Bodywork Protection

[Dream Machine]

Hi All
I have just bought a new Emira V6 Manual in Seneca blue with full black pack please could you recommend what parts are most prone to wear and tear and would benefit from PPF.
Please could you recommend a PPF installer in East Anglia preferably in the Norfolk area.
Thank you

 

[cryptovince]

In my experience, I've seen the most scuffs in my PPF in the most obvious area, the front. There's also been some impacts on my mirror covers, and even a rock impact on the front part of my roof that an SUV in front of me kicked up a few months ago.

I'd also separately recommend getting windshield protection film. I would've had to replace my windshield by now if I didn't have that installed because of how many rock chips it's already saved me from.

 

[netsinah]

Ditto for the windshield protective film. Last year my detailer installed what was then a fairly new and more expensive product: Ultrafit Evo. I was used to paying (Canadian pricing) about $200.00 installed for windshield film, on my previous sport cars. I paid $500.00 for the Ultrafit Evo. I was unhappy with it and the dealer determined it was a defective roll, so there was a fair bit of distortion when looking through it. He replaced it n/c with a normal film and now there's minimal distortion (a slight bit on the edges, that only I notice) which I think a small price to pay, for effective protection. I've since had several good "rock dings" but found no damage, so I'm happy so far with this product.

Of interest, my detailer for the first time recommended I replace my wipers with teflon wiper blades, to rub the windshield film less and prolong its life. The Emira takes 23" and 25" length wiper blades and of course, NO ONE sells any that are teflon. My Lotus dealer checked with Lotus, who said they couldn't confirm whether the OEM blades were teflon or not. Like the dealer, I suspect not and like the dealer, I was surprised at the manufacturer's answer. Regardless, my Lotus dealer was unable to find any teflon blades that matched the Emira sizing. They said they'd never had anyone looking to replace their Emira blades yet and would have a hard enough time finding that sizing, with regular after-market blades.

I looked on the Web to see if teflon blades made a big difference, with windshield films. I wasn't able to find anything conclusive. FYI.

 

[Tracked Emira]

In my experience, I've seen the most scuffs in my PPF in the most obvious area, the front. There's also been some impacts on my mirror covers, and even a rock impact on the front part of my roof that an SUV in front of me kicked up a few months ago.

I'd also separately recommend getting windshield protection film. I would've had to replace my windshield by now if I didn't have that installed because of how many rock chips it's already saved me from.

If tracking and you want to push behind someone you must use windshield PPF.
I had 3 big rocks that would have destroyed my windshield the last 2 track days. Best $500 spent because you’d have to get a new windshield anyway.

 

[geoffbland]

Front, wing mirrors, around the flanks of the car and as cryptovince mentions the windscreen. By the time you've paid to have that done you might as well get the rest of the car done.

Actually, scratch that, sod's law states the most likely places to get a stone chip is the place you didn't protect

 

[Dream Machine]

Thank you to both replies … I hadn’t even considered the windscreen so something extra to consider

 

[Dream Machine]

Front, wing mirrors, around the flanks of the car and as cryptovince mentions the windscreen. By the time you've paid to have that done you might as well get the rest of the car done.

Actually, scratch that, sod's law states the most likely places to get a stone chip is the place you didn't protect

Thanks for that perhaps I’ll keep it in bubble wrap to be safe !!

 

[netsinah]

I'd say "the usual" PPF areas (and the windshield), will suffice (all the front, the lower rockers, mirrors, A-pillars and at least the first 6-8" of the hood, although I now usually do ALL the front hood and its sides on my vehicles). I only PPF'd my entire Emira, since I see it as my "keeper car". The vents with their fins along the sides and the rear, add to the cost when doing a total wrap, as do the other various "hills and valleys" elsewhere on the body, plus the side logos and rear lettering, when doing a total wrap. So you're definitely paying more for a total wrap.

And I can confirm the comments of Tracked Emira: I also had some "track debris" (rocks?) thrown up on my windshield, while jockeying for a passing lane on the track. Aside from that, I expected the ++ brake dust clean job but was surprised at the MANY black streaks on the (mostly) sides of my Emira, which I assume were caused by the tire rubber pieces flying everywhere on the track. I've been waiting for GRP to come out with mudflaps and hopefully that will reduce those streaks, since they were fun to clean off of the PPF. I suspect most came from my front tires, when going into a hard corner at speed. Greg has been telling me for many months he'll be selling mud flaps (aka: splash guards) for the Emira but if he takes much longer, I may pull the trigger on the AP (Automotive Passion) mud flaps.

 

[Nick Sticks]

Hi All
I have just bought a new Emira V6 Manual in Seneca blue with full black pack please could you recommend what parts are most prone to wear and tear and would benefit from PPF.
Please could you recommend a PPF installer in East Anglia preferably in the Norfolk area.
Thank you

Ipswich PPF Centre did a good job on mine.
I got full cover.
Stone chips can happen anywhere on the front and roof. The rear side inlets get it as well. They're the most prone but really anywhere can get it.

 

[seriously]

Definitely front quarter and I would include the headlights and windshield. Post install I have noticed most hits coming in the lower front end.

I don’t really mind the stock windshield wipers because I never use them. Put a hydrophobic layer on your windshield and just drive faster

 

[JREmira]

My whole car is protected except the windshield.. just had the windshield replaced today because of a rock causing a 6 inch crack. I’m going to get the new windshield protected too this month. In my opinion just get everything done… it’s a good piece of mind. Congrats on your new ride!