3M Paint Protection Film - HELP

[Trailblazers4047]

I am the 2nd owner of a 2004 White G35 Coupe and was told it had the 3M Paint Protection Film installed. Since l live in Florida, the film has yellowed, cracked and looks terrible. I have been to numerous companies and they will not remove because it is so labor intensive. It basically comes off in little pieces. Does anyone have a suggestion on removing this film???? I have searched the Internet for ideas and have found no solutions. Thanks in advance.

[SteveTheTech]

First off Welcome to NICO.

I would recommend a heat gun and a 12 pack.

Slowly heat up one section at a time and start pulling at like a 45 degree angle in the direction you want to go.

You will probably end up with glue spots that can be cleaned off.

Be careful not to scratch the paint when you are starting it.

I am not sure what the temperature to use is I would start on low first.

[audtatious]

Or a hair dryer to ensure you don't scorch the paint.

Those have 5-year warranties so if it's still under warranty I would get it fixed (check with the seller if possible for where it was installed).

[Trailblazers4047]

Thanks very much for responding. I'll give it a try.

[Trailblazers4047]

I actually called the dealership about this situation and he said "thats about how long they last" and recommended a Carsmetics place that the auto dealers use. I went there today and they said they wouldn't touch it. They had never removed film before and didn't know how it would affect the paint. The seller had it done through Infiniti and I will definitely be checking with them next week. Thanks for responding.

[SteveTheTech]

Since the car isn't more than 5 years old if there is a warranty it should be covered. I can understand why they would not want to touch it. 3M usually makes decent products and they have a good R&D department. Maybe you can email them for some info.

Keep us posted.

[audtatious]

I just had mine installed a few weeks ago and it is warrantied NOT to yellow and such for 5 years.

In fact, here is the warranty information directly from 3m.com:

Q. What is the Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film warranty?A. 3M warrants that Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film, installed after November 1, 2003, will be free of defects in materials and manufacture — including yellowing, bubbling, or cracking — for five (5) years from date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage caused by misuse, accident, misapplication, or ordinary wear, nor does it apply to dents caused by physical impact of rocks or road debris. Q. How do I make a warranty claim?A. To make a claim under this warranty, simply contact 3M at 1-800-643-0955. 3M will direct you to an certified installer selected by 3M to have your Scotchgard Paint Protection Film inspected and, if your claim is covered by this Warranty, 3M will have the certified installer remove the old and reapply new Scotchgard Paint Protection Film.

Remedies and Limitations: The 3M warranty and limited remedies stated in this document are exclusive and is made in place of all other express or implied warranties, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. 3M shall not be liable for any other damages or costs, including incidental or consequential damages, arising out of the use of inability to use Scotchgard paint Protection Film or any vehicle to which it has been applied.

[SteveTheTech]

Nice work I didn't know that I have seen a few of those start to fade.

You would think they would test something like that in Florida or other places that are very sunny. ODD. Good to know, I learned something today.

[Trailblazers4047]

Just a quick update on my film situation. Went to the dealership and found out the company they used to install the film was Autobahn and was given two phone numbers. I quickly learned they were disconnected and out of business. In researching Autobahn, I found out they use Roadblock Paint Protection Systems....not 3M, as originally told to the first owner. I then contacted the main HQ for Autobahn in MA (as an e-mail did not get any response) and was given a contact number here in South Florida. Finally received a call back today and am meeting with him on Thursday to view the car. Did learn there is a lifetime warranty on the film .... if you are the original owner.

[SteveTheTech]

That sounds like a long frustrating road, good thing the internet is here. That's such a PITA it just sucks when things that are subletted like that go bad.

Keep us posted. Hopefully you get it finally resolved.

[SVTCOBRA]

Just a quick update on my film situation. Went to the dealership and found out the company they used to install the film was Autobahn and was given two phone numbers. I quickly learned they were disconnected and out of business. In researching Autobahn, I found out they use Roadblock Paint Protection Systems....not 3M, as originally told to the first owner. I then contacted the main HQ for Autobahn in MA (as an e-mail did not get any response) and was given a contact number here in South Florida. Finally received a call back today and am meeting with him on Thursday to view the car. Did learn there is a lifetime warranty on the film .... if you are the original owner.

Good Luck!!Sounds like you might want to start saving to have the front end resprayed..

[Trailblazers4047]

Final update to my film. Rep showed up to where I work on Thursday and stated he could remove the film (which only has a five year warranty with the original owner). Said he normally gets $60 an hour and that it was going to take a full day, but he would do it for $200. I said, "how soon can you do it?" He came to my job on Friday at 8:30 and at 3:30 he still had hours to go. Said he would come back on Tuesday and finish up. Came to my work on Tuesday at 9:00 and finally finished the job at 5:00. When I went to pay him, he stated he jokingly stated that he "grossly under-estimated the job" and gave me my invoice for $200. I gave him a $50 tip, as he was extremely professional and never complained once.

I do have another question if anyone can assist. Now that I have a beautiful paint job that has been protected for years with film, I am thinking of getting a bra. I drive highway miles and there is lots of construction and I don't want the nicks in the paint. Can anyone advise of a good quality and "fitting" bra that will not flap in the wind?

Thanks in advance for all your advice.

[audtatious]

Over time a normal bra will scratch the paint and can potentially cause clearcoat problems. Plus you have to deal with an area that is a different color than the rest of the car since it's protected from direct sunlight.

[G_whizz]

Over time a normal bra will scratch the paint and can potentially cause clearcoat problems. Plus you have to deal with an area that is a different color than the rest of the car since it's protected from direct sunlight.

This is very true!



But, if you can discipline yourself to only put the bra on when you are going on extended trips on the highway... it may be worthy cause.

I have yet to come accross one for the G37 yet though.

[SVTCOBRA]

I do have another question if anyone can assist. Now that I have a beautiful paint job that has been protected for years with film, I am thinking of getting a bra. I drive highway miles and there is lots of construction and I don't want the nicks in the paint. Can anyone advise of a good quality and "fitting" bra that will not flap in the wind?

Thanks in advance for all your advice.

I had a Colgan on my 07 cobra. Several folks in the Mustang club had them and advised me to get this brand.