New 01 Owner... Went in to test drive an Acura 3.2 CL Type-S (6-speed) and drove home in a white 2001 S2000.

So, I just found out that my ride is new enough to be devoid of any rock chips up front and I can still have a plastic coating called "Stone Guard" or something added at the tune of $1150 for the lights and body complete.

Has anyone had experience with this treatment and if so, what is the hot price for this protection.

Acura of Seattle is prepared to do the job if I give the word. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm also interested in taking some sort of training on a skid pad *BEFORE* I learn the hard way. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Curt Long
Maple Valley, WA

 

You can get a Stongard-type clear bra for well under $1150. For example, Jim's Detail Shop will do it for $150 - $350 (http://www.jimsdetail.com/services.html#Permashield).

As for your skidpad question, I mentioned Jim's Detail above because they sponsor the local autocross novice program. Autocross is a great way to learn your car's limits with very little risk of things getting out of hand -- check out the "SEA: Autocross Racing thread for the 2003 Season" thread in this forum for details. Besides the autocrosses themselves, there's normally a novice school or two held by the local autocross clubs where you get to practice slaloms, skidpads, etc.

Come out and try it!

Steve

 

1150 BUCKS? The actual cost of materials (and this is assuming it's cut on a computer controlled machine) is more like about $200.00, much less if just hand cut from raw stock. And the labour to cut it on the car is far less money than the investment in the cutting machine and computer program. We can get a professional job done in Calgary for about the equivalent of less than $400.00 US. I bought the $200.00 kit and did it myself (not recommended for the average owner).

 

That sounded pretty outrageous to me, but as I said, I'm new to this community as of last Saturday... Now. if you ask me anything about VW Vanagon Syncro Westfalias, I've got that one covered.

I LOVE the car!! I was reluctant to buy it because I rent an apartment on a lake with no covered parking. Looks like I'll have to move out soon and buy a small house with a BIG garage.. Until then, I could use a tip on the best all-weather cover and where to buy it. The covers at Honda are for dust encountered in a garage... Hardly suitable for my situation. At least my S2000 had the factory Hard Top.. A VERY nice addition for Winter in Seattle.

Thanks for the help. Joined this list 24 hours ago and already saved at least $800.

Curt




[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]1150 BUCKS?

 

Don't get me wrong, I think the 3M Scotchcal film (Stongard is only one example) is a wonderful accessory to have on your car. Just shop around to find a reasonable price.
As for the cover, I don't use one so I can't help you but I do recommend you try the search (maybe even the advanced) function. You may find many threads on this subject and the answer may be found in one of those. Possibly more important than a cover would be a good shine on the car. Try a search for "Zaino", "Zymol", etc. and see what most people have found to be good. I personally use the Zaino system but Zymol is also very good and requires less time and effort. Both products protect the car's paint superbly.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]Don't get me wrong, I think the 3M Scotchcal film (Stongard is only one example) is a wonderful accessory to have on your car.

 

Such impatience!

 

Dave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

got the stormweave fitted cover from www.calcarcover.com.
have had no problems in louisiana weather/hurricaines. supposedly one of the best for UV and water. There are better/more expensive ones for dent protection. I think price was just below $200. (can't remember)

Worst thing about a car cover is trying to take it off/store it while it is raining outside.... go thing you live in seattle