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Scratch Protection Films - First Impressions

Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 09:10

Member - Russell S

I went to the high country last weekend, and thought I might encounter the odd bush or disused track, so I got some of that ScratchPro AP60 roll-on stuff to try. Looks like wood glue, and takes a while to roll on, but seemed to set into a reasonable film. We did indeed get some scratchy stuff, and a mate with his 100 series ended up with quite a lot of scratch damage down the side. Most of it will polish out, but it's still not something you want too much of if you can help it. When I peeled the stuff off my truck yesterday, there were no scratches underneath, so I guess it worked.

A couple of problems though. This stuff doesn't like the water, so if you're crossing rivers, or driving in rain, it gets soft and starts to run. It'll set again when it dries, but seems a bit fragile to me. Another problem is the cost. A can cost me $60, and I used at least half on one application - and that was being as frugal as I could. So, one trip = $30 for the product. Finally, although most of it will peel off like in the ads, the bits and pieces around the edges take a bit of getting off. Then when you get it off, if you're not careful the bits will float somewhere else and reattach.

Bottom line - it works, but it costs a bit and it's a bit of a pain in other areas. I'll try the rest of the can, but don't know if I'll buy more. How have others found it?
ThreadID: 17525 Replies: 10
Views: 1602 FollowUps: 9
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AnswerID: 82864   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 09:37

Rod W replied:

Seems to me that you should leave your vehicle in your Collins street garage.
Reply 1 of 10
FollowupID: 341941   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 20:19

Member - Russell S posted:

Meaning what? You know nothing about me except that I have a 100 series cruiser. On the other hand, I could assume that you want a cruiser but can't afford it, or that you don't much care about your vehicle - or lots of other things. Doesn't really matter - might see you out on the tracks one day - if you get out there.....
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 82866   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 09:56

Savvas replied:

Russell,

A suppose another way to look at it though is that a $30 application, could say you $XXX-$XXXX of paint repair.

If I had a $70k +++ 4by that I wanted to keep close to pristine, then I'd consider it.

Reply 2 of 10
FollowupID: 341942   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 20:24

Member - Russell S posted:

I think you have a point, and it was demonstrated by the amount of scratches I saved on just a single closed in track. I'm not trying to keep the truck pristine, but why wreck it prematurely? You fit stone guards to shocks, mud flaps, side steps, brush bars etc - all for the same reason, to protect some part of the truck from the conditions you put it in. Like I say, it has some good points and some less than good points. We'll see.
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 82870   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 10:22

Member - Alan S (NSW) replied:

Russel,
Woudl you recommend this for an extended trip? How long do you think it would stay effective (provided it didn't rain)?
Reply 3 of 10
FollowupID: 341943   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 20:27

Member - Russell S posted:

Alan,
The post below reflects more experience than I've had. Sounds like it would be worth it for a big trip - a drop in the ocean as far as cost goes. The manufacturer says you can leave it on for 2 months, so I guess a good application before you left would be good, particularly if you are going to get into tight tracks. I know that across the desert last month we brushed past a fair bit of spinifex etc, and the coating would have prevented most of the scratches.
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 82873   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 10:41

beatit replied:

Russell,

I presume you would only ever do the sides of the car (doors and guards). Did you do the plastic trim?

Kind regards
Reply 4 of 10
FollowupID: 341944   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 20:30

Member - Russell S posted:

I just did the side panels up to the bottom of the windows. In hindsight, should have done the little bits up to the top of the windows too. Not much plastic trim on the side of the 100, so no, I didn't, but I guess you could. They say not to put it on rubber, but you'd be OK on plastic. I tried not to get it into any cracks or crevices - might be hard to get out.
FollowUp 1 of 1
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AnswerID: 82881   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 11:49

Member - Jeff M (WA) replied:

Yeah, I've got a $20k car, and by the time I'm finished with it I'll be lucky to get $10k for it, so who cares!! LOL

But yeah, if I'd spent that kinda money I guess it'd be an option.... Nah, I wouldn't send that kinda money! :-)

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Reply 5 of 10
FollowupID: 341945   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 20:31

Member - Russell S posted:

sounds like you shouldn't spend that sort of money :-)
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 82913   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 18:54

bazza replied:



:( - tre's 1 in every crowd eh
Reply 6 of 10
FollowupID: 341946   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 20:31

Member - Russell S posted:

meaning what?
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 82919   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 19:56

sean replied:

I used scratchpro on a recent canning trip. I had one coat and another vehicle had 3 coats.

At the end of the trip most of it was scratched off but it did help protect the paint work from the mulga. The other vehicle that had 3 coats stayed protected pretty much the whole way. I lost count of how many times the side mirrors got belted into the fold position so I guess it does work pretty well.

If you have a metalic paint job then I think it is well worth considering on those trips where there is lots of overgrown scrub.

Sean
Reply 7 of 10
FollowupID: 341947   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 20:33

Member - Russell S posted:

Good experience. Thanks. Will probably keep it in mind for when we go up there (2006/7 probably!).
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 82923   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 20:28

Member - Jimbo (VIC) replied:

My theory, right or wrong, is get your nice new shiny vehicle and use it as intended. Sure, you'll get scratches, polish them out every now and then (not too often or you won't have any paint left) and when it comes time to sell get a beater to give it a quick spray down either side for about $500.

Probably works out cheaper in the long run, and a lot easier than painting goo down the sides every time you want to "use" it.

Just my thoughts.

Cheers,

Jim.
Reply 8 of 10
FollowupID: 341949   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004 at 20:38

Member - Russell S posted:

That used to be my theory too, and I duly ended up with a nicely scratched truck. Not sure the beater idea will either cost only $500 or add to the resale value, but it is an option. Painting the goo down the sides was a bit of a chore, but the kids had fun peeling it off, and as I recall, polishing out deep scratches in the paint isn't a whole lot of fun either! Thanks for the thoughts, Jim, and for most day or weekend trips I suspect I'll not bother again. For an extended bush trip, or one that I know will have a lot of closed in tracks - I reckon it's worth doing. The old cost/benefit equation...
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 83040   Submitted: Thursday, Nov 04, 2004 at 18:51

bazza replied:



rod w's comments russell :(
1st 12months worse then one becomes less hysterical abt scratches :)
'appy 4wheelin' ... bazza
Reply 9 of 10
FollowupID: 342085   Submitted: Thursday, Nov 04, 2004 at 19:56

Member - Russell S posted:

Think you're right - although I don't think I'm hysterical yet......
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 85076   Submitted: Friday, Nov 19, 2004 at 18:48

Terrence from OZICOZI Damage Control replied:

For a more permanent solution you might like to consider our OZICOZI Damage Control range of 3M Paint Protection Film products.

We can supply precut pieces that cover most popular models to protect bonnets, bumpers, doors, mirror backs, A-pillars, door sills, etc. If it's painted and it moves then this film is great for minimising scratches, stonechips and abrasions.

Also suitable for boats, trailers, toolboxes, etc.

It's a 3M product called 3M Paint Protection film, specially engineered for this purpose. Used on tens of thousands of vehicles in USA and Europe over the last decade.

The film is designed to stay on the car for many years, is virtually transparent and protects your investment. It can be removed if necessary (but cannot be reapplied).

We can supply the film by the metre also in two widths 610mm wide at $100 per metre or 305mm wide at $50 per metre.

Check out our website for contact details http://www.ozicozi.com.au
OZICOZI Damage Control
Member: Lapsed Membership
Reply 10 of 10

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