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Bodywork stone damage
LBMEFM - 7/5/17 at 05:56 AM

On removing my MK Indy rear wings as well as the accident damadge the front facing edge is covered with pitting, as if it's been sandblasted and there are several star cracks. I will put back the stone guards on the new wings but I thinking of covering them with clear gloss vinyl, I can use this like a visor tear off then and replace it when it gets pitted. Or will the rubbish thrown up by the wheels go through the vinyl. I was also thinking of lining the underside with foam simular to that used for laminate flooring to stop stones cracking them or will I need a thicker material. What have you guys done.


voucht - 7/5/17 at 08:28 AM

Hi,

I'm pretty sure Vinyl is not impact resistant, and will be destroyed very quickly.

To protect racing cars bodywork from impacts (wheels, other car just in front, etc.), we use "3M Helicopter tape". It is an impact resistant tape, originally designed to protect leading edges of helicopter propeller blades from different kind of impact, as the spin at very high speed and can be easily damaged.

For example, Deamon Tweaks sells the 4'' wide one, but there are different widths and thickness available.
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/tapes-adhesives /3m-leading-edge-helicopter-tape

It is a bit expensive, but to my knowledge, the only "see-through" efficient way to protect GRP from impacts.

Hope that will help


jelly head - 7/5/17 at 08:31 AM

Helitape?

Might work...



Seconds too late...

[Edited on 7/5/17 by jelly head]


ReMan - 7/5/17 at 09:17 AM

I have always had black gloss vinyl on my (black) rear wings.
|I'm not a fan of obvious stone guards.
Whilst not perfect its cheap and easily replaceable when it starts to show to much damage.
As mentioned i'm sure the 3m stuff would work well, but its pricey

[Edited on 7/5/17 by ReMan]


LBMEFM - 7/5/17 at 11:07 AM

Thanks for info, helicoptor tape sounds good but the amount I would need to cover both wings would be very exprensive. I've seen some car protection gloss clear vinyl 400mm x 1.52 at £13.78. on e bay. Obviously it's not going to be anywhere as good helicopter tape but will it work? Has anyone tried simular


ReMan - 7/5/17 at 12:23 PM

check the thickness, may well be just cheap clear gloss vinyl