StonGard Rocks!
#1
StonGard Rocks!
(Actually, StonGard anti-rocks )
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.
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.
#2
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 ***. 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!
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!
#5
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.
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.
Last edited by nramsey; August-29th-2002 at 12:35 AM.
#6
Originally posted by sandman
The place I'm going to get mine done at recommends replacing it every 2 years.
The place I'm going to get mine done at recommends replacing it every 2 years.
#7
Originally posted by VaporTrails
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.
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.
I wouldn't pay that either!! HOLY CRAP
My shop is charging me 220 CDN to do the first 12 inches of the hood, the headlights and the fogs.
#8
Originally posted by VaporTrails
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.
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.
#9
Originally posted by sandman
650 USD??
I wouldn't pay that either!! HOLY CRAP
My shop is charging me 220 CDN to do the first 12 inches of the hood, the headlights and the fogs.
650 USD??
I wouldn't pay that either!! HOLY CRAP
My shop is charging me 220 CDN to do the first 12 inches of the hood, the headlights and the fogs.
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.
Last edited by nramsey; August-29th-2002 at 03:15 PM.
#11
Originally posted by VaporTrails
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.
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.
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.
Last edited by nramsey; August-29th-2002 at 03:21 PM.
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