December 05, 2009, 09:28:40 PM »

The kit goes for $175 I think but with the work it came to $275. All I can say is I'd never attempt it on my own. I don't have the patience or skill that the dealer had. They way he stretched it and worked it came from practice. He typically does classic cars where he will custom cut the film and lay it on the cars. From what he told me, the factory have die cut film for most cars as early as a 1990. He told me a funny stoy where he did a '97 this year but it was full of chips and he tried to talk the guy out of it but the customer was hell-bent to get it done since he didn't want any more chips...America has got all types.

In any case, I thought it was cheap "insurance" - especially after reading the other thread on the SESG brother's first paint chip. There are more "complete" die cut kits out there but I think you've got to lay the film down yourself. I tried wallpaper in the house once and my wife almost left me after that nasty job, I'm not going to attempt something harder with curves. A great job can't be seen, but I can guarantee a bad one can be seen by all.

DICKW · « **Reply #30 on:** December 06, 2009, 07:21:43 AM »

That's an excellent price for what you got done.

rlavigna · « **Reply #31 on:** December 06, 2009, 11:19:32 AM »

I most likely will get this done before Spring. Until then I am curious how it withstands washing the bike and so forth.

DICKW · « **Reply #32 on:** December 06, 2009, 12:15:33 PM »

Quote from: DRTYK9 on December 06, 2009, 11:19:32 AM

I most likely will get this done before Spring. Until then I am curious how it withstands washing the bike and so forth.

I have a similar product (3M) used as a tank bra, "Widows Son" may or may not have this issue.

Washing is no problem, but you can get a wax buildup next to the seams. It may even be a (wax shadow) and that is the only issue I can foresee.

Fired00d · « **Reply #33 on:** December 06, 2009, 12:19:33 PM »

Quote from: DICKW on December 06, 2009, 12:15:33 PM

I have a similar product (3M) used as a tank bra, "Widows Son" may or may not have this issue.

Washing is no problem, but you can get a wax buildup next to the seams. It may even be a (wax shadow) and that is the only issue I can foresee.

Dick you may want to try a really soft toothbrush (or an old one) to get that off. I use one when waxing to get those hard to get cracks/crevices.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

DICKW · « **Reply #34 on:** December 06, 2009, 01:20:21 PM »

Quote from: Fired00d on December 06, 2009, 12:19:33 PM

Dick you may want to try a really soft toothbrush (or an old one) to get that off. I use one when waxing to get those hard to get cracks/crevices.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Tried the toothbrush, I think it managed itself underneath.

I was cheap enough were I can do it again and be a little more careful....but you know how that goes.

It actually doesn't bother me much, the protection is what counts, I tend to ride the tank and this stuff is the bomb for people who do the same. Pre cut....$30.00

Fired00d · « **Reply #35 on:** December 06, 2009, 01:22:42 PM »

Quote from: DICKW on December 06, 2009, 01:20:21 PM

Tried the toothbrush, I think it managed itself underneath.

I was cheap enough were I can do it again and be a little more careful....but you know how that goes.

It actually doesn't bother me much, the protection is what counts, I tend to ride the tank and this stuff is the bomb for people who do the same. Pre cut....$30.00

Bummer.

May be better to just leave well enough alone.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

CVOTequila · « **Reply #36 on:** December 07, 2009, 06:54:47 PM »

Widow-

That is a pretty reasonable price, I wonder if there is a dealer locator for the product, so I can have something similar done on mine?

Widows Son · « **Reply #37 on:** December 07, 2009, 09:01:05 PM »

CVOTequila, there is a link at the top of this thread for ValueShield. The website provides a dealer locator search engine - give ti a shot and let me know if it works for you.

Widows Son · « **Reply #38 on:** December 07, 2009, 09:04:33 PM »

Oops. I meant VentureShield...

http://www.invisiblepatterns.com/

Trey767 · « **Reply #39 on:** December 08, 2009, 05:59:58 AM »

Quote from: Widows Son on December 07, 2009, 09:04:33 PM

Oops. I meant VentureShield...

http://www.invisiblepatterns.com/

What is the difference between ventreshield and the 3m scotch guard? price? quality?

Trey

skreminegul07 · « **Reply #40 on:** December 08, 2009, 08:50:59 AM »

Reminds me of my grandmother's living room, sofa covered in plastic, rug had plastic runners over it and the lampshades were never unwrapped from the store. Just like Marie's living room on Everybody loves Raymond.

DICKW · « **Reply #41 on:** December 08, 2009, 08:57:39 AM »

Quote from: skreminegul07 on December 08, 2009, 08:50:59 AM

Just like Marie's living room on Everybody loves Raymond.

I remember that...... funny chit

CVOTequila · « **Reply #42 on:** December 08, 2009, 09:54:20 AM »

Quote from: skreminegul07 on December 08, 2009, 08:50:59 AM

Reminds me of my grandmother's living room, sofa covered in plastic, rug had plastic runners over it and the lampshades were never unwrapped from the store. Just like Marie's living room on Everybody loves Raymond.

Yeah, one of my concerns about the paint protection film is that it just wouldn't look like the surface of the paint, i.e. the shine and luster of the bare paint. I really love this paint on this bike and want to show it off!!!

Kevinski · « **Reply #43 on:** December 08, 2009, 03:33:54 PM »

i done 3M on my CUSE so the second owner got the benefit, I may put some strips out of sight like under the headlamp but that it.

BAKRDS · « **Reply #44 on:** December 09, 2009, 12:00:33 PM »

Quote from: CVOTequila on December 08, 2009, 09:54:20 AM

Yeah, one of my concerns about the paint protection film is that it just wouldn't look like the surface of the paint, i.e. the shine and luster of the bare paint. I really love this paint on this bike and want to show it off!!!

I put the product from Cycle Armor on my bag lids,& unless I point it out you won't see it. Think I'll get something done for the fairing & tank when I'm in Vegas this winter.

BAKRDS · « **Reply #45 on:** December 09, 2009, 12:00:56 PM »

Quote from: CVOTequila on December 08, 2009, 09:54:20 AM

Yeah, one of my concerns about the paint protection film is that it just wouldn't look like the surface of the paint, i.e. the shine and luster of the bare paint. I really love this paint on this bike and want to show it off!!!

spydglide · « **Reply #46 on:** May 28, 2011, 07:31:33 AM »

If the surface does get a scratch or scrape, can you just peel it off , polish the paint, and re-apply another piece? Might be cheaper than buying new tins when the inevitable happens. spyder

Widows Son · « **Reply #47 on:** January 04, 2013, 10:03:22 PM »

3 years later, I am very happy that I made the decision:

I got a call from the Harley dealer last month when they were servicing my bike that they had an "accident". Apparently, they were moving the bike into the storage line up and got too close to the adjacent bike. My saddlebag met the other bike's peg and scrape... Fortunately, the paint wasn't damaged thanks to the 3M protection. I checked it out and it was perfect since the film took the brunt. Harely found a 3M dealer locally and had them put a new film on the bag at their cost. Just got the bike today and it looks great. The service rep was very appreciative of the protection.

That experince isn't the only reason I'm glad I got the 3M done, I have compared my bikes paint condition to other bikes in my riding group whom ride every I do and I can say that I don't have a mark on my bike. The paint is awesome and the Tequila Sunrise still turns heads. It was well worth the "insurance" of having it...not to mention all the boot scuff protection on the lids. As you'll note from the above responses, it's a personal choice.

Author Topic: Paint Protection (Read 8554 times)