Lotus Elan Central

by **paza1** » Mon 18.07.2005, 23:43

Can anyone give me an idea of how long/what mileage it takes for marks to appear on the hood storage cover paintwork please :?:

Also, has anyone tried the 3M clear plastic sheet to help protect the paintwork. If so, is it worth doing :?:

by **F1 LOTUS** » Mon 18.07.2005, 23:45

It really depends how often the hood is up?

by **Fubar1764** » Mon 18.07.2005, 23:49

paza1 wrote:Can anyone give me an idea of how long/what mileage it takes for marks to appear on the hood storage cover paintwork please
Also, has anyone tried the 3M clear plastic sheet to help protect the paintwork. If so, is it worth doing

It takes as little as 3k miles before the clear coat begins to be damaged. I've used the 3M paint protection film with some cautious success. After about 5k miles, the film has started to buckle under the vibration. I doubt if there's significant damage to the clear coat as the 3M film has stretching qualities of up to 100%.
I have kept the pattern for the tonneau cover. If there's enough interest in the pattern, I will cut pieces and ship them out to ya'll (that's what we say here in Texas!) for cost + shipping. I've also been derelict as to posting my experience with application. It's fairly simple, but it does take some time, elbow grease, and patience. Your favorite pint would certainly help with the frustrations!

Cheers!
Jack

by **Sy V** » Tue 19.07.2005, 08:05

The time it takes for you to gouge the template of the rear of your hood into the cover is largely dependent upon the adjustment of your hood -especially the rear tension which can be addressed (to some extent) by turning the eccentric Allen head bolt at the hinge behind the seats on both sides.

by **Michael** » Tue 19.07.2005, 19:43

I use this 3M protective clear film for allmost two years now to prevent (further) damage and it seems to work fine.
The film is hardly noticable and stays fixed to the body very good.
I can really recommend it.

by **rob** » Tue 19.07.2005, 19:53

I also think that cleaning the hood rubber seal each time you clean the car helps, as it stops the grit build up and thus there will be less scratching/rubbing.

Jack, count me in please if there is enough interest. (who could miss out on getting a freebee out of a lawyer :wink:

)

by **paza1** » Wed 20.07.2005, 00:35

Thanks to everyone for sharing your experience. Much appreciated.
Jack, I am very interested in your kind offer. Can you let me know the cost please :?:

by **Sy V** » Wed 20.07.2005, 07:54

Jack

Nice gesture.

Could you send me one too. Easiest to send mine with Rob's if that OK.

by **woody** » Wed 20.07.2005, 09:25

Hi,
Count me in for one as well please Jack.You could send mine with Rob's/Sy's,and I could collect .
Regards,
Woody

by **clemo** » Wed 20.07.2005, 10:15

ALL ABOARD...
you nice nice person...
(if theres enoght to go around)

clemo

by **grahamec** » Wed 20.07.2005, 13:42

Jack, count me in please if there is enough, thanks.
Grahame

by **Fubar1764** » Wed 20.07.2005, 14:00

Ah, crap! Open mouth, insert foot!
Ok, started up a new thread on Elan Products.

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