Interior Exterior
Q:
I am extremely pleased with the StarShield coverage and their customer service. Ryan is a top notch guy.
If I was being asked to "improve" the StarShield, I would suggest that they use a thicker material in the area in front of the rear wheels (this will not last more than a year in normal driving before you should consider replacing the present thickness film). I would also put some film on the clam behind the boot.
Randy, why do you feel the clam behind the boot needs protection? I'm assuming your talking about the horizontal area directly behind the engine cover?
A:
Randy, why do you feel the clam behind the boot needs protection? I'm assuming your talking about the horizontal area directly behind the engine cover?
Or, perhaps in the center of the rear bumper?
ed
A:
Yes, the horizontal area.
From putting things in and out of the boot if one is not careful. Specially luggage, the softtop, tools, etc.
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I second what ChrisB said about using the Venture film with the Premier Mobile Group installer. I had the same done to my car last Sunday, and they used the X-Pel pattern for the front clamshell (better coverage than the Armourfend pattern in that area). Premier's installation is far better than any Star Shield installation I have seen on cars at dealer lots. I have found no flaws in their installation, and they were very meticulous (I was with them). And the Venture film is clearer than the 3M film Star Shield uses, and does not leave an orange peel problem. However, its clarity and lack of orange peel means the installer has to do a better job - the installer is critical. The orange peel effect of the 3M film hides some installation errors. However, the orange peel effect looks bad on the darker paints (like mine - Bordeaux Red). Premier also put on a custom piece for me to cover the upper inside portion of the roll bar so that rocks that come over the windshield do not chip the roll bar area (which has happened to folks).
When I picked up the car at the dealer, they had some film installed in the rocker panel areas. It was the pieces that came with the car from Lotus. The dealer installed it, and left over a dozen air bubbles under each piece. The installer is critical. Don't just let the dealer pick an installer for you. Research the installer, get recommendations, etc.
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ChrisB,
With all do respect to your statement it is not correct. We are not talking about a brand new made clam, we are talking about minor repair and a respray paint of an existing clam. Hey you just apply the new gelcoat to the damage with maybe some extra resin/glass fiber backing and let dry. Then sand and contour to shape. Then apply base coat paint, let dry then apply clear coat. Put high intensity lights (heat) on the new paint to cure. This is not "rocket science" and nothing special is needed. So to sum up your statement, it is not true, Lotus does not bake in a oven the painted product for any time that a good body shop can't provide. Come on the paint process is not difficult.
You are not correct in your statements, a respray can be done as good or better than factory (actually much better than a Lotus factory paint job). My car from the factory is riddled with imperfections. I can paint the car better, but then my family has been in the business of doing this.
Cheers.
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ChrisB,
You are not correct in your statements, a respray can be done as good or better than factory (actually much better than a Lotus factory paint job). My car from the factory is riddled with imperfections. I can paint the car better, but then my family has been in the business of doing this.
Cheers.
I made no statements regarding the quality of the paint process at the factory or at any local body shop, so I don't know where your contentions come from that my statements are not correct.
And regarding the delay following painting before installing the film, those statements are correct. They came from the film manufacturer.
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Randy, why do you feel the clam behind the boot needs protection? I'm assuming your talking about the horizontal area directly behind the engine cover?
I had Premier install film in that area. I don't know whether it was a standard part of the Armourfend kit or a custom piece, but I think it was custom. In the few weeks I had the car before having the film installed, I noticed several times while I was putting things in the trunk that it would be very easy, with bulky items, to inadvertently slide them across that area.
It is hard to hide the fact that film is there because there are no body lines to hide the edges and it is horizontal so light reflects off of it all the time. But I thought it would be worth it.
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I really had not intended this to become a paint-waving contest. I appreciate all the expertise but the fact is that Star Shield doesn’t recommend putting their coating on a freshly painted Lotus Elise until it has had 3 weeks or more to cure. This is not to suggest that the paint isn’t dry, or that you can’t/couldn’t drive the car at this time.
I’m sure after 2 or 3 days the paint shop could hand my car back to me. But I wouldn’t dare put the Star Shield coating on it at that time. Aftermarket paint takes a little longer to cure than the factory paint job. This is coming from a guy here who has done fiberglass work and automotive painting almost exclusively for 30 years now. I don’t know if that’s an hour more, or a week more, but I do trust he knows what he’s talking about.
I’m not going to say that the aftermarket paint is going to be better than the factory job. My huge fear is that the color won’t match. Metal-flake like the Magnetic Blue could be pretty difficult to match. Even with paint directly from Lotus the color could end up looking a little different on the front of the car. I’m wondering if they could maybe just paint the bumper section and tape off the rest of the clam. This area is mostly under the shadow of the car and could be a little off and still look fine. However if the whole clam were painted and it was off, the front access panels and doors could make the difference stand out a bit more.
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I am extremely pleased with the StarShield coverage and their customer service. Ryan is a top notch guy.
... I would also put some film on the clam behind the boot.
I couldn't agree with either of these statements more. I can't comment on the thickness of the coating, as I do not yet have the actual Star Shield brand on my vehicle.
I have some superficial scuff marks on the section right behind the boot. I think it came from the dealer that way. When I drove it off the lot it was an overcast day and I couldn't see all of the imperfections in the paint. But who knows; I use the trunk a lot. I've just had to get in the habit of using the metal support.
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Obsidian,
Obviously you have some one you trust, so why ask others when you have made up your mind? It's your car and you can listen to whom you want and are free to do what ever you wish. You don't know me or my experience, but I can assure you that what I have stated is correct and accurate. Star Shield routinely puts the film on after one week of painting with no detrimental affects. I have seen it and I know one of the SS owners. When using experienced individuals, painting and applying the clear film is not "majic."
As for paint match up, that is not as difficult as you have indicated. Get the Lotus paint code then order the paint from a good company like Glasurit. The body shop can mix different tints and spray test cards and see which one matchs best. That way you will be assured the proper match. Also, it is very easy to tape off just the bumper area to paint and not the whole clam. There is a very easy line that defines the bumper only for an easy transition. When the clear coat is dry, the area will be buffed for a perfect finnish if all is done correctly. And yes you can just wait one week to put the film on. Corp. SS is going to cover their arse and say three weeks. More is always better?? Not necessarily. I will be quiet now.
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Obsidian,
Obviously you have some one you trust, so why ask others when you have made up your mind? ...
Ummm, I don't remember asking. This was an informational Star Shield post.
The whole cure time discussion is moot ... the car will be painted in the fall. It will cure the entire winter and then the SS will be applied in the spring. Good/bad/or neutral - that's the way it's going to happen. My only concern about the paint was color matching. I've been assured by the painter and now you that it'll be just fine
A:
Certainly film manufacturers do not know the quality of work from a respray or paint work, which is why they recommend 30 or more days for curing. The last thing anyone wants to see is paint sticking onto a film when being removed. At that time, who is it to blame - the film manufacturer? bodyshop for not prepping it enough or baking it thoroughly? or the film installer? From a business standpoint, the recommended curing time is to cover all bases in case something does happen, then these companies are not liable.
Below are some pics of ChrisH's BE Elise w/ film installed at the dealer riddled w/ bubbles, which we ended up removing and replacing w/ our Armourfend Kit
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Here are some pics of the car after the film was installed: It covered the following areas: bonnet scoop inserts (w/ wrapped edges), nose center (w/ wrapped edges), front clam (w/ wrapped edges), rockers (wrapped inward to side steps and around wheel wells), headlamps, signals, door locks surround, boot lock surround, air intake edges, rear wheel arches, rear undersides, custom roll bar, & mirrors
Thanks for the drinks Chris!
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Wow, that's so pretty I'd almost drive all the way from Minnesota to the Bay Area just to have it done
Very nice work there. Mine looked a little like the before pictures ... just not as many bubbles. The seams on this kit are in much better places than the 3M one I currently have (most of)
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I agree -- very nice work.
Unfortunately for many of us in the Midwest, there are few installation options (if any). Gotta love the California Car Culture and the choices that it gives to the enthusiast.
Congrats on a nice install.
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It does seem like California has a lot to offer. However, having such a lg mkt also means there's more ppl in all industries, which naturally brings the standards down as well. I could only think of one or two other companies in the entire California that do high-quality work........
A:
Hmm. I've had 3M stone protection film on five cars over the years. The film on the first three (non-Lotus) cars was great. Good fit, protection, shine, etc.
My CO Elise did not come with factory StarShield. I had Ascot Motors install aftermarket stone guard (3M product, but thicker shield). It looks fantastic. Great install, no bubbles, good fit, and absolutely no orange peel. Probably the best kit of the five.
Then my STi with factory ordered StarShield arrived. Installed at the port(?). Decent fit and install, but the quality of the product itself is by far the worst of the five. The material is visibly thinner than that on the CO and other cars. It also has a massive level of orange peel effect in the finish. Fortunately, on STi, a darket color, it's not too noticeable. But close up it's quite poor. Additionally, it provides less coverage than the aftermarket kit on the CO - mirrors, front wings, etc.
While I strongly recommend a stone protection product, I'm not sure the factory approved stuff is the best IMHO.
Chris
Chris where did you get yours done.. I used to live up in NJ and I CAN travel up there when I get my car to get the "better" stuff installed. If it's going to be better and cheap, hell why not.
Thanks
Ryan
A:
Can any of you guys recommend a GOOD Quality place in FL or any surrounding states.. I WILL drive for this type of work, as I don't think the port installed Star Shield is the best option, but the best one for me until i Find a replacement.
thanks
BTW.. I have to make my decisions by Monday .. cant wait to get her.
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We personally don't know of anyone out in FL, but be sure to ask for references........especially for the Elise. Reputable installers take pride in their work and wouldn't mind sharing pics w/ you. Good luck!
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Any chance you guys can come to FL?? What would it cost me to get you guys out here? I MIGHT be able to get a couple cars for you guys.. but that is a big MIGHT.
Also I would really have to know by say Monday or Tuesday as that is when My order is going in. The car arrives in December..(by my choice)
Ryan