Helicopter tape

[Bill Musarra]

My painter suggested that I buy some helicopter tape for the edges of my doors and clips for protection from rubbing of the freshly painted finish. This material is clear and supposedly very strong. Its is supposed to resist abraisions, will not yellow, and will not affect the color of the paint also. I think racers use it on the front edges of their cars for protection from gravel, oil, and road debris. The best deal I have found is from CDOC in Virginia. They sell it in 1, 2, and 3" widths and 60' lenghts(20, 30, &40$). Join their group and get 10% discounts on most all their products. There is an outfit in the UK called Ride a Long I think, but they sell it in small sheets (25 to 50 cm. I think) for about 5 L.
I also found two companys(Dynashield & Invisa Shield) that manufacture the invisable bras in kit form for most makes of cars and racers. Very expensive. $50(ovrstocked kits) to $500 or so. They also like to instal it as it can be kind of tricky. Dynashield has a shop that is dust free and once in place takes 3days to 3 weeks to cure. (Installed with a hair dryer) Insta shield takes a couple of hours and is put on with an alcohol/water interface and squeeged on. Dynashield is in Jonesboro Ga. about 40 miles from me. Will have to go down and check them out when I get a chance.
I like the tape idea, as my doors(tops) barely touch the spyder while closing. Maybe they won't when the weather striping goes on, but I like the idea anyway. Does anyone have any experience with this stuff.
Bill

 

Hi Bill, Take a look at www.griotsgarage.com Use the search and put in shield then hit go and then go to page 2.
They sell different size rolls of the clear tape you are looking for. I have never used it. Joe /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Tim Kay]

Bill,

The material is made by 3M. I'm addicted to the stuff /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Expensive habit /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I’m thoroughly delighted with it.

It comes in 6mil, 8mil & maybe even 10mil thicknesses. My coach has the front bra, slides and a couple other areas subject to chafing. My GT40 has the front clip, sills under the door and rear edge behind the back tires. All in 6mil.

I use a guy that details all my crap, so check with your local detailers.

Your right, it's applied with water and alcohol and appears to be a tad tricky, especially around curved areas. If you can apply tint to windows then this would be similar.

I bought a roll of 8mil – 3” wide from McMaster Carr, mistake. It was too thick. "Helicopter Tape" originated from just that, it was applied to the leading edge of the rotor blades for some reason.

Tim

It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to
have to paint it. -- Stephen Wright

 

[Ron Earp]

To protect against nicks in the blades. Nicks are a pain to deal with on any thrust producing airscrew. Helicopter rotor blades are particularily succeptable due to nature of use - near the ground and throwing up debris. Nicks can lead to cracks and failure, nobody wants that for sure.

 

[Neal]

Definitely check out the 3M product. Most auto body paint stores have it. Works extremely well.

 

[David Morton]

Here in the UK its £99 for 50mm wide x 20m long and £198 for the 100mm. Ron, it also stops general erosion as well as the 'nicks' , is UV proof and totally clear. Many jet trainers use it on all the leading edges - I think even the Red Arrows use it. Brilliant especially if you have a brand new car, BUT does not like adhering to paint that has had silicone polish or any trace of WD40 or similar. Southern Adhesives Supplies Ltd , Caversham in the UK sell it.
DaveM

 

[Pat]

For the helicopter tape, try www.pegasusautoracing.com. I use it to protect the leading edge fiberglass on my Formula Vee and on all the body mounting overlaps. It will also peel off without damaging the paint when it starts to show wear.

Veek

 

[Howard Jones]

Check out www.starshieldarmor.com

I talked to a salemans at the Long Beach GP about doing a GT40 nose and he said he would have to see one to quote me. But he also said that a 911 or a corvette would be about 500 bucks installed.

He also said that this large of a job should be done by a experienced installation shop.