Modern/modern-ish track used cars and "patina"

[Twinfan]

As someone who's hopefully taking my first steps into track days this year, I'm wondering what folks think about modern Porsches and the inevitable signs of use. I'm thinking minor interior and extrior scuffs, chipped wheels, stone chips etc. I'm probably in the minority, but I've already picked up a couple of minor things here and there in a year of road use, and as I'm not a car cosmetics obsessive, I've just left them as part of the car's character in anticpation of collecting a few more over the years

Do folks fix every blemish as soon as it occurs (parts changed or re-painted, wheels re-furbed etc) or leave them until there's enough to warrant it? I guess it may depend on how obsessive people are with perfection and whether their wallets can take the battering!

It'd be good to hear what other people do/think, so thanks in advance

[LennyM1984]

My rule is that if it is likely to impact longevity (ie. cause rust) then I will fix it immediately, if it is purely cosmetic then I will leave it. I do occasionally think about getting the bumpers resprayed but a) my car is next to worthless and b) it'll only pick them up again as soon as it ventures back on track.

I actually quite like battle scars these days as it feels a bit more 'honest to purpose' than the people who polish, ceramic coat and PPF all the joy out of their cars.

[Twinfan]

LennyM1984 said:

I actually quite like battle scars these days as it feels a bit more 'honest to purpose' than the people who polish, ceramic coat and PPF all the joy out of their cars.

I think this is where I'm at. Keeping a car 100% pristine is a never ending task and a constant wallet drainer, and I don't get any joy or satisfaction from cleaning cars - it's just a necessary evil for me.

I totally agree with your point re. repairs and rust, that's what I will do too

[TDT]

It’s annoying when you pick up little nick and nacks, but I tend to leave them until the end of the year.
Then have off-season refresh, nice stage 1 detail, wheels refurbed if required, and anything else sorted that bugs me or would have a longer lasting effect down the line.

[TDT]

To be fair I have got track pack xPEL ppf on the car! I forgot!
Does make cleaning off rubber marks easier, and provides primary protection from chips.

Very much worthwhile IMO

[Twinfan]

I hate PPF but I appreciate the benefit of it, it's just not for me. I'm pretty sure my car's a keeper so I'll take the risk I'll need paint at some point.

What I'm dreading is having to have my Satin Platinum wheels re-done at some point as I believe the paint is a pig to match. I'll have to see if my local guys can find a powder coat colour that's a close enough match to the centre caps when the time comes I think.

[Steve Rance]

Hardly any stone chips after years of track driving. Only an issue if you go off in the kitty litter.

So - Dont go off in the kitty litter..

[Twinfan]

Thanks Steve - sound advice

[04BAP]

I am not a lover of ppf, its just one of those things, paint damage can happen anytime track or road, i find wet track days are the worst, just get it repaired as and when you think it needs it

[hunter 66]

Steve Rance said:

Hardly any stone chips after years of track driving. Only an issue if you go off in the kitty litter.

So - Dont go off in the kitty litter..

Not you others .... in these more recent times Track days are the new "racing " and egos are on the line but with no time sheets to call you out . So many more pass through the gravel traps and drag it all on circuit afterwards ....... and you only find out when you are in a stone shower , sadly

[TDT]

hunter 66 said:

Steve Rance said:

Hardly any stone chips after years of track driving. Only an issue if you go off in the kitty litter.

So - Dont go off in the kitty litter..

Not you others .... in these more recent times Track days are the new "racing " and egos are on the line but with no time sheets to call you out . So many more pass through the gravel traps and drag it all on circuit afterwards ....... and you only find out when you are in a stone shower , sadly

Yep. This is the point.

When the PPF gets scruffy, it can be refitted in a few hours. Minimal downtime for the car especially for some of the smaller stuff that PPF is designed to withstand.
Getting new paint or respray means the car is out of action for longer.

It made sense for me as i got it down as part of buying the car, so just kept it on since. No issues and plenty of what could have been more major damage avoided.

YMMV.