SpeedLingerie for the Elise

[LITEW8CRAZY]

I emailed Rich from SpeedLingerie asking about the Elise. Here's his response:

We have not yet looked into the new Lotus Elise, but will do so.
Confirm that yours is a 2004 model, and let us know the exterior color (factory color name). Any idea what the production number looks like, for imports of this model into the US?
Let me do a little checking into this.
Generally speaking, after we confirm a design is feasible, we need (12) confirmed orders and a car in the shop to off-set R&D costs and set-up a production design. The original car owner gets the first SpeedLingerie, custom designed for 'that car', and we do all the work.
Let me look into it. If we create the pattern we will contact you.
Best Regards,
Richard Erkelens, SpeedLingerie.com, Inc.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SpeedLingerie.com, Inc. - World's Finest Automotive Bra
1917 Old Middlefield Way #5 Mountain View, CA 94043 USA
Direct: 650.964.2584 Fax: 650.964.2586
Toll Free: 800.570.1579 www.speedlingerie.com

I let him know all the information . Anyone interested? I won't have my car for a WHILE so if someone wants to jump in, no problem.

[3M PPF]

I say go with the port installed clear bra or get one installed when you get the car. Bra's, even speed lingerie have more downs than ups. But then I am biased :D

[soulmn]

After seeing the clear bra, I would have to agree. Less work than having to always take off a normal bra and clean under it. If you want a bra for the style, that's a whole different story. As for the clear bra, I do have a couple of questions still. When it comes time to take that baby off, what kind of residue are we looking at? Do those edges attract polish when cleaning the rest of the car? I wouldn't want a perfect polish residue outline of my clear bra. Lastly, are the edges going to start to come up after a couple of washes or a little polishing? Depending upon the answers to those questions, a normal bra might be easier to deal with than the clear bra.

[Patricko]

Does anyone really like the look of that

[3M PPF]

Originally posted by soulmn When it comes time to take that baby off, what kind of residue are we looking at?

If you get the angle right when pulling the film off it leaves very little adhesive. Any adhesive that is left over comes off with some 3M adhesive remover.

Do those edges attract polish when cleaning the rest of the car? I wouldn't want a perfect polish residue outline of my clear bra.

For wax/gunk on the edge of the film a q-tip will take care of it no problem.

Lastly, are the edges going to start to come up after a couple of washes or a little polishing? Depending upon the answers to those questions, a normal bra might be easier to deal with than the clear bra.

No, but you do need to wait several days post install to wash the car. After the film has been on a month or so you wax it just like the paint . 3M's film has a hard clear coat just like (well some idea) your paint and appreciates some care and feeding just like your paint.

[soulmn]

Thanks for the info. That's exactly what I wanted to know. You have now ensured the sale of another clear bra.

[LITEW8CRAZY]

3M PPF

Just a couple questions about the 3M film.

How does it stand-up to rocks? I know it is just a thin layer and if a rock hits it, won't it deform enough to let some sort of knick in the paint or damage to the clearcoat?

If a rock does hit it, will there be a mark left in the film?

What is the shore durometer of the film as to shore durometer of the clear coat? If the film itself is more elastic than the cleancoat, won't there still be damage under the film?

I really know nothing about the 3M film. I love their products and just want to know more about them.

[3M PPF]

Originally posted by LITEW8CRAZY
How does it stand-up to rocks? I know it is just a thin layer and if a rock hits it, won't it deform enough to let some sort of knick in the paint or damage to the clearcoat? If a rock does hit it, will there be a mark left in the film?

Well I guess like all things it depends. When I hear the word rock I picture a 6 inch rock. Yes that is going to cause all sorts of problems, not the least of which is going to be replacing the film. If you meant the sand that etches your windshield into sea glass or slowly turns the front of your bumper into the color of your primer, yes the film does a great job! If you meant small stones that seem to have a built in homing device that is designed to take out a few of my windshields per year, yes it does a great job!

As you can imagine there are many factors that go into the survivability of both your paint and film. Everything from the size of the stone, its mass, your speed, impact angle, etc plays a role. The bigger impacts will certainly damage the film to the point where it needs to be replaced. It isn’t magic you know…. It is designed to protect your paint, sometimes that means it makes the ultimate sacrifice to save your paint

Originally posted by LITEW8CRAZY
What is the shore durometer of the film as to shore durometer of the clear coat? If the film itself is more elastic than the cleancoat, won't there still be damage under the film?

I have no idea what the durometers are. I can tell you this. Several months ago I heard from a consumer who had the film installed on their Accord. It was hit in the fender with a shopping cart – result was a baseball sized round dent. They were able to get the dent popped back out by a gifted PDR guy. No paint damage! NASCAR teams use it to keep the front of their cars looking good at 170+. Given the debris that is left over from the numerous episode of bumper cars I guess that is telling. If the teams didn’t feel the film had value they wouldn’t use it.

[LITEW8CRAZY]

3M PPF

Thanks for the information! I really appreciate it.

Shore Durometer is the hardness of the material (specifically plastics). It is a way to measure how hard the material is. It's used for aluminum and steel also.

[cuturo]

For 3M Paint Protection Film, specs and application profiles, click here:

http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/e...er/output_html

Check out "Gravelometer Test"...this may help to answer your question on impact capability.

[AndyS.]

Originally posted by LITEW8CRAZY
3M PPF

Just a couple questions about the 3M film.

How does it stand-up to rocks? I know it is just a thin layer and if a rock hits it, won't it deform enough to let some sort of knick in the paint or damage to the clearcoat?

If a rock does hit it, will there be a mark left in the film?

What is the shore durometer of the film as to shore durometer of the clear coat? If the film itself is more elastic than the cleancoat, won't there still be damage under the film?

I really know nothing about the 3M film. I love their products and just want to know more about them.

There are three popular paint protections films on the market. I use all three depending on the customers need and applications.

3M Scotchgard Urethane Film
I use this film on most light colored cars since any imperfections caused during the installation will not be visible. OEM approved by Porsche
Strength: Has a long track record and a name to go along with it
Weakness: It is the least strongest film. If you guys are ever in North Hollywood area then I can show you a demo.
I use the 3M film more then any other

Venture Films
Can strech by 50% more then 3M which make for an easier installation. I have noticed it is easier to install and will give a better result specialy on dark cars since any imperfections caused by installation will show. Used by Ferrari Racing Team and it is much tougher film compared to 3M
Weakness: Does not have along track record. Allots of their R&D is done through customers

llumar Films
The most clearest film on the market. It is a must for any dark colored car. Llumar is the same company that makes hight quality window tint.
Weakness: Must leave your car at the installation shop for 1 day. This is to allow the adhesive to cure since parts of the bra might pop up a few hours after an install. It cost more then both 3M and Venture by about 20%

As far as the patterns go for the clear bra kits no body comes close to XPEL kits. They are the most expensive but that is because all of their kits go through extensive R&D before being released into the market place.

I hope this information will help you guys make up a decision. You can get the XPEL Elise kit at
http://www.stickercity.com/store/cus...me.php?cat=391