Clear "spats" on Gulf flares

Bill D · 10-11-07, 02:05 PM

Many of the Cobra guys have a product made by 3M installed on the front facing side of the rear flares in order to reduce rock chips. Would that be a good idea for my Gulf flares?

Thanks
Bill D

dfreeman95 · 10-11-07, 03:36 PM

Hi Bill,
I would highly recommend it. It works very well. Also, there are usually guys that can install custom applications that are mobile. You may also want to have them do a patch on the leading edge of the fuel tank covers to keep down the chips there as well. Not sure if you will need a bit of time for the paint to cure before application or not. I am looking into it right now for the front of my Saleen.
Have you also put something in the wheelwells to keep from getting stars in the paint from the inside? Especially a concern with race tires like your avons.
Can't wait to see the pics when it gets back from the painter.

Don

Bill D · 10-11-07, 03:40 PM

The inside of the wheel wells will have something like rhino Liner or Linex

Phil · 10-11-07, 11:19 PM

Bill
I don't know the name of the product but there is a liner that the truckers use on the inner front fenders that protects against small rocks and other debris thrown from tire groves.
I have seen the results before and after and it seems to work well. I would bet it could be had at any truck parts supply or dealer.
Cheers
Phil

Mark Worthington · 10-12-07, 12:09 AM

I think that 3M stuff would be perfect. I haven't been able to find a source for it in bulk, though.

FRPGUY · 10-12-07, 06:50 AM

All these liners are great for street driven cars, but race cars it's not so good ! If and when you crash and need some fiberglass repair, all that liner has to be removed to get a clean surface to stick new fiberglass to. I've spent hours removing liner material from the inside of fender wells. Time is money! Heat works best, but the fumes just about kill you! Even flat black paint has to be remove to get a good repair.

charlie c · 10-12-07, 07:11 AM

What you are looking for is referred to as "clear bra" here in the states, and popular brands are 3M and Versa-Shield. I can only dis-recommend Versa-Shield, as I have it all over the front and bottom of my sparkly black Dodge Magnum SRT8, and the Versa-Shield product has begun to dull and yellow. I have seen the 3M product on other cars of the same color, and it is much better.

On cars with non-metallic and/or lighter colors (white, gulf blue), the clear bra totally disappears, and the only way you can find it is to look for the fine line of dirt that collects at the edge! On dark colors or metallics, however, it can be tough to maintain invisibility....

BenL · 10-12-07, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Worthington

I think that 3M stuff would be perfect. I haven't been able to find a source for it in bulk, though.

Try searching Google for "helicopter tape 3m". Apparently the original application for the clear tape was protecting helicopter rotor blades.

Sandy · 10-12-07, 06:38 PM

Try HRP, they have the tape, but you likely could find it as Ben said.

Leading Edge Tape

Sandy