Interior Exterior
Q:
I went with a local clear-film-protection-cover thing. My dealer used them on their Aston Martins and Ferraris. I was told same areas would be covered. Well, when I picked up the car, I noticed that the rear panels behind the rear wheels don't have the film (Starshield covers this area). How important is it to cover that area? Does that area get a lot of "action?" Thanks.
A:
Do you mean the panels in front of the rear wheels?
THAT area is number one for rock hits. The area behind the rear wheels, not so much.
A:
No, I think he's talking about the area aft of the rear wheels. It would be pieces like these. I didn't get them. But, I wonder whether it's merited for the LSS models with their stickier tires.
A:
Little disappointed to find out the difference on the pickup date. They did however cover a few extra areas Starshield didn't.
By the way, I was pleasantly surprised at LSS setup with A048... it just grips and grips and grips.
A:
Also went with the dealer install for 3M clear film. At first they didn't cover that area either. Contacted them and had no problem with them adding it to the kit... worth a shot. With 4k miles on the car, it doesn't seen to be taking a beating, so wouldn't be too worry if they don't add it.
A:
I checked my car. There is an area that does get a lot of hits. It is on the same surface as the reflectors, as it bends down toward the rear/ground. The majority of the area that is fully behind the tire seems to be fine. This area that does get hit is a separate strip on the Starshield.
A:
When I was there Saturday (7/31), Pat made it clear to me that the area behind the wheels wasn't included. I intend to go with the local option, not Starshield. I'm not that concerned about the area behind the wheels and if I was I'd see about doing that separately.
BTW, there was a blue Lotus there with the film on it I was checking out to confirm that I'd go local. Was that yours?
-Shawn
A:
Hi Jay, congratulations on your new ride…You’ll love it more & more you drive it!
I opt not to go with starshield and had the Autobahn installed at Lotus Motorsports (its not 3M btw, but better) . I also did not do behind the rear wheels and no effects in that area still to date. I was # 3 at LMS and picked up my car last Aug of 04. The guys know where to install where the most protection is needed, they did a super job installing it and a lot less than Starshield.
Bruce
A:
When I was there Saturday (7/31), Pat made it clear to me that the area behind the wheels wasn't included. I intend to go with the local option, not Starshield. I'm not that concerned about the area behind the wheels and if I was I'd see about doing that separately.
BTW, there was a blue Lotus there with the film on it I was checking out to confirm that I'd go local. Was that yours?
-Shawn
Picked it up 8/3. Just pick it up again today after the 1k check. My experience with those guys have been pretty good so far. However, I noticed that my car/egine is making noise (buzz/rattle... can't explain) I haven't heard before. It only comes on when in gear. May be they hit a giant pothole on their test drive and losened something up. I'll check it out more tomorrow. I'm pretty happy with the car so far... actually, I'm pretty damn happy. It just sucks having to drive through 2-3 towns to find roads without monster size moguls and pothole that can trap a small dog (live in Brookline). Thanks and good luck with your car.
Jay
A:
Hi Jay, congratulations on your new ride…You’ll love it more & more you drive it!
I opt not to go with starshield and had the Autobahn installed at Lotus Motorsports (its not 3M btw, but better) . I also did not do behind the rear wheels and no effects in that area still to date. I was # 3 at LMS and picked up my car last Aug of 04. The guys know where to install where the most protection is needed, they did a super job installing it and a lot less than Starshield.
Bruce
Their stuff looks a little thicker than the Starshield. I'm relieved to hear your comment. Looking forward to taking the car to the Glen later this month. LMS adjusted the brake pedal for me today and it feels like I may not need the HnT pad after all... in normal street driving, brake pedal levels off above the gas pedal... pleasantly surprised how much they were able to raise it. Good luck with your car and may be I'll run into you at some events/meetings down the road.
Jay
A:
I also have an Autobahn-protected car that I bought from Lotus Motorsports. So far (4 months, 4000 miles) the protection seems to be pretty good. I have got a chip or two where the film didn't cover (e.g., recently on the clam above the read edge of the film from a tractor-trailer that dropped a lot of rocks/gravel). Knock wood, the area behind the rear wheels does not seem to be an issue although I don't have LSS. In front of the rear wheels is a major issue and the Autobahn film has done its job there.