[KarmanS]

For those who do not know what they are, stone guard is a transparent plastic film developed by 3M which is applied to the areas of the car that may be prone to stone chipping. For those who have experience with this product or currently have this equipped on their MINI, here's my inquiry:

Any pro/cons of having it installed?

The only downside I foresee is the cost for the film (around $250-$400 + installation fees). I would very much appreciate your feedback. Thanks

/karman

[MINIAC]

Found the following sites [click the logos]:


8 mil thickness - 5 year guarantee



8 mil thickness - 5 year guarantee



9 mil thickness - 4 year warranty


ClearBra
12 mil thickness - 2 year warranty

[chiph]

Quote:

Originally posted by KarmanS
For those who have experience with this product or currently have this equipped on their MINI, here's my inquiry:

Any pro/cons of having it installed?

I have the Stongard product (headlights only) on my ML. After about three years, it's just now starting to turn a little yellow. It's protected my headlights from at least two large rock hits, and probably many more that didn't leave marks on the material.

I have to turn the ML in at the end of June (lease is up), and I'm not sure if they're going to require me to remove it first. If so, I'll let you know how tough it was to remove (any sticky residue, etc).

Chip H.

[Colorado "S"]

On my Jetta I've had Stonegard installed on the following

Leading edge of hood: many rock chips prevented

Headlights: lenses are still clear and unpitted

Roof: I installed 4 patches on the roof, under where the feet of my bike rack rest. No scuffing of the paint.

I've had all that on my car for about 2.5 years with no yellowing.

[KarmanS]

thanks for the research, MINIAC. And thanks, Chip and Dave, for the feedback.

what was the labor cost that you incurred in your installations?

[Colorado "S"]

I had the leading edge of the hood and my headlights done at the same time - total: $150

The four patches on my roof, I did myself for $30 (materials, spray bottle, alcohol, squegee).

[kjs]

Quote:

Originally posted by Colorado "S"
alcohol

did you drink it, or use it on the car??

kjs

[Colorado "S"]

Quote:

Originally posted by kjs
did you drink it, or use it on the car??

kjs

Oh, I wished I would have had a beer at the time, but no such luck.

The Stonegard is applied using a 3 to 1 alcohol and water mixture. I used a little spray bottle to mist the mixture onto the film. It helps to allow the film to be able to float into position. The more solution the better, because it makes it easier to get the air bubbles out with the sqeegee (sp?).

[spindoc]

My local installer says the Invinca-Shield template for the S should be available in the next week or so. No word yet on prices. (Invinca-Shield is one brand of custom-cut 3M clear plastic protective film to keep stone chips, etc., from harming a car's paint finish.)

[Mini Chopo "S"]

Is there a web site we can visit on this? I had heard of something like this for Porsches only , I will definetly buy one whats the price?

[KarmanS]

spindoc, please keep us posted on the details. Is the Invinca-Shield template difference from other 3M templates? I am asking because I have already seen a couple of Cooper S's with 3M stoneguard installed. The plastic even covers each of the body colored pieces which stretches across the grill as well as the side mirrors.

[MINIAC]

I've included the Invinca-Shield site link in my previous post.

They're having a special sale ... buy one, kit get a second of equal or lesser value for half price.

Find someone near you who wants one, order two and split the cost

[DeniseK]

So, how long does this stuff last. If it's guaranteed for 5 years, what happens after that? does it turn yellow? Is there a line left on the paint when you remove it? Is it all sticky and gummy?
C'mon, Miniac, you sound like you did your homework.

[MINIAC]

Since the guarantee is for 5 years, I assume it could yellow after that time. I was told it peels off without damaging the paint. 3M makes a product that will safely remove any remaining adhesive. I forgot to ask whether there will be a different "color fade" rate between the protected and unprotected paint surfaces.

[mia]

does anyone have a picture of their car with a stoneguard installed? i really don't know how it will look on a post, but can i have some feedback on if you actually see it?..is it totally invisible?..will people notice it on the car? etc. my car is silkgreen. thanks for any input

[Johnson]

My main question is whether this product can accomodate decals such as bonnet stripes, with out being obvious as a add-on.