Interior Exterior
Q:
Anyone here installed their own starshield? The body shop has my car done but they can't find anyone to install the front starshield. I thought about doing it myself but am not sure how hard it would be.
A:
I watched them install it on my car. Unless you are very good at this, I would not attempt it. They said it was a difficult car to wrap.
A:
I installed film on my headlights, and that was hard enough...I'd never attempt to do the rest of the car.
A:
Definitely not for the faint of heart. I assisted in the install of mine and it is not something you'd catch me doing. Especially considering what it'll cost you to replace the film if you mess up. Try this link for some installers: http://xpel.com/products/dealersearch.asp
A:
I had the two rearmost pieces replaced and I had a professional installer do it.
I watched him and there is no way I would attempt it. Too many little "tricks of the trade" to use, heat guns, special wetting solutions, pulling techniques, etc.
The film is too expensive to botch up.
Wayne
A:
I would agree. The warranty alone is a good enough reason to have it installed professionally.
Advanced Mobile Group
(519) 903-0430
......they're mobile, ask for Marco.
A:
Thanks for the info. I have called the guy in Cleveland Tn. and got a voicemail so hopefully he will call back. I don't want to try it myself but that was starting to look like the only option.
A:
I had the folks from Starshield measure my S1 Elise while at the LOG a couple years ago. They sold me the kit but will NOT sell kits to consumers for the Fed Elise. They wil sell kits to consumers for the classic Lotus models such as Elan and Europa but you have to get through their receptionists who have been instructed to refer people to installers. They MAY sell individual pieces for for the Fed Elise but again you have to talk to the right person at the company. That said, it is definitely not a task for the faint to heart. There are a lot of tricks to the install, some of which are available in the instructional file available on the 3M website. I did successfully install a kit on my S1 with only a few bubbles and wrinkles. The rocker panelsand rear panel are relatively easy but the nose piece is a real b***h. I had planned to do an article for reMarque on installing the kit when I replace a couple pieces on the Fed Elise that have gotten sandblasted by road grit...Dave
A:
I installed my own and had never done it before. It's not that tough if you take your time, apply ample solution, and make sure your garage is warm. Toughest part was the lower grill area.
A:
I did my own on my new Mini. The hood was a pita; the amount of stretching to the film was insane. I could not do the mirrors properly because of their shape. I did use the new, thicker 3M film, though.
I think the Elise would be comparatively easy if you have patience and some confidence. The headlights would be another deal entirely. Kudos to anyone who did their own lights.
As long as you keep the adhesive side of the film wet, you can take all of the time that you need.
I got mine from www.clearmask.com They were very helpful on the phone, and included all of the items needed for installation, a professionally done how-to DVD (invaluable) and a headlight kit at no extra charge.
A:
If you are going to DIY it, in addition to the place Brian111 referenced, you may want to check with Ryan at www.autopaintguard.com. I know he has the brand-new 3M film, which even has less orange peel than the improved stuff I'd had applied in April.
A:
I checked out Autopaintguard too; they use the same films. I basically went with Clearmask because of the included the install materials (which Autopaintguard charged about $60 for) and the DVD.
A:
Good news I hope. The body shop called this morning and they have found an installer. I might have my car back by Friday. Its been in the shop for a month.
A:
That will make your wife happy , even if she did have to read it on an internet message board.
A:
Thanks Icedog for the props. Yes, I sell 3M and other films as well.
Hotelcalif - send me an e-mail with location, i'll find someone for you. ryan@autopaintguard.com
$60 for tools? It says on my home page free tools.
Heck if you would have e-mailed me, I would have hooked you up even more.
At any rate, and to be honest, I wouldn't recommend installing these kits on the Lotus by yourself. It isn't the easiest thing to do, especially if you want everything to look good.
Have fun guys!!!
A:
Get Venture Shield installed instead, the best film on the market. Makes 3M look silly.
A:
I may actually have to agree with that. The new clear coat Venture seems to pretty darn good.
A:
Thanks Icedog for the props. Yes, I sell 3M and other films as well.
Hotelcalif - send me an e-mail with location, i'll find someone for you. ryan@autopaintguard.com
$60 for tools? It says on my home page free tools.
Heck if you would have e-mailed me, I would have hooked you up even more.
At any rate, and to be honest, I wouldn't recommend installing these kits on the Lotus by yourself. It isn't the easiest thing to do, especially if you want everything to look good.
Have fun guys!!!
Thanks for the offer but they did find an installer. Car is ready and we will get it back tomorrow.
A:
I was told by my 3ealer that I could call Starshield at 1 866 no chips and thay would send someone to my house to do the installation