Windshield Protection Film | FerrariChat

Windshield Protection Film

Discussion in '360/430' started by whatheheck, Jan 22, 2020.

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  1. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    Mar 27, 2006
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    Seattle, Wa
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    Dan L.
    I did a search and most posts are about 7 years old or older.

    I'm having the windshield of my 2006 F430 Spider replaced soon as it was damaged by a flying rock while driving on the freeway a few months ago.

    Windshield is very very expensive so I'm considering having Protection Film installed right after replacement.

    Asking if anyone has experience or recommendations.

    Many thanks in advance.

    Dan


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  2. gatago

    gatago Karting

    Jun 28, 2019
    119
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    Marco
    Depending on the state, a film is not legal but not a terrible idea you have there.

    Many states the windshield is covered by insurance with no deductible out of pocket, you just have to know the law and push them. They almost always deny the claim at first to try to trick you into giving up.

    I'm interested in others opinions as well though
     
  3. Flea7

    Flea7 Formula 3
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    Dan,
    Although, I haven't used it, Clearplex is the only one I know or one to consider.

    Oh...Exoshield is another.
     
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  4. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    Mar 27, 2006
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    Windshield film is legal here in Washington State.

    And yes, it's covered by my comprehensive insurance.

    My insurance 1st tried to get me to agree with aftermarket glass, and labor by a shop that's never replaced a Ferrari glass. Took me over a month of back and forth phone calls and multiple emails raising the issue through their chain of command to finally get them to approve OE glass and a Ferrari Indi shop to do the work.


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  5. gatago

    gatago Karting

    Jun 28, 2019
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    Marco
    Sad that we have to fight so hard with insurance companies. I know they're in the business of making money, but your experience is infuriating.

    No more derailing, I asked a friend that owns a small but successful window tint company and he recommended against it. Said protection is good, but all the films have a short life (6-12 months) for the cost. If you DIY might be worth it. Maybe someone knows of something low cost enough to pay out.
     
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  6. sakodik

    sakodik Karting

    Jun 2, 2016
    169
    Santa Clara
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    Dan
    I heard the same as Marco when I inquired about protection, not worth it since you will be constantly replacing depending on how ocd you are about damages or yellowing. I don't get why the life is shorter than xpel clear bra.
     
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  7. jcurry

    jcurry Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 16, 2012
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    Metropolitan Detail put windshield protection film (not to be confused with window tint) on my 360 5 yrs ago. Has not degraded (clarity) at all, and has definitely saved my windshield from a lot of nicks and pits.

    Dan,
    Whatever Metropolitan is using seems good. I think they are using the Clearplex now that Flea7 mentioned. Different than what is on my 360, but supposedly better and is on the 911 at this time (2+ yrs and looking good).
     
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  8. Tony H

    Tony H Karting

    Sep 3, 2013
    156
    I put Clearplex on my Toyota FJ Cruiser and I'd say it doesn't work. It might help with sandblasting since you can replace it, but a rock will still crack your windshield. You would need something that absorbs the energy of the rock and a thin film can't do that.
     
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  9. GCalo

    GCalo F1 Veteran

    Sep 15, 2004
    7,645
    Northern California
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    Greg Calo
    "You would need something that absorbs the energy of the rock and a thin film can't do that."

    Excellent point

    I understand the military uses a heavy clear film on helicopter windshields to prevent rock damage

    They are successive sheets that can be pulled off as they degarde leaving another below

    It appears to work.

    So find someone who knows about this and it may apply to auto glass
     
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  10. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    Thanks for the info Jim.

    I just checked metropolitan detail website and looks like they no longer do windshield films......

    Dan


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  11. jcurry

    jcurry Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Too bad. Probably because people thought it would protect against rocks, as in big ones that crack a windshield. My experience is that the film has done a great job preventing little nicks and pitting. I had no delusions that it would/will prevent damage from a larger object.
     
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  12. Flea7

    Flea7 Formula 3
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    As Jim has explained, the protection does not prevent cracks but help prevent sandblasting, nicks, and dings.
     
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  13. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    Know anyone outside of Seattle area that installs them?
    I'm now avoiding Seattle like a plauge.


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  14. Flea7

    Flea7 Formula 3
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    Accutint Bellevue should be able to install it. I believe they are a dealer....let me look up some others
     
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  15. Flea7

    Flea7 Formula 3
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  16. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    Thanks Flea7!

    You're a really nice guy!

    I will contact them soon to get a quote.


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  17. GFD

    GFD Karting

    Aug 24, 2014
    108
    Northern California
    [QUOTE="

    I will contact them soon to get a quote.

    [/QUOTE]

    Which product did you pick for the windshield?
     
  18. Edward 96GTS

    Edward 96GTS F1 Veteran
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    Nov 1, 2003
    9,192
    my ppf guy said all the current windshield film is having issues such as the film delaminating. so he isnt installing any.
    any other opinions out there?
     
  19. MAXF430

    MAXF430 Karting

    Nov 16, 2016
    57
    Los Angeles
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    Joey
    I've had Clearplex on my F430 Spider going on 3 years. No yellowing or orange peel and it has saved my windshield from small rock chips.
     
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  20. PeterS

    PeterS Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 24, 2003
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    My 360 had it on the windshield and headlights from the prior owner. I have picked up two small rock marks and the film protected the windshield 100%. IMO, the film is pretty slick!
     
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