Cayman rear arch protection film

[Keith W]

So, as the rear arch protection film on my white Cayman S is starting to lift slightly it is letting dirt underneath witch cannot be removed and looks terrible as this film is clear.

Rather than paying the £20+ for each side from Porsche I cut some sign vinyl which I had in white but decided that was to thin and would not stop stone chips.

After trawling the web I came across "Helicopter Tape" this stuff was designed to be used on the leading edge of helicopter rotor blades to prevent wear, chips etc.

I ordered 1M x 15cM for around £5.00 including delivery and used one of the old ones as a template, Word of warning here, I decided to take the old ones of cold just by lifting an edge and peeling them off so that I could use them as a template. Well the 1st one came off fine (this was the one that had lifted slightly) cleaned the area up, brushed on some mildly soapy water and placed the new one and used a credit card from the centre pushing outwards to remove any bubbles and then using a hair dryer on just a warmish setting for a few minutes to activate the adhesive (Do not use on hot setting as this causes huge bubbles). First one done.

Same for the second side which had not lifted anywhere but was a bit yellow. This time the film came off but left all of the adhesive on the car (to avoid this happening, you should use a steamer or hot water prior to lifting).  Tried label remover to remove the adhesive but did not work and then tried "Autoglym intensive tar remover" and this along with a credit card to scrape the adhesive up worked quite well. I will fit the second one tomorrow and see how these hold up.

The tape I used was called Rhino Hide Adhesive film, also Bike Tape is similar although you may not be able to get it wide enough.

Hope this helps others who have this problem.

 

[Tom]

Nice tip! Love the idea of 'helicopter tape'! 

[DJMC]

Is the tape white, or clear?

 

Photos please, when done. Ta.

[Keith W]

The tape is clear as per the original which is where the problem lies as it does show the dirt if it gets under the film.

If this goes the same way I will order the film in white so that if dirt gets under it, it might not show. (In my rush to order this film I didn't notice you can get it in other colours.

Will take a picture of the side I have done Tomorrow.

[DJMC]

I guess the secret is making sure the edges are perfectly sealed, as once dirt creeps in the film will carry on lifting as more and more dirt accumulates.

 

My 981 rear arches have been peppered with stone hits just behind the wheels, but it's plastic bodywork here so I choose to get the touch up paint and dab away at these since the original surface isn't smooth. If I stuck film in this area it would stand little chance of adhering to the micro "orange peel" surface.

[Keith W]

Here are a few of pictures.

You may be right about the film not being able to adhere to orange peel finish although it might be that if you heat the tape it might work.

If you are going to the Porsche Owners Club meet on Tuesday 21st Feb I can bring along a small piece I have left over that you can try.

Meeting is 7.30pm.

The Bear Inn

Spencers Lane

Berkswell

Coventry

CV7 7BB