On a 2012 Grand Sport, what areas other than the obvious front end of the car would you suggest be protected by a clear coating (polyurethane)??? I am planning to do at least the front end, headlamps and at least half way up the hood... And more likely I will go all the way up to the doors so the seam won't show... And likely the back of the mirrors... But what about other areas further back such as in front of the rear wheels???

And what type/brand of clear bra material do folks recommend???

thanks... bob...

 

Hey Bob. I have installed film on over 200 Corvettes to date and can tell you that on the Grand Sport the areas needed are the front end (partial hood, partial fenders, bumper, lights, and mirrors), the rear brake ducts, and the door cups. The other area you may consider if you are going to be loading and unloading a lot of stuff in and out of your car is the rear deck lid strip. The area where you will be pushing down on the top can get scratched if you or your wife wear any rings. on the rear brake ducts make sure the area covered is up over the brake duct itself. Anything facing forward in that panel gets damaged pretty quickly.

As far as films go I prefer three different films to install; VentureShield Ultra, Avery Nano Fusion, and Xpel Ultimate. All three films are great films and will last you the longest. I prefer Avery Nano Fusion but they are not manufacturing it right now... but should start back up in the next month or so. There are some installers that still have some to install though, but not many. The other two films are great. Ventureshield Ultra is one I have used for 8+ years without any warranty issues at all. It has a tendency to scuff a little more easily than the other two but it is a tested film. Xpel Ultimate has only been out a few months so I can not sit here and tell you 5 years later it will look great. But my initial testing of the film looks pretty positive so I do promote it and install it.

I think the main thing you want to look for is a quality installer. If the installer is not very good then it doesn't matter what film he uses... you will not be as happy with your experience as you would with someone who knows what they are doing. I have been in the industry for nearly 10 years now and have installed film in 36 states... so if you tell me where you live I will be happy to refer you to an installer. If I know of one there I will send you their contact info. Hopefully that will help you out. Let me know if you have any other questions and congrats on your new GS.

 

I live in Detroit MI. I would like to find an installer that has a good product and experience in the craft. I am not familiar with this type of accessory and wonder if the coating takes on a different tint or hue in various lighting situations? or if there is any yellowing or clouding in the material over time? pros? cons?

 

I personally recommend that you completely cover any body panel you choose to put the bra on. Its the only sure fire way to prevent having the seam, which can and will collect dirt over time.

 

I do appreciate the feedback... thanks much... bob...

 

Protect the rear brake vent area - the rockers up around the rear brake vent and up onto the fender and cover front half of rear fender flare. The rear fender flare will get sandblasted over time, and is one area a lot of folks miss.

 

Besides the obvious frontal areas I can attest to the value of protecting the rocker panels from the front wheel well to the rear wheel well. Also, the body panel edges around the wheel well openings (especially to the rear of the tires) take a lot of abuse. The body panel areas behind the wheels/tires also take impacts. You might consider doing the mirrors as well.

 

Bob,

Texas Venom did my new Grand Sport with Venture Shield Ultra. It looks great. He has already told you the areas to cover on the GS. If you live within a day's drive of the Dallas area, I recommend you contact him for a quality installation.

 

Only thing I would add is to cover the entire hood so you don't have the line 1/2 way up your hood.
Every time you wax the car, the line becomes more and more apparent.

 

 

Thanks for all the responses... I really appreciate the help... bob...

 

Anyone know of a good installer in Northern VA that uses Venture Shield ultra? The guy that did my last corvette charged an arm and a leg and didn't do a very good job.
Thanks!