Firstly, I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy while the world waits out this pandemic. On a happier topic - I recently traded my F430 (plus some cash) for a 512 TR. The 512 TR was always my dream car as a kid and the information from this forum was incredibly helpful in navigating my purchase - so thank you all for that. I was hoping to get some advice on a couple things: 1) whether or not it makes sense to get some very minor paint touch ups to cover some rock chips (and any recommendations for specialists in the Boston area) and 2) views on whether or not to PPF the car, and if so, thoughts on full wrap or partial and recommendations on specialists. My concern on the latter is potential damage to the original paint, but again I’d be grateful for some views. Some additional background: car is Giallo with only 5,400 miles and I plan on driving the heck out of it for (hopefully) many years to come! This will be no garage queen! Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
Painting a car is nothing special and I recommend it. Just ensure it’s a reputable shop and be adamant about your concern about over spray and orange peel being addressed. Most shops knowing it’s a Ferrari will give it extra care. There nothing special about painting a Ferrari vs painting an Audi and it happens everyday. It really comes down to level and care of prep, extent post polishing and the issues of type of paint and process: single stage (older car) vs base/clear (newer cars). If a car is driven it’s hard not to need some minor cosmetic work over years, it’s like saying I like to go out but have never had a sunburn in my life (kind of unrealistic). In terms of films, I’m mixed. If your going to periodically paint the car don’t bother. I have scuffs and delaminating/peeling on my bumper wrap on my Vanquish and it’s just as unsightly as paint chips, but it can’t be easily fixed without total removal and reapplication; which at the end of the day is just like painting in terms of cost and effort.
i dont have a ton of experience with PPF on the older single state paint. for my f40, 355, 512tr i dont use PPF. on the 355 and 512tr i wldnt hesitate to respray the front bumper every 5 to 10 years. as i dont get to drive my cars much it hasnt been an issue but i personally wldnt put ppf on single stage paint, nor wld i put ceramic on it.
Films suck. Give me a gravel chip and its an ez fix. A ‘chip’ in a film cannot be fixed without removing the film and doing complete respray due to film damage.
Rock chips just don't bother me. Part of the cars patina. We have a TR that we got with 1000 miles on it and now it has some rock chips. So what? Its a car. Drive it and enjoy it and take good care of it but dont obsess about rock chips or wear on the leather. . I judge at Cavallino and FCA national meets. We do not deduct for rock chips because that is what happens when you drive them.
I have the bumper and partial hood with PPF. That was done when i purchased the car. It has been a few years and it still looks in good condition, I have no idea what will happen if removed.
Thanks so much for the input everyone. For now I’m taking the advice of Rifledriver - well put on the “patina” point and totally agree! Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
