Tonneau cover paint protector film
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Tonneau cover paint protector film
Wondering what the best options are for replacing the tonneau cover film that goes between the painted surface & top weatherstrip.
I see Hawks offers one, But curious if there are other options & if anyone has feedback/ opinions on them.
Thanks,
(attached image is from Hawks website)
I see Hawks offers one, But curious if there are other options & if anyone has feedback/ opinions on them.
Thanks,
(attached image is from Hawks website)
#3
Supreme Member
iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Moorpark, CA
Posts: 2,383
Likes: 0
Received 142 Likes
on
101 Posts
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Tonneau cover paint protector film
I have an OEM one still in the box that I've been hesitant to install. Just afraid to get any bubbles in it.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: Tonneau cover paint protector film
I was digging around and found a 6 year old thread where there was TGO member making them. Not much feedback since then on how they turned out or if there are others making them now. I would imagine this is one of those films that require a little soap & water to alingn it & squeegee it down. I noticed there are several companies making an installation spay for this now. Not sure what it consists of though. soap & water?
#5
Member
Re: Tonneau cover paint protector film
Pay a visit to a company that wraps cars / trucks trailers and ask them for to instal a clear wrap like they use on the front of cars (clear bra). I can't imagine there is something special about that product that came from ASC
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Tacoma, Wa
Posts: 3,109
Likes: 0
Received 25 Likes
on
17 Posts
Car: '91 TA vert
Engine: turboLSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Tonneau cover paint protector film
This. Just find a local wrap company. Or stop by a car dealership and ask who does all their PPF installs.
#9
Supreme Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,712
Received 241 Likes
on
186 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: Tonneau cover paint protector film
If you decide to use PPF you should have then do the whole cover and not a clear strip like pictured above. The shop will have to create that cut pattern to cut the clear and by then your cost will go up and probably not worth it. I am a wrap/ vinyl guy and another option is you could have it wrapped. There are alot of color choices nowadays so there is a good chance you can find one to match your paint. If you or the shop you use is willing to make the cut file for the strip than you can use a specialty vinyl and make it stand out instead of trying to hide it. The application fluid they make nowadays, as mentioned above, works great. It's a little pricey and you could probably find small bottles on Amozon or the shop you get your vinyl from may sell you a small amount. The original material used is just an "original version of the modern day PPF(clear vinyl film).
I had a unique problem with mine when I acquired my Z. The strip was deteriorating so one of the PO's decided it would be a good idea to just paint over it! Problem is they didn't remove it. So I used my option 3 and made a pattern and had the 3M carbon fiber wrap vinyl cut and I applied it over the debauchery. I think this came out well considering what I had to work with. Eventually the car will need a repaint and at that point I will do the complete cover in PPF
I
I had a unique problem with mine when I acquired my Z. The strip was deteriorating so one of the PO's decided it would be a good idea to just paint over it! Problem is they didn't remove it. So I used my option 3 and made a pattern and had the 3M carbon fiber wrap vinyl cut and I applied it over the debauchery. I think this came out well considering what I had to work with. Eventually the car will need a repaint and at that point I will do the complete cover in PPF
I
Last edited by vinny R; 10-04-2023 at 02:19 PM. Reason: grammer
The following users liked this post:
jimmylev (10-04-2023)
#10
Member
Re: Tonneau cover paint protector film
I agree. I would clear wrap the entire panel. Will be invisible.
#11
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Destin, Florida
Posts: 618
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes
on
11 Posts
Car: 91 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: LB9 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 5 SPD
Axle/Gears: Posi Rear
Re: Tonneau cover paint protector film
I fabricated my own by using 3 pieces of clear, 24 inch 3M Scotchgard .adhesive mask from "INVISIBLE MASK" at www.invisiblemask.com (866-927-5678). I cut a pattern from a 5 foot roll and it worked well. The 3 pieces were the center and left and right side pieces that formed the curves. Cost was $90 and has held up for 2+ years now.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post