Protective film for hard top 2005 T-Bird

[CA BIRD]

Re: Protective film for hard top 2005 T-Bird

McMaster Carr has some clear, thin film that protects the paint and is virtually invisible:

1867T21 POLYURETHANE ADHESIVE-BACKED FILM, 1" WIDTH, 5' LENGTH 5 FT 1.54/FT.

FYI.

[lmartun]

Re: Protective film for hard top 2005 T-Bird

Would you please provide a link to the xpel site and the instructions you mentioned?


LM

I posted this on another thread, but based on the opening question on this thread I will repeat it here. I hope it is useful in considering an option.

I went to the xpel site and ordered a piece 6 inches wide by 12 ft. It was only $33.96 + shipping. I used the Ford strips as templates and with careful positioning was able to fit all 4 strips in a section 3 feet long. So I now have enough for 3 more applications if I need it!
Cutting the film was real easy with sharp scissors. I printed off the xpel installation instructions and with Sue spraying the alcohol solution and me placing the strips, and then both of us smoothing out the bubbles, we were done in a couple of hours. With practice it could be done quicker, but we went real slow being the first time working with this material. The hardest part was that since it is clear it almost disappears as soon as you put it down, so a bright light over the work area is a must to see it good enough to line it up and get the bubbles out. To smooth out the bubbles I used a soft flat silicone spatula that I took off the handle. It is soft enough to conform to the curves but just firm enough to push out the bubbles. I did learn that you have to be careful to not push too hard, the material will stretch a lot if you are too agressive.
The job is done and looks great, which seems strange to say since you can hardly see it, which is the whole idea. Time will tell how good it works, but from other members comments I have confidence it will do the job.
I hope this isn't too wordy, but I thought some of you might be interested to know this can be a do-it-yourself job if you careful, patient and have some aptitude working with your hands. Personally, I wouldn't try a large area with compound curves or lots of contours and would leave that to a trained installer, but the relatively flat area for the hardtop base was not difficult.

[Lonestar]

Re: Protective film for hard top 2005 T-Bird

Guys (and Gals) go to this link... no muss, no fuss, no cutting, OEM like made from Xpel material and cut by a cnc machine, and can be delivered to your door.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ghlight=strips

[keithwand]

Re: Protective film for hard top 2005 T-Bird

Black electrical tape matches the rubber on the hardtop; is flexible and removes easily and no residue.

[AZTB]

Re: Protective film for hard top 2005 T-Bird

Black electrical tape matches the rubber on the hardtop; is flexible and removes easily and no residue.

Interesting...never thought of using this! Have the permanent Expel strips on now...started using them because HT is on during the whole hot season and I was starting to see some sailpanel abrasion on the driver's side.