StonGard Rocks!
 

(Actually, StonGard anti-rocks :p )

I'm getting into car-care as a part-time hobby, and have recently invested in a Meguiars line of polish/glaze/wax, as well as a handy little orbital buffer. So the first time I ever waxed my p5, I noticed 2 paint chips in the hood, right down to metal.

So I did a little research and found out about a product called StonGard. (It's a protective urethane film that covers just about any part of your car you're worried about getting paint chips). It looks like a quality product, and I'd buy it except if I do get one installed on my hood, I'll never be able to polish the paint again because this thing will be in the way.

Anybody have any opinions about what my hood may look like after 5 years or so of StonGard coverage? I still plan to polish/glaze the rest of the car, but I don't know if I even can do this to the StonGard. I'm worried the StonGard will get dirty/hazy for all the same reasons my paint job needs to be polished & glazed. If it does, then it'll look really crappy next to my nicely-cared-for paint job.

The place I'm going to get mine done at recommends replacing it every 2 years. I imagine after 2 years of rocks pelting it, it would start to look like pimpled ass. Better that than the paint tho!

BUT - imo, it's better anyday than putting a bra on and it protects my headlights and fogs too something no bra does.

If you wax and polish it REAL good before you get the stonguard you'll be fine. The guy said that you can polish and wax over top it just like it was part of your finish, so it won't affect your ability to make your car look nice! Under the stonguard your finish will stay forever clean untill you remove it, and you can wash wax and polish it just like the rest of your car, so that SHOULD stay looking fresh untill the day comes to replace it!

why not get it on the whole car :winky:

just kidding

This sounds interesting as I have also noticed a few chips on the hood of my car. Where did you find out about it? I'd like more info.

I have it on my P5 and am really happy with it. I don't think you should be worried about what the paint will look like under it. According to the company, the stuff filters UV and such so it should completely protect the paint below as long as it's there. Also, you can wax right over the Stongard.

See www.stongard.com for more info, and www.nramsey.net for pics and thoughts of my car. Go to the Protege5 section. My car is just over 2 months and 2800 miles old and I have ZERO rock chips.

BTW, I had mine installed at Stongard headquarters, cause they are about a mile from my work. I would highly recommend having a pro install it as I think that will be vital to final appearance.

hey, nramsey-- do you agree with this?? There's not a snowball's chance in hell I'm paying $650 US every 2 years! Nice pics at your site, though. One of the things I was worried about was getting the same shine with or without the StonGard. It looks nice and even, though.

650 USD??

I wouldn't pay that either!! HOLY CRAP :eek:

My shop is charging me 220 CDN to do the first 12 inches of the hood, the headlights and the fogs.

There are several products like StonGard that all use 3M film on the car. I had my Boxster done with XPEL in June 01 for two feet up the hood and the mirrors for $US 250. On a very low slung car it is almost a necessity because they pick up rocks so much more than a sedan. Several of the members of the local Porsche club had it done by an installer who advertises in the club newsletter. My installer gave me a lifetime warranty. If it ever clouds or chips, he replaces it. My guess is that he will stand behind it because most of his business is fixing door dings and paint chips for the obsessive-compulsive Porsche owners in the area. He comes to your house to do XPEL installations and to fix small dings.

That is installed, including tax. Covers the entire front end : headlights, foglights, front bumper, front of hood, fender flares, front fender corners, mirrors, hood handle cups, door edges, rear bumper top. Really a comprehensive kit. I feel it is worth it...some might not.

Here is a pic of the kit: http://www.stongard.com/images/patterns/050018.gif

The top is the full kit, which costs $450 for the material itself. The bottom is the partial kit which costs $195 for the material.

Also, check out http://www.stongard.com/sgcontent/compare.asp?point=2 The Stongard does cost more than some competing products because of the way they cut their kit...it's all one piece wherever possible. the entire front bumper is one piece. Takes more material to do it this way.

Wow.. ok - that covers ALOT more than what i'd be getting and in that case, i think it'd be worth it - IF - it lasts longer than 2 years without looking like shit..

No, definitely don't from everything I have heard. It is warrantied for life against discoloration and up to 4 years they warranty any paint damage done due to failure of the product. See http://www.stongard.com/sgcontent/warranty.asp for full info.

According to the folks at the company, the product will react just like paint to polishing and waxing. It is made of enamel, the same stuff paint is made from. The only part that takes a bit more care is to not leave a wax line along where the stuff stops. You just have to use your wax removal rag with your fingernail behind it and run it along the edge to clean up. Piece of cake.