Armourfend - Good idea or not?

[richsd]

Any thoughts on the 3M protective film product? I think it works but can you see the line? Is the line easier to see on certain colors? I have an Indigo Blue M400 on the way and am not sure if I should put this on or not.

Thanks, Rich

[Ash GTO 3R]

Yes

I was hit by a delaminated tyore, ripped the front splitter off completely, slight damage to clam, but the armour fend saved an awfull lot of damage. Get it.

[amg merc]

Split camp on this one Rich:

I don't like the "lines" myself (and was told, by Armorfend themselves, that these get worse with age) and the cost of a total set of film equates to an occasional respray anyway so some people here feel an the respray route (if necessary) is a better way to go.

Mine has 4000 miles and two trackdays on it and no serious chips yet!

[DanH]

Armourfend on the main parts costs about 400-500 quid. Thats considerably less than a respray I'd think? And it covers more than 1 panel at that price.

Having said that, I'm not as impressed with the armourfending on my noble as I was on the Elise. Probably a less skilled fitter

Still I'd rather have it than not have it as fibreglass cars have to use paint with a flex agent in them, and that makes them even more susceptible to stone chipping.

[joust]

I had it on my elise and would never have it again. After around 2-3 years the "edge" of the armourfend was clearly visible as it chips very easily at the edge it seems.

Quickly the car looked a mess around it as there was a clear "line" that could be seen.

See www.chipmunk.org.uk/lotus/P3050086.JPG around the rear wheel arches for what I mean - that was just after the car was 2 years old, and it just got worse from there on in

Also, if your around you can take a look at my M12. Most of the serious chips are not where the armour fend would have been anyway.

I'm taking the "respray" route. Because you can take the clam off in one whole section, apparently it's very easy to spray up the clam and then "blow in" to match against the rest of the car. I've been given verbal quotes in the £500-600 range but not actually spent anytime sorting it out yet.

J

[jorligan]

Got it on our GTO and would certainly get it again. Planning on getting it on my NSX as well. None of those stupid little chips and I don't have to put on a bra on the track. Had my Noble in the western Chicago suburbs, (Hinsdale and Downers Grove), watch out. people will stop you all of the time.

Tim

[richsd]

You still have the car in the western suburbs? I am in Arlington Heights. Any trouble getting title for the car in Illinois?

Rich

[jorligan]

No. Just visiting the in laws in Hinsdale. I'm in MI and still awaiting the final plates. In MI, they issue a VIN and the police then have to come and fix it onto the car. Then you can get the plates.

Tim