Track wrap
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 156
Likes: 24
From: WI
Track wrap
Taking delivery soon and going to get ppf. I'm waiting for ground effects and high wing to get in and installed before the ppf. Until then I'm planning on driving it. Per my ppf installer and many others I've seen they say to not let the dealer wash the car which is not an issue. My question is: any harm in applying track wrap over a non washed car? Or is it best to get it washed first?
Thanks all
Thanks all
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,353
Likes: 541
From: Sarasota FL
St. Jude Donor '25-'26
If you are that concerned - wash it yourself properly and apply the track wrap.
I have a Z06 I use as a HPDE car and use Home Depot clear packaging tape ($3/roll) to protect the frontal surfaces on track days.
Tip - if you use the packaging tape, first wax the car where the tape is applied. The tape comes off easily without leaving any adhesive residual behind. I am not sure if track wrap leaves adhesive residual.
I have a Z06 I use as a HPDE car and use Home Depot clear packaging tape ($3/roll) to protect the frontal surfaces on track days.
Tip - if you use the packaging tape, first wax the car where the tape is applied. The tape comes off easily without leaving any adhesive residual behind. I am not sure if track wrap leaves adhesive residual.
Last edited by Keppler; Dec 23, 2020 at 09:05 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 13,275
Likes: 2,509
From: Bluffton SC via Canton Oh
Not sure the harm in dealers washing them but each to their own. But certainly make sure the areas you wrap are clean. You don’t want to put anything over dirt. There’s a product called road warrior you may wish to research. I’ve used it too. Easier then track wrap but not as durable. Just keep your distance.
I drove mine home 800 miles no issues at all even with the radiators. But that damn windshield. Corvette windshields attract rocks.
got an appointment to get the windshield wrapped. Can’t stand those chips.
I drove mine home 800 miles no issues at all even with the radiators. But that damn windshield. Corvette windshields attract rocks.
got an appointment to get the windshield wrapped. Can’t stand those chips.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,135
Likes: 168
From: banana republic
Problem with a wash job as I see it is how it is dried. Will they use a dirty towel? Will they use a lite touch or lean on it with that gritty towel?
I would guess it would not be a problem, but I did wash mine first after driving it 30 miles, and even sprayed some detailer on before applying the tracwrap, thinking it might make it easier to remove. Seems if you applied it without trying to make it look good and just lay it on it would not matter if you washed it. Maybe contact XPel and see what they say.
I would guess it would not be a problem, but I did wash mine first after driving it 30 miles, and even sprayed some detailer on before applying the tracwrap, thinking it might make it easier to remove. Seems if you applied it without trying to make it look good and just lay it on it would not matter if you washed it. Maybe contact XPel and see what they say.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 156
Likes: 24
From: WI
All installers I have talked to said to not have the dealer wash it cause they will put swirl marks in the paint. I would wash it myself except I live in the frozen tundra and do not have access to a heated bay. Taking delivery at the end of Dec early Jan does not fair well weather wise. Just looking to see if anyone had any insight on this.
