Clear plastic film on rocker panels

[ruffnsc]

I was detailing my car this weekend, picture attached ('10 V8 Tech) and noticed there was 2 stickers of clear plastic film in front of the rear wheels on the rocker panels. Are these supposed to be removed by the dealer?

Thanks for you help and if you want to know about the detailing feel free to PM me. I'm just a weekend warrior detailer but will try my best.

 

[dg_moore]

No, the film belongs there. It's for protection against stuff thrown up from the road.

 

[homeofstone]

many newer cars have this type of covering in areas that can be hit by rocks etc.

 

[robthoke]

Mine on the passenger's side are pitted and I can't clean them up. They look like **&^*. Going to request the dealer replace it.

 

[msitter]

The material is called helicopter tape in some circles. It was developed by 3M to protect the leading edge of rotor blades on helicopters from FOD damage. It has morphred into a clear bra material. If it is pitted it is doing its job because it is protecting the paint underneath from those pits. I don't however think Hyundai will warrant against road debris damage.

 

[homeofstone]

The material is called helicopter tape in some circles. It was developed by 3M to protect the leading edge of rotor blades on helicopters from FOD damage. It has morphred into a clear bra material. If it is pitted it is doing its job because it is protecting the paint underneath from those pits. I don't however think Hyundai will warrant against road debris damage.

I agree, asking the dealer to warrant the covering due to pitting would be like asking for a new windshield that is pitted from rocks.

 

[wallymn]

How hard would it be to replace? Just wondering what the bonding material is,

 

[msitter]

It can be removed by heating it with a heat gun(hair blower or better a shrink wrap gun) and carefully peeling it back. Any residual adhesive can be then removed with Goof-Off (I think that's the name) or naptha. Ronson or Zippo lighter fluid has naptha and is cheap. I have used it for years to remove all types of adhesive scum and have never had a bad affect on the paint. I even used it to remove the adhesive from the trunk mounted lazy H on my Genesis. Removed the goo and no harm to the paint at all. You can probably get more tape at a shop that does clear bras or on the web. It is not cheap.

 

[moose66]

I always wondered if it was clear or body colored. I'd be so afraid that I would take off the paint while trying to take it off. Then you would really have an issue requiring immediate attention.

 

[dg_moore]

I always wondered if it was clear or body colored. I'd be so afraid that I would take off the paint while trying to take it off. Then you would really have an issue requiring immediate attention.

The film is clear and self-adhering. As was mentioned above, it can be removed by heating with a hair dryer or heat gun (be careful with a heat gun - it is easy to overdo it). To apply, peel off the protective sheet and activate the adhesive with a mixture of water and alcohol in a spray bottle (not sure of the proportions). Squeegee it onto the surface, trim (carefully with a trimming knife) if necessary, and let drty. You can find Youtube videos of film being applied and removed. It's not rocket science, but it does take a lot of skill to do it right.

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