Can anyone recommend a really good 'wrapping' specialist...?

[Ian_UK1]

The front (carbon) splitter on my Vantage SP10 is starting to look a little shabby (just like me according to 'er indoors) and I'm investigating options to get it looking the part again. The cost of a replacement part is astronomical, so that's oot! I guess that leaves professional refurbishment of the carbon fibre by a specialist, or wrapping the whole thing in a decent-looking carbon wrap (again by a good specialist) as the remaining ways forward. I've a feeling the latter will be the least expensive option by some margin (and also has the benefit that the wrap can be replaced, relatively easily, if/when it starts to deteriorate).

So, I'm looking for a good 'wrapping' specialist (preferably in the North West, but I'd be willing to go elsewhere if appropriate) if anyone can recommend one. I'd also be grateful if anyone has any opinions on whether I'd be doing the right thing with a wrap and also if anyone's had any experince of getting the real carbon fibre refurbished.

Thanks in advance for reading, and for any advice you might be able to offer.

Ian

[cornershop]

I’ll need to consider this in the future as my V12V splitter is chipped too. Carbon fibre repair.com exists although I don’t know anyone who has used them. David Appleby engineering and Nicholas Mee specialists also offer this service but may farm the work out.

Another option is to remove the original and replace with a S splitter and get that wrapped instead.

[V8V Pete]

I don't know but I doubt the look of a wrap will be up to the real thing. If it were me I think I'd bite the bullet and shell out to get it properly repaired then PPF it. Mine has had film on since I got it and is still in good condition after 40K hard miles. Have you had a quote for a proper refurb and, if so, how much was it Ian? Someone on here used carbonfibrerepair.com for accident damage several years ago and was very pleased with the result.

[AMTony]

Used these for loads of mine. Steve is a great guy and I cannot praise them enough. Definitely worth checking out for yourself.

[8Tech]

I have yet to see a carbon fibre wrap that looks anything like the £D depth of the real thing. They always look like the sticker they are. Would probably look better gloss black than fake CF.

[Ian_UK1]

It seems the general consensus is a wrap will look like exactly what it is, so the ideal solution would be to go for a full refurb if it's not stupidly expensive. I do wonder though, in the real world, if anyone would actually notice if the splitter was wrapped - it's down at ground level and not really subject to close inspection very often.

I think I'll give carbonfibrerepair.com a call and find-out what the 'proper-refurb' costs are likely to be, then make a decision based on what they have to say

Thanks to everyone who's replied for the suggestions and advice.

Ian

[TheRainMaker]

Let us know what you find out, I could do with mine being done as well

[lucas1988]

I would recommend speaking to Target Composites near Knutsford if you want to get it repaired.

I would be a bit cautious getting it wrapped as I think it is quite noticeable.

[Ian_UK1]

TheRainMaker said:

Let us know what you find out, I could do with mine being done as well

No probs - I'll report back once I have some more info

[Ian_UK1]

lucas1988 said:

I would recommend speaking to Target Composites near Knutsford if you want to get it repaired.

I would be a bit cautious getting it wrapped as I think it is quite noticeable.

Looking at Target's website, they appear to just work on carbon bicycles. Would you know if they undertake work on car parts too?

[lucas1988]

Yeah they specialise in bikes but do car parts too. They did a repair on my rear diffuser and when i took it they had a Porsche GT2 RS front wing they were working on.

[Ian_UK1]

lucas1988 said:

Yeah they specialise in bikes but do car parts too. They did a repair on my rear diffuser and when i took it they had a Porsche GT2 RS front wing they were working on.

Perfect! Many thanks.

[BlackTails]

If you want a replacement at a price which, whilst not exactly bargainsome, won't make you wail in sorrow, try: https://ecpsgroup.com

Probably need to get an order in before the end of the year to be sure that there won't be duty/VAT imposed on it when it arrives.

Otherwise, a carbon fibre repair place should be fine. I've have carbon bike frames repaired and they are cosmetically and structurally perfect. I can't imagine a splitter presents any greater issues than a bike frame would.

Wrapping - a good cheap cosmetic fix but it will get scuffed (the PPF on my splitter took a hit on a car park kerb, for example, and the leading underside is ripped to bits) and so don't count on it as a long term solution.

[Ian_UK1]

BlackTails said:

If you want a replacement at a price which, whilst not exactly bargainsome, won't make you wail in sorrow, try: https://ecpsgroup.com

Probably need to get an order in before the end of the year to be sure that there won't be duty/VAT imposed on it when it arrives.

Otherwise, a carbon fibre repair place should be fine. I've have carbon bike frames repaired and they are cosmetically and structurally perfect. I can't imagine a splitter presents any greater issues than a bike frame would.

Wrapping - a good cheap cosmetic fix but it will get scuffed (the PPF on my splitter took a hit on a car park kerb, for example, and the leading underside is ripped to bits) and so don't count on it as a long term solution.

Thanks for the link - what a great resource! Looking at the breadth of ECPS Group's product range, I'm assuming they must also be an OEM supplier to some, if not all, of the manufacturers whose parts they list?